The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unveiled welcome news for travelers and shoppers. KRA declared that goods valued up to USD 500 for each traveler will now be exempt from import tax, provided that the baggage is duly accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer.
This new regulation reflects a positive shift in facilitating travel and commerce while easing the tax burden on personal imports. Additionally, KRA has stated its intention to further review this regulation, with the aim of potentially raising the exemption limit. Details regarding any adjustments will be communicated to the public in the near future.
For travelers carrying used personal items and effects, here’s another reason to smile. KRA has exempted these items from customs duties, recognizing the personal and non-commercial nature of such belongings.
Now, when imported goods are subject to customs duty, travelers are required to self-declare the actual price of the items. This means that any duty payable, if applicable, will be calculated based on the actual purchase price declared by the passenger or traveler. Travelers should ensure they declare these specified items in the Passenger Declaration Form (F88) prior to their arrival in Kenya. Upon arrival, presenting this form to a Customs Official is mandatory. In the event of any doubts or inquiries about the assessed customs duty, passengers have the right to seek clarification from a Customs Officer.
On the subject of baggage handling, KRA emphasizes that the scanning of travelers’ baggage is crucial. This measure ensures accurate declarations for tax purposes and helps identify prohibited and restricted goods to ensure the safety of all Kenyan citizens. If any items are flagged after the initial x-ray or non-intrusive scanning process, a physical inspection by a Customs Officer becomes necessary.
This clarity from KRA arrives shortly after the tax authority issued a notice. The notice explicitly informed travelers that they are only obligated to carry personal or household items valued at USD 500 or less. Anything exceeding this amount may be subject to taxation. This updated regulation aims to promote hassle-free travel and shopping for travelers and welcomes a more straightforward import tax policy. Happy travels and shopping!
