To import any commodity into Kenya, an importer will have to enlist the services of a clearing agent who will process the import documentation through Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs) electronically and clear the goods on your behalf. Removal Goods Services (K) Ltd is a Licensed C&F agent for the last 6 years and we are very proficient in offering this service.
An import declaration fee (IDF) of 2.25% of the CIF Value subject to a minimum of Ksh. 5,000.00 is payable.
Customs will assess duty payable depending on the value of the item(s) and the duty rate applicable.

For Importation, you shall need the below documents ready at least five (5) days prior cargo arrival in Kenya:

• Original Bills of lading – x 3 (duly stamped & endorsed at the back) / Copy of Airway Bill (for Airfreight shipments)
• Original Packing list – x 3
• Original Commercial invoice – x 3
• Signed TT/wire transfer confirmation (by Bank) – (just in case if required) to support the values indicated in the commercial invoice – this is proof of payment.
• Marine/Insurance cover note – customs will apply 1.5% of C&F value in absence of this document.
• Certificate of conformity/analysis (CoC) – if items imported are required to be inspected under the KEBS list of goods to be inspected (Inspection certificate from SGS / Bureau Veritas / CCIC / Intertek)
• Certificate of Road-worthiness – this relates to All Motor vehicles imported in Kenya. This is issued by JEVIC vehicle inspection company
• Certificate of Analysis / Health certificate – incase of Foodstuffs
• Valid Imports Permit – Incase of Live Animals and Plants. These Permits can be sourced from the Kenya Veterinary Department (for animals) and KEPHIS (for live plants)
• IDF and Original payment receipt – incase Removal Goods Services (K) Ltd did not apply the IDF on your behalf.
• Copy of Importer’s PIN – whether the importer is a company or an individual.
• Authority letter – a letter appointing us as your authorized C&F agent for your shipment.

For Exportation from Kenya, you shall need the below documents ready at least five (5) days prior cargo departure in Kenya.

1. Original Packing list – x 3
2. Original Commercial invoice – x 3
3. Copy of Exporter’s PIN
4. Authority letter – a letter appointing RGS Kenya Ltd as your authorized C&F agent for your shipment.

PS: The above documents lists are not Exhaustive. For a full confirmation of the documents you are required to have during importation/exportation, remember to check with us. We shall guide you accordingly based on the type of cargo you will be shipping.

Motor vehicles of over 8 years old are not allowed into Kenya as per the KS 1515:2000 quality standard by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. Kenya Customs enforces this requirement.

The duty payable on the importation of a motor vehicle is as follows:

• Import Duty: 25% of the Customs value of the vehicle
• Excise Duty: 20% of the (Customs value + Import Duty)
• VAT: 16% of the (Customs value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
• IDF: 2.25% of the Customs value or Ksh. 5,000, whichever is higher, is payable.

The Customs value of the vehicle is deduced from the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) of the vehicle. Find the list of Current Retail Selling Price value (CRSP value) for ALL vehicles here

Based on the age of the vehicle, you can easily calculate the taxes payable for your vehicle quite easily. You may find the tax calculator here for your action. It is always good to consult us for concrete confirmation of the figures. We will be happy to assist you.

For Kenyan residents traveling with a vehicle registered in Kenya, you will have two options;

• Deposit your logbook with Customs at the point of exit or border and collect it upon re-entry into the country.
• Alternatively, you could deposit your logbook with Customs – Motor Vehicle Valuation Section at Forodha House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

For foreigners, a carnet de passage has to be obtained. This document is issued by the Automobile Association (AA) office in any country.

You are allowed, among other items, one motor vehicle (excluding buses and mini buses) into the country duty free subject to the following conditions:

• You must have resided outside Kenya for at least two years during which period you should not have visited Kenya for an aggregate of more than 90 days.
• You must have personally owned and used the motor vehicle for at least twelve months.
• The motor vehicle must not be older than 8 years.
• You must have attained the age of eighteen years.
• You must not have been granted a similar exemption previously.

Other items that may be exempted when imported as baggage by a returning resident are:

• Wearing apparel
• Personal and household effects which were in his personal or household use in his former place of residence

The Fifth Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 lays out the Exemptions Regime;
Part A – Specific Exemptions ‘Privileged Persons and Institutions’
Part B – General Exemptions ‘Exempt Goods’

All donations, gifts, presents, charity goods are NOT Tax Exempt. Duty is payable unless such goods do not attract duty in the first place. However, items which are exempted from duties are laid out in the Fifth Schedule of East Africa Community Customs Management Act.2004. In case you wish to import/ship donation goods into Kenya, contact us and we shall gladly guide you on the method of seeking Tax Exemption from the relevant Authorities.

Filming and photography equipment may be allowed into the country on a temporary basis. Such importation is NOT subject to Import Declaration Form (IDF). However, a security bond has to be furnished with the undertaking that the equipment will be exported within such period, not exceeding twelve months (12) from the date of importation.

A non refundable deposit of 1% of the value of the goods or Ksh.30,000, whichever is higher, is payable.