How to Import Products to Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Importing goods into Kenya involves several key steps and considerations, including taxes, working with customs agents, and navigating the clearing process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the entire process:

1. Understanding Import Requirements

To import products into Kenya, you need to ensure that the goods comply with Kenyan regulations. You will need various documents, such as:

• A Certificate of Conformity (CoC), obtained from Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) agents, to certify that products meet Kenyan standards.
• An Import Declaration Form (IDF), which provides key details about the goods like value and quantity.
• A Commercial Invoice from the exporter, and a Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, depending on the shipping method.

Make sure to also have a Certificate of Origin and any necessary permits or licenses for controlled products like pharmaceuticals or electronics.

2. Working with Customs Agents

Importing goods requires working with a licensed customs clearing agent. These agents facilitate the customs clearance process by ensuring all the required documents are in order and that the correct duties are paid. A clearing agent can help you avoid delays at the port or airport and ensure compliance with Kenya’s import laws.

3. Taxes and Duties

There are several costs associated with importing goods into Kenya, including:

• Customs Duty: Rates range depending on the type of goods, typically between 0% to 100%. Common import duty rates are around 20-30%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): This is set at 16% of the value of the goods, including the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value, customs duty, and other import taxes.
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.25% of the CIF value with a minimum of Ksh 5,000.

All these charges add up, so you must carefully calculate your costs before placing an order.

4. Shipping and Clearance Process

Goods can be shipped by air or sea, with sea freight often being more economical for bulky items. Upon arrival in Kenya:

• For air cargo, you will collect goods from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or other airports.
• For sea cargo, your goods will arrive at the Port of Mombasa. The clearing process here involves paying customs duties and fees before collecting your goods.

5. Final Delivery

Once your goods are cleared by customs, you’ll need to arrange for transportation from the port or airport to your warehouse or business location. This may involve hiring a local logistics company.

By following these steps and working with a licensed customs agent, you can ensure a smooth import process into Kenya. The key is to ensure all documentation is in order and to carefully plan for the taxes and fees involved.