Kenya Customs & Import Duties Guide
How customs clearance and import duties are handled for your shipments, and how to declare items correctly
How Customs Works
All international shipments entering Kenya go through customs, which is run by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Every package shipped from the USA, whether personal effects or commercial goods, is subject to Kenya's customs rules, including import duty and VAT where they apply.
Kentex Cargo handles customs clearance as part of our service for both air freight and ocean shipping, so you don't need to visit customs offices or handle paperwork yourself. For standard personal shipments, our rates already include customs clearance, import duty and VAT.
What Kentex Cargo Handles for You
- Customs clearance for your air and ocean shipments
- Import duty and VAT on standard personal shipments, included in the rate
- Adding any separate customs charge to your invoice before release
- Releasing your package once your invoice is paid
How Duties Are Charged
Kenya's import duty and VAT are set by law and collected by KRA. With Kentex Cargo you normally do not pay them as a separate bill: our published air and ocean rates include them for standard personal shipments. Here is how that works for each kind of shipment:
| Shipment | Duty and VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight (standard personal shipments) | Included in the per-kg rate | Clearance handled by Kentex |
| Ocean freight (standard personal effects) | Included in the per-cubic-foot rate | Clearance handled by Kentex |
| Prepaid air boxes | Included in the box price | One all-inclusive price per box |
| Shipments that need a separate customs charge | Added to your invoice | Shown as a Customs / duties line |
| Commercial or unusual shipments | Ask our team before shipping | We will confirm how it will be billed |
Important Notes
- Kenya's import duty and VAT rules are set by law and applied by KRA, not by Kentex
- For standard personal shipments, duty and VAT are part of the rate you pay us
- If a separate customs charge applies, it appears on your invoice before your package is released
- Ask our team before shipping goods in commercial quantities
- Some categories of prohibited goods cannot enter Kenya regardless of duty paid
Declaring Items Correctly
Accurate declarations matter. When you create a pre-alert, you enter the item value in US dollars and a description of the contents, and you confirm whether the package contains batteries, liquids, perfume or other items that need special handling. The value you enter is used for billing and customs.
Why Accurate Declarations Matter
- Billing and customs: the declared value is used for both
- Insurance: freight insurance on higher-value items is based on the declared value, and it is the value you would claim if the package were lost or damaged
- Special handling: batteries, liquids and perfume need special handling, so declare them on your pre-alert
- Customs checks: customs can inspect any shipment, and a wrong declaration can delay it
Good vs Bad Declarations
Tips for Accurate Declarations
- Use the full product name including brand and model
- Declare the actual purchase price including any discounts applied
- Keep receipts or order confirmations as proof of value
- Describe every item if the package holds more than one product
Exemptions
Because duty and VAT on standard personal shipments are already part of our rates, you normally do not need to apply for an exemption yourself. Special cases are decided by KRA, not by Kentex:
Standard Personal Shipments
Clothing, shoes, electronics and other personal items shipped at our standard rates already have duty and VAT included, so there is nothing extra to apply for.
Returning Residents
If you are moving back to Kenya with household goods, talk to our team before you ship. Any special customs treatment for returning residents is decided by KRA.
Gifts
Calling an item a gift does not change how it is declared. Declare its real description and value like any other item.
Diplomatic & Organisation Shipments
Exemptions for diplomatic missions or registered organisations are approved by the Kenyan authorities, not by Kentex. Contact our team before you ship.
Note: Exemptions and duty assessments are decided by KRA. Our team can explain how your shipment will be billed, but cannot grant an exemption.
Duty Payment
For standard personal shipments, duty and VAT are part of your shipping charge, so you pay them when you pay your Kentex invoice. You never need to visit KRA offices. Packages are released only when the invoice is fully paid.
Your Invoice Is Created
Your invoice is created once your package has been weighed and measured at our US warehouse, usually before it leaves for Kenya.
Any Extra Charge Is Added
If a shipment needs a separate customs or duty charge, our Kenya team adds it to your invoice as a Customs / duties line. If the invoice was already paid, we notify you of the new balance by email and SMS.
You Pay the Invoice
Pay from the Invoices page in your account by M-Pesa or card. Our payments guide and wallet & payments guide explain each option.
Package Released
Once your invoice is fully paid and your package has been scanned into our Nairobi warehouse, it is ready for pickup or for home delivery to your door.
Pro Tip: Pay Your Invoice Early
Paying your invoice as soon as you receive it means nothing holds up the release when your package arrives. An unpaid invoice also holds your other packages arriving at our US warehouse until it is paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a customs charge on my invoice?
For standard personal shipments, duty and VAT are included in our rates, so there is normally no separate customs line. Our Kenya team adds a Customs / duties line only when a shipment needs a separate customs charge. If you are unsure why it was added, contact our team.
Can I query a customs charge?
Yes. If you think a charge on your invoice is wrong, contact our team with your purchase receipt or order confirmation. A charge added in error can be removed from your invoice.
Is there a way to lower my costs?
Duty and VAT rates are set by law and cannot be negotiated, and for standard personal shipments they are already part of our rate. You can lower your shipping cost by avoiding oversized packaging (volumetric weight is based on box size) and by asking us to consolidate your packages so they are billed together with one minimum charge.
Do I pay duty on every package?
Kenya applies import duty and VAT to most imported goods, but for standard personal shipments these are already included in our air and ocean rates. You only see a separate customs charge if a shipment needs one.
How long does customs clearance take?
Customs clearance is part of our published transit times: 7-14 working days for air and 75-90 days for ocean. Your tracking shows when the shipment arrives in Kenya, and we notify you when your package is scanned into our Nairobi warehouse.
Need Help with Customs?
Our team is available to answer any questions about duties and customs clearance for your shipments.
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