Start with the BIN
Every Kazakhstan legal entity has a 12-digit business identification number (BIN). It normally appears on invoices, contracts and commercial offers. Searching by name alone risks confusing companies with similar names, so ask the counterparty for the BIN before anything else.
Check registration data
The Bureau of National Statistics offers a public search by BIN that confirms the company is registered and shows its basic registration data. Compare the name, address and head of the company with the documents you received. A mismatch is a reason to stop and ask questions.
Check tax status
The State Revenue Committee's taxpayer search shows information published about taxpayers, including tax debts and inclusion in lists such as unreliable taxpayers. A company in liquidation, recognised as inactive or carrying significant tax debt is a poor recipient of an advance payment.
Check enforcement proceedings
The Ministry of Justice register of debtors shows enforcement proceedings. Open proceedings can mean frozen accounts or assets, which directly affects a supplier's ability to deliver or refund.
Court cases
Litigation history shows how a company deals with customers, suppliers and employees. Check whether it appears as a defendant in commercial disputes, especially claims for non-delivery or unpaid debts. Court records need to be read, not just counted: the substance of the claims matters.
What registers cannot tell you
Registers show status and records, not behaviour. The founder on paper may not be the person in control, a company may have no warehouse or staff behind its address, and new claims can appear the week after your check.
- Ownership tracing to beneficial owners and affiliated companies
- References from customers and suppliers
- Site visit with photo and video verification
- Review of the contract, invoice and payment terms you were offered
Red flags
- The BIN on the invoice does not match the company name or the contract.
- Payment requested to an individual or to a company other than the seller.
- Recent change of founders or director shortly before a large deal.
- Tax debts, enforcement proceedings or liquidation status.
- No verifiable address, warehouse or staff for the volumes promised.
- Pressure to pay a large advance quickly, without inspection.
When to order a professional check
Order a professional check before an advance payment you cannot afford to lose, before an exclusive or long-term agreement, and always before buying a business or an asset. BDK's Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks combine registers, ownership tracing, references and a site visit, and every finding in the report states its source and date.