About Tax Agents

Customs Agents Roles

They include:

  • Compute taxes on behalf of the Commissioner Customs & border Control
  • Act as a link between importer and Customs & border Control
  • Prepare documentation on behalf of the importer and submit them to Customs & border Control
  • Act as a liaison between the importer and other government agencies.

 

Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders will assist you with the necessary customs transactions.

A Freight Forwarder will arrange for your goods to be transported from one country to another while a Clearing Agent will make sure that your goods are cleared with customs.

 

Can I import without getting a Customs Agent?

You can import goods by yourself without acquiring the expert services of licensed clearing agents.

Importing postal goods. In such cases, Kenya Posta or a courier service of choice will assist you with clearance. Imported goods via postal services will be kept in a temporary storage under supervision by customs before releasing to you.

 

What are the procedures of clearing my postal goods?

Sender of postal mail must complete Customs Declaration Form for Parcel Post will be attached to the parcel.

See here for more information.

Parcel mail must state the value of the good, if it exceeds the amount stated as per the HS tarrifs, the goods are subjected to duties and taxes.

 

What are the documents required?

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Transportation documents (if necessary)
  • Manifest
  • License (permit)
  • Certificate of origin
  • Insurance certificate

 

Customs Inspection

Physical inspection on parcel are done by customs with the attendance of post officer or owner or authorized person.

Physical inspection is not done on parcel mail as below:

  • Parcel of consular or diplomatic pouch of other governments
  • Post cards, letter of personal and for the blind
  • Printed documents that is not subjected to duties and taxes
  • International transit

 

Customs Officers as Clearing Agents

As customs officers we can assist you with clearance of goods they include:

Non-commercial goods - are items that are imported and not intended for resale. Non-commercial goods are goods occasionally imported by traveler or by resident at the border for their personal use or using at the border area such as barrels, tubs, food, clothing, shoes, cosmetics and other personal effects.

 

What documents will be required?

  • Name of Importer
  • Port
  • Manifest Registration Number
  • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill Number
  • Number and type of Packages
  • Customs Value of the Goods

 

Importation of such goods by a passenger deemed as non-commercial is subject to the following as per EACMA Act