🇰🇪 Import Customs & Duties: Kenya
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
16%
CIF value + duty. Zero-rated: basic food items, agricultural inputs. Exempt: medical equipment, educational materials.
Clearance Time
3-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-25% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 25-35% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-35% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 25% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 25% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) uses iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System). Import Declaration Form (IDF) required before shipping. KRA PIN mandatory for all importers. EAC Common External Tariff applies.
What to Actually Expect
KRA improving with iCMS. Mombasa port congestion common. Express couriers preferred for speed.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) required for regulated products. Import permit from KRA. Pharmacy and Poisons Board for pharmaceuticals. KEPHIS for plant materials.
Certificate of Origin
EAC certificate for East African Community trade. COMESA certificate for regional preferential trade. AGOA certificate for US market. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce issues certificates.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Kenya:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $13 | $18 | $31 |
| $200 | $38 | $38 | $76 |
| $500 | $113 | $98 | $211 |
| $1000 | $238 | $198 | $436 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Kenya?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Kenya is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Kenya?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Kenya is 16%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Zero-rated: basic food items, agricultural inputs. Exempt: medical equipment, educational materials.
How long does customs clearance take in Kenya?
Typical customs clearance in Kenya takes 3-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Kenya?
To import into Kenya, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Kenya?
Kenya prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.