customs-emblem

KENYA

The below information is a brief summary of customs regulations when you plan your international shipping to Kenya, Always double check with your local embassy or consulate to make sure you have all the information you need before you make your move. Contact the nearest Kenya Embassy.

When you plan your international shipping to Kenya, the following documents are required for customs clearance:

  • Passport (original) – (If issued within last two years the old passport is also required)
  • Work Permit for non-Kenyan citizens
  • Baggage Declaration Form C-18 signed by customer
  • Bank Release
  • Inventory in English, valued and detailed showing the number of packages and in triplicate
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Invoices for electrical items and serial numbers
  • Certificate of change of address

When shipping goods overseas to Kenya, The following items customs guidelines will need to be met:

  • CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • Goods are subject to 100% Customs verification
  • Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for returning Kenyan citizens provided they have resided outside Kenya for a minimum of two years and effects are imported within three months of owner’s arrival
  • Non-Kenyan citizens (first time arrivals) are permitted to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free within three months of Work Permit being issued
  • Kenyan citizens who have resided for more than two years outside Kenya are not entitled to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free
  • Household goods must have been in owner’s possession for at least one year prior to import. If new, duty will be charged at the current rates.

When shipping goods overseas to Kenya, The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • New items (may require Import License and are subject to payment of Customs duties and taxes)
  • Fabric pieces
  • Trade goods or goods for sale or disposed to other persons
  • Aircraft and vessels of all kinds
  • Used machinery
  • All computers whether new or old (except under diplomatic status) or unless imported by a student who is studying computer studies

When shipping goods overseas to Kenya, the following items are prohibited, but not limited to,  from entry into the country:

  • Weapons, silencers, ammunitions, toy guns and explosives, including tear gas
    • Firearms require a certificate to be issued by Nairobi Firearms Bureau for import
  • Plants, seeds, bulbs, fresh fruit and vegetables  (unless a permit is obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture stating plants are free from disease)
  • Pornographic material
  • Drugs
  • Political literature

When shipping Motor Vehicles overseas to Kenya, the following documents and regulations will apply:

  • Importation highly restricted and time consuming
  • First time arrivals to Kenya and returning Kenyan citizens residing outside Kenya for a minimum of two years are permitted to import ONE auto duty-free provided:
    • Auto is more than three months old and has been registered in owner’s name for more than three months
    • Auto is less than 2,500 cc
    • Auto is not sold within 12 months of import
    • Owner’s Work Permit has been approved for first time arrivals to Kenya
    • Owner is 18 years of age or older
  • Documents Required:
    • Import Declaration Form (IDF), Clean Report (IDF) and Clean Report Finding (CRF)
    • Authority to import vehicle letter
    • Log Book
    • Certificate of Registration (indicate engine and chassis number, first date of registration and engine capacity)
    • Certificate of local value
    • Passport (if issued within last two years, the old passport is also required)
    • Customs C15 Form
    • New autos require invoice bearing engine and chassis number
    • Work Permit

PETS

  • Import permit must be obtained from the Veterinary Department at Kabete, Nairobi prior to shipping
  • Up to date Vaccination Certificate from country of origin must be provided on arrival
  • Dogs and cats are exempt from Value Added Tax but are dutiable
  • Birds and bird eggs are prohibited

If you are moving your household, commercial goods or motor vehicles to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri or to another other city, please give us a call to go over any questions on documentation.

The regulations are subject to change without notice. Our company is not liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.