Custom procedures

Hi, I only have experience of importing non-food items to Kenya.  Like many other countries, Kenya has restrictions on the import of meat and meat products and plants and plant products.  I think that you are OK with processed foods, but you should check with KRA.

Most imports attract duty, irrespective of whether the item is for personal use.  The rate is generally 25% of Cost Insurance & Freight (CIF), plus VAT and other taxes.  The links below should act as a guide:

http://kenya.visahq.com/customs/http://www.revenue.go.ke/customs/pdf/EA … ff2007.pdf

Thank you a lot. It seemed, 25% rate of custom duties is the most popular here:-) in any case, one more question- if the cargo arrive by sea to Mombassa, should I work with the custom clearance agent from Mombassa or it is possible to do all documents and payment in Nairobi? I was connected with the custom business in the other "easy going" countries and worry to find the correct agent. thank in advance!!!

Hi, You mut have a clearing agent at the port.  Of course, the paperwork comes from the country the goods are being shipped from; Bill of Lading, receipts, etc. - yur shipping agent should have a representative in Kenya and some of those have offices in Nairobi.  On the whole, I would recommend being in Mombasa when your container is cleared. 

The alternative is to pay for the container to be brought by rail to the customs warehouse in Embakasi, where it will be opened and cleared.  I have had a container brought to Embakasi, and it was very convenient when it came to clearing.  You have to balance the additional cost vs convenience, plus the additional week, or two that it takes to clear (in Embakasi).

With duty, bear in mind that there are other taxes which usually apply.  It is something like a 20% excise duty, VAT at 16% and I think that there is another charge of around 2%.  All of these amount to a significant proportion of the value of your goods.  KRA do not always accept receipts as evidence of the amount you paid, they have lists of prices from source countries and will use those values to calculate duty.  This is the result of importers using fake receipts, which effectively devalue the goods and reduce the duty payable.

Referring to your initial post, if you are intending to import a container full of food and alcohol, you may need to apply for an import licence - you would have a very difficult job convincing KRA that this amount of goods is for personal consumption.  I would recommend that you seek advice from KRA (at Times Towers).  I only have experience of importing vehicles and furniture, for personal use. 

Below is a list of clearing agents.

http://www.revenue.go.ke/customs/pdf/TH … R_2007.pdf

Thank you a lot. It is exactly what has to be expected-all that indicative prices and SI (sensitive items). i will try anywhy. At least, now I understand, why vine market here is so poor...and expensive. But, certainly, it is stupid to complane:-)