SIGNUM Has Successfully Represented PSA Holder – European E&P Company – in the Courts in Kazakhstan on Exemption from Export Customs Duty.

Our lawyers have successfully represented the interests of European E&P company working under the PSA terms on exploration and production of hydrocarbons in west Kazakhstan region. The merits of the case were to prove the exemption of the Client’s activity from export customs duty introduced recently basing on the stability principles and interpretation of the current laws.

Export Customs Duty was introduced by the Government of Kazakhstan in 2005 and imposed on all exported crude oil and aimed to apply on all oil exporters with the specific exemptions. As legislation and legal system in Kazakhstan are in constant development the application of some laws may become contradictory and/or inconsistent, therefore, the precise and clear legal guidance is required when applying the rules.

Our scope included the specific legal review and research, development of strategy, engaging the experts including arbitration lawyers, evidence collection and representation in court. Our lawyers gained solid and unique experience both in litigation and in negotiating on the “grandfathered” contracts.