Customs Information

Kenya - Returning Citizen

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Kenya

  • To qualify for Duty Free status returning residents must have resided abroad for 2 years or more and should have not returned to Kenya for an aggregate of 90 days in the 2 years prior to arrival back in Kenya.
  • Goods must be used to qualify for Duty Free status. If new Duty and VAT will be charged.
  • All computers, whether new or old, will be subject to VAT of 16%.
  • Goods are subject to 100% Customs Verification.
  • Goods must arrive within 90 days of consignees return to Kenya
  • Students allowed 1 computer and 1 printer free of Duty and VAT if study takes more than 270 days and must give evidence of study abroad.
  • Make & model number, along with value and weight must be declared for all electronic items (along with size of the TV screen eg 21”). Items that are not standard household goods effects such as a piano must also be declared.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Original Passport. If this was issued in the last 2 years we will also require the old passport. 
  • Valued Packing List
  • Numbered Packing List
  • Customs Declaration C 18 Form (Provided by SDV Transami) duly signed by consignee.
  • 2 Endorsed Original Bills of Lading or Air Way Bill
  • Non-Negotiable Bill of Lading
  • Copy of Income Tax Pin Certificate
  • Invoices of Electrical Items to prove goods have been owned for 6 months or more

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • MUST SEEK FURTHER INFORMATION FROM SDV TRANSAMI REGARDING PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION PROCESS FOR USED VEHICLES
  • Vehicles must be less than eight (8) years old to import into Kenya
  • Original Passport. If this was issued in the last 2 years we will also require the old passport
  • Original Log Book / Car Identity Documents from the appropriate authority with full details relating to vehicle. If not in English a translation of the same approved by the relevant Embassy / High Commission will be required.
  • 2 Endorsed Original Bills of Lading or Air Way Bill which must show engine and chassis No's, make, model and engine c.c.
  • Non-Negotiable bill of lading
  • Original Income Tax Pin Certificate
  • Certificate of Road Worthiness from the appropriate authority
  • GOK processing fees of KES 10,000.00 if vehicle is imported duty free.

REGULATIONS

  • Used vehicles imported into Kenya from the UK, South Africa, Japan, Singapore and the UAE must be inspected at origin by the Government of Kenya appointed Inspecting Agent and a certificate of road worthiness issued. If this is not done at origin - client will have to pay a penalty fee of 15% of the CIF Value of the vehicle, plus demurrage and port charges as a result of delayed clearance. Inspection Fee of USD163.00 is payable at origin. For further information please refer to the Kenya Bureau of Standards Website www.kenyapovc.com. Used vehicles from other countries will be inspected in Kenya.
  • To qualify for Duty Free status returning residents must have resided abroad for 2 years or more - and must not have stayed in Kenya for more than 90 days prior to return date into Kenya. If the total exceeds 90 days Duty, Vat, and excise will be applied and the following are required: Import Declaration Form (IDF) and a Certificate of Conformity form SGS /Intertek (whichever is applicable) or Kenya Bureau of Standards appointed agent at origin. 
  • To qualify for Duty Free status vehicle must have been owned and used in previous place of residence for more than 365 days (1 year) i.e. registered in consignee's name prior to shipment and registered in consignee's name for more than 365 days prior to departure of the consignee from former country of residence. If these requirements are not met and IDF and Certificate of Conformity must be obtained prior to shipment and duty, excise duty and VAT will be applied. Vehicle must arrive within 90 days of consignees return to Kenya. Only one vehicle per person over 18 can qualify under Duty-Free status.
  • If vehicle is new duty will be applied accordingly and the following are required: Import Declaration Form (IDF) and a certificate of conformity must be obtained prior to shipping. 
  • Students must prove evidence of study abroad.
  • The consignee must have attained 18 years of age.
  • Any vehicles that are 8 years and over and all left hand drive vehicles are prohibited and cannot be imported into Kenya.
  • Tinted windows are prohibited and must be replace prior to export to Kenya. 
  • Bull bars that were not part of the original specification and fitted after purchase are illegal and must be removed prior to export to Kenya.
  • Vehicle must have seating capacity of less than 9

PETS

  • An import permit must be obtained from the Veterinary Department at Kabete, Nairobi prior to shipping
  • Up to date Vaccination Certificates from country of origin must be provided on arrival
  • Dogs and cats are exempt from VAT but are dutiable at 20%  of the CIF Value of the pet.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Weapons, including firearms (firearm certificate issued by the Kenyan Firearms Office is required)
  • Wild flora and fauna (plant import permit is required)
  • Birds and their products (sanitary import permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Services is required for the import of birds from countries affected by bird flu)
  • The following items may qualify for free import with the limits indicated by persons 16 years and older:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50)
    • Tobacco (1/2 pound)
    • Alcoholic beverages (1 bottle)
    • Perfume (1 pint)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Game trophies
  • Drugs
  • Fruit
  • Explosives
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Gambling machines
  • Pornographic or obscene literature (books, articles, videos, etc.)
  • Animal traps
  • Imitation firearms
  • Alcohol and other spirits
  • Precious metals and stones