Sample Bill of Lading of TOO A-FRUKTS

Fresh Cherry Importer — ТОО «А-ФРУКТС» — Kazakhstan

TOO А-ФРУКТС (A-FRUKTS) is a Kazakhstani limited liability partnership (TOO - Tovarystvo Qorektestik Azamattyq) specialising in the import and distribution of fresh fruits, with a particular focus on fresh cherries and other seasonal stone fruits. The company operates within Kazakhstan's growing fresh produce import sector, sourcing high-quality cherries from established agricultural regions, primarily in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian neighbouring countries. Kazakhstan's fresh fruit import market has been expanding steadily, driven by increasing domestic consumer demand for year-round availability of fresh produce that cannot be locally cultivated during winter months.

The company plays a significant role in the supply chain connecting fruit growers and exporters in Central Asia with Kazakhstani wholesalers, retailers, and supermarket chains. Fresh cherries classified under HS Code 0809 (fresh cherries, sour cherries, peaches, plums and related stone fruits) represent one of the most valuable segments of the fresh fruit trade in the region. The cherry season, typically running from May through August, generates intense import activity as Kazakhstani businesses race to supply fresh, high-quality cherries to consumers across the country's major urban centres including Almaty, Astana, Shymkent and Karaganda.

The following bill of lading records show confirmed shipments of fresh cherries and related fruit products imported by TOO A-FRUKTS. Each record includes the supplier name, product description, shipment weight, HS code classification and other key trade data. These records are sourced from the TurkExim bill of lading database and reflect actual customs-cleared import transactions.

HS Code 0809 covers fresh cherries (both sweet and sour varieties), peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes. This classification is part of Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System, which deals with edible fruits and nuts. Cherries specifically fall under sub-heading 0809.20, distinguishing them from other stone fruits within the same chapter. Fresh cherries are among the highest-value perishable fruit commodities traded internationally, commanding premium prices during the early season and requiring stringent cold chain management throughout the supply chain to preserve freshness, flavour and shelf life.

Kazakhstan imports the vast majority of its fresh cherry supply from Uzbekistan, which benefits from an earlier harvest season and lower production costs compared to more distant suppliers. The bilateral trade in fresh fruits between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is facilitated by shared borders, established customs procedures, and compatibility within regional trade agreements. The import of cherries under HS 0809 typically requires phytosanitary certificates, compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, and adherence to cold chain temperature requirements throughout the transportation process.

Kazakhstan represents one of the most significant fresh cherry import markets in Central Asia. Despite having its own cherry-growing regions, particularly in the Almaty and Zhambyl provinces, domestic production falls far short of consumer demand, necessitating substantial imports primarily from Uzbekistan. The Kazakhstani cherry market is characterised by strong seasonal demand patterns, with prices peaking at the beginning of the season in May and gradually declining as supply increases through June and July. Retail cherry prices in Almaty and Astana can range significantly depending on variety, origin, and time of season.

Importers like TOO A-FRUKTS serve as critical intermediaries in this supply chain, managing the complex logistics of cross-border fresh produce trade. This includes coordinating with multiple suppliers across different growing regions, arranging refrigerated transportation, navigating customs clearance procedures, and distributing the fruit to wholesale markets, supermarket chains and independent retailers across Kazakhstan. The ability to maintain consistent quality and supply reliability is a key competitive differentiator for importers operating in this market segment.

The primary trade corridor for fresh cherry imports into Kazakhstan runs from Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley through the border crossings at Tashkent-Shymkent and other Central Asian highway routes. The relatively short transit distances between Uzbek cherry-growing regions and major Kazakhstani consumption centres (typically 12-24 hours by refrigerated truck) give Uzbek suppliers a significant logistical advantage over competitors from more distant origins such as Turkey, Iran or China. This geographic proximity allows for faster delivery times, lower transportation costs and reduced cold chain risk, making Uzbekistan the dominant supplier of fresh cherries to the Kazakhstani market.

Companies such as TOO A-FRUKTS leverage these favourable trade conditions by maintaining relationships with multiple Uzbek suppliers, ensuring supply continuity even when individual exporters face seasonal disruptions. The diversification of supply sources across five known suppliers demonstrates a strategic approach to risk management and supply chain resilience, which is essential in the perishable goods import business where crop yields, weather conditions and regulatory changes can rapidly affect availability and pricing.