Trade duties of SCO countries
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) It is an international organization that includes a number of key countries of Eurasia. The main purpose of the association is to strengthen cooperation in politics, security, economy and trade. An important aspect of economic cooperation between countries is trade-offIt determines how easy or difficult it is to export and import goods.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the trade policies and duties of each SCO member state.
Composition of SCO countries for 2025
As of June 2025, the SCO includes the following countries:
- China
- Russia
- India
- Pakistan
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Iran
- Belarus
China
General information
China is the second largest economy in the world and one of the largest trading partners for the SCO countries.
Trade duties
- Average import rate:~7.5% (in 2025)
- High tariffs: on cars, food, alcohol, certain textiles
- Low or zero duties: for raw materials, IT equipment, some types of engineering products
- VAT on imports13% or 9% depending on the product
Features
- FTA Preferences (Free Trade Zones)
- Standards and certification are a key barrier
Russia
General information
Russia actively uses the system of duties as a tool to protect the domestic market.
Trade duties
- Average import rate: ~6.5%
- Member of EAEUCommon customs policy with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia
- Examples of duties:
Cars: up to 25%
Food: 5-15%
Machinery and equipment: 0-10%
Features
- There are anti-dumping and seasonal duties
- Since 2022, there is a “parallel import”, which affects the structure of tariffs
India
General information
One of the most closed economies in the SCO with a high degree of protectionism.
Trade duties
- Average import rate: ~15-17%
- Some categories (auto, agricultural products) are subject to duties up to 100%.
- High taxes on luxury goods, electronics, alcohol
Features
- Industrial policy "Make in India"
- Extensive subsidies for local producers
Pakistan
General information
Developing economy actively cooperating with China under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)
Trade duties
- Average import rate10-15%
- High duties on luxury goods, cars, alcohol
- Benefits on goods from China (under the free trade agreement)
Features
- Bureaucratic system
- Often used non-tariff barriers (licensing, quotas)
Kazakhstan
General information
Kazakhstan is a member of the EAEU, so its duties are unified with Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.
Trade duties
- Average import rate: ~6.5%
- Many products from the EAEU duty-free
- Import from third countries is subject to duties established at the EAEU level
Features
- VAT on imports: 12%
- Customs clearance is automated through the Astana-1 system
Uzbekistan
General information
Since 2017, Uzbekistan has been implementing reforms to liberalize foreign trade.
Trade duties
- Average import rate: ~8-10%
- Duties reduced on electronics, raw materials, machines
- VAT on imports: 15%
Features
- Support for import substitution
- Difficulties in registration due to unstable regulation
Kyrgyzstan
General information
As a member of the EAEU, Kyrgyzstan applies uniform customs tariffs with Russia and Kazakhstan.
Trade duties
- Average rate: ~6.5%
- Trade within the EAEU without duties
- Imports from China – key flow (especially in re-exports)
Features
- The main import channel is the Dordoy market (Bishkek)
- Fast clearance but high level of shadow imports
Tajikistan
General information
It is not part of the EAEU, but seeks to unify tariffs with SCO partners.
Trade duties
- Average import rate8-10%
- VAT on imports: 15%
- High duties on cars, alcohol, household appliances
Features
- “Special permits” are often used.
- Tariff system may change slightly predictable
Iran
General information
Iran’s economy is heavily subject to sanctions, affecting trade arrangements.
Trade duties
- Average import rate15-30% depending on the category
- Some goods are prohibited for importation
- VAT on imports: about 9%
Features
- Emphasis on barter deals with SCO partners
- Non-tariff barriers (certification, prohibitions)
Belarus
General information
Member of the EAEU, the duties are identical with Russia and Kazakhstan.
Trade duties
- Average import rate: 6.5%
- Within the EAEU, trade without duties
- Strong control over strategic goods (oil, electronics)
Features
- Customs administration - centralized
- Possible export duties for certain categories
Systems of trade duties in the SCO countries differ significantly. Most of the participants are committed to trade liberalization within the blocwhile externally Protectionist measures are still in place. EAEU gives priority to its members, and China, India and Iran They operate within their own strategic trading interests.
For business, that means:
- Strategies for entering the SCO markets require an analysis of duties for each country
- It is important to consider non-tariff measures: quotas, licenses, certification
- The trend towards the creation of free trade zones within the SCO in the future
