Kenya · Import & Export Compliance
Customs registration, controlled/restricted goods, sanctions screening, and the official customs authority.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Kenya applies the East African Community Common External Tariff and the EAC Customs Management Act, administered by the Customs and Border Control department of the Kenya Revenue Authority. Imports are declared electronically through the KRA customs system and the national electronic single window, and many goods must show conformity with Kenyan standards before shipment under the Kenya Bureau of Standards' verification programme. Besides import duty, imports carry 16% VAT and the import declaration fee and railway development levy, and some goods attract excise duty. Goods originating in other EAC partner states can enter duty-free if they meet the community's rules of origin.
- Kenya applies the EAC Common External Tariff, administered by KRA Customs.
- Many goods need proof of conformity with Kenyan standards before shipment.
- Imports carry 16% VAT plus the import declaration fee and railway levy.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Kenya Revenue Authority: income tax, VAT, PAYE and customs.
Government portals
- Business Registration Service (BRS) — Company, LLP and business-name registration, official searches and insolvency.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) — Tax PINs, income tax, PAYE, VAT, eTIMS invoicing and customs.
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Work permits and passes, permanent residence, eTA and passports.
- Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) — Registration of data controllers and processors, complaints and breach reports.