Industry & Trade

AEQUITAS possesses substantial expertise in providing comprehensive legal support to businesses active in the production, distribution, electronic commerce, and sale of consumer and industrial goods. Each day the firm's lawyers advise clients on matters pertaining to legal regulation of activities of production, trade and logistics companies in Kazakhstan; they are well-versed in all legal aspects of production, import, promotion, and circulation of the most diverse goods from FMCG products to industrial machinery and high-tech equipment.

In light of actively developing digital commerce, strengthening of requirements to consumer protection, and expanding regulation in the EAEU, AEQUITAS team advises its clients on a wide range of issues relating to the Kazakhstan market entry, structuring of supply chains, electronic commerce, distribution, franchising, antitrust regulation, protection of brands, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

AEQUITAS advice largely addresses products and services advertising issues, consumer protection compliance, product marking/labeling, certification, and products safety requirements. AEQUITAS team also advises on the issues of ESG and sustainable development, localization of production, technical regulation, digital marking of goods, protection of personal data of consumers, and regulation of online platforms and marketplaces.

AEQUITAS lawyers help clients draft and enter into different commercial contracts, including distribution, agency, license, franchise, and MLM agreements, and advise on the issues of selecting the optimum customs regime, structuring of supplies, and taxation.

AEQUITAS clients are companies from the leading economy sectors of more than 50 countries, including the largest international producers, trading companies, financial institutions, and owners of the world known brands, including such international companies as Mars, Coca-Cola, Ferrero, H&M, General Electric, Siemens, Alkor, and others.

The firm has been directly involved in the establishment and legal support of activities for a number of companies subsequently becoming major manufacturers and suppliers of industrial and consumer goods in Kazakhstan. AEQUITAS provided legal support in projects to promote famous global brands to the local market (Camper, Kira Plastinina, METRO). In recent years, AEQUITAS has been actively advising companies in the field of electronic commerce, direct sales, digital services, and international trade, including MLM companies already present in Kazakhstan or planning their business in the country.

AEQUITAS practice ensures comprehensive legal support to clients at all stages of doing business: from market entry and structuring of operating activities up to support of regulatory, commercial and cross-border projects under the national legislation and EAEU regulation, as well as special requirements of the AIFC laws.

Services

• Advice regarding establishment and development of trade business in Kazakhstan, including selection and registration of the optimal form of legal presence, commercial goods production and turnover, goods certification and labeling, and advertising issues.
• Advice pertaining to regulation of particular kinds of goods and products (tobacco products, cosmetics, pet food, jewelry, luxury items, etc.).
• Drafting and review of various contracts and distribution agreements, including in the sphere of multi-level marketing (MLM).
• Advice on various issues of the Customs Union customs legislation, in particular, import and export clearance procedures and optimal customs regime.
• Advice regarding currency regulation and currency control in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Comprehensive legal services in connection with franchising projects.
• Advice and client representation in consumer disputes.