Kenya Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK
Kenya’s customs are managed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA). Imports from the UK face standard third-country tariffs, with no free trade agreement as of 2025 (UK-Kenya EPA talks stalled post-Brexit). Compliance with the iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System) and various agencies is vital for Send2Hub shipments.
1. Customs Clearance Process
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Declaration: Lodged via iCMS; Form C17 (Entry Declaration) required.
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Inspection: KRA verifies tax, safety, and compliance with Kenyan laws.
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Duty/Tax Payment: Calculated on CIF value (cost, insurance, freight).
2. Required Documentation
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Commercial Invoice: Shows goods, value, and parties (in English).
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Packing List: Breaks down contents, weight, and quantity.
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Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Confirms transport; includes freight costs.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF): Pre-arrival approval via KRA (KES 5,000 fee).
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Permits: For restricted items (e.g., KEBS for quality, PPB for drugs).
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Certificate of Origin: Optional but aids verification.
3. Duties and Taxes
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Duty-Free Threshold: Minimal; personal goods under KES 3,000 may get relief, but rare.
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Import Duties: 0-25% average via HS codes (e.g., 25% on electronics); EAC Common External Tariff applies.
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VAT: 16% (CIF + duty); 0% for essentials like some medical supplies.
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Excise Duty: Extra on luxury goods (e.g., 20% on alcohol).
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Import Levy: 2.5% Railway Development Levy + 1.5% Import Declaration Fee (CIF).
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
5. HS Codes and Valuation
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HS Codes: EAC Tariff applies (e.g., a phone might be 8517.12). Check KRA’s schedule.
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Valuation: CIF value; under-declaring risks penalties or confiscation.
6. Practical Tips
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Prepay Taxes: Postal Corp of Kenya or couriers like DHL can manage this.
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Customs Agent: Handy for shipments over KES 500,000 or restricted goods.
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Tracking: Use iCMS or courier systems.
Conquering Kenya Customs with Send2Hub
Sending to Kenya? Send2Hub tames KRA’s rules. No duty-free pass—expect 25% duties and 16% VAT from KES 0. You’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, IDF, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill—we’ll lock it down. Restricted items like food or tech need permits, and banned gear (e.g., drugs, fakes) is off-limits—we’re your shield.
We’ll ace HS codes, prepay taxes for a quick win, and track it live. UK to Kenya? Send2Hub’s your firepower—fire it up now!