Cargo clearance at the port is likely to take less time following a joint implementation of pre-arrival processing by the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Kenya Trade Network Agency.
- The move comes as the 2024 economic survey indicates a rise in import traffic through Mombasa Port by 6.5 per cent from 26,713 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 28,445 thousand metric tonnes in 2023
- Pre-arrival processing allows for early electronic submission of import documentation and other required information to customs and other government agencies to begin document verification prior to arrival of goods in Kenya.
- A key benefit of the system is geared towards reducing delays and congestion at the points of entry consequently reducing clearance time spent upon arrival of the goods.
The execution systems – Integrated Customs Management Systems, Kilindini Waterfront Automated Terminal Operating System and Kenya Trade Network Agency’s Trade Facilitation Platform – were enhanced and integrated in December last year to allow declaration of customs entries using the bill of lading as the base document. This is cognizant of the fact that the importer will receive the bill of lading upon actual loading of the consignment on the vessel
“All importers are eligible to the program and do not require any approval. The importer and/or the Clearing Agent should lodge declaration to customs and make payments at least 48 hours (2 days) before expected arrival of the vessel to enjoy the benefits of pre-arrival,” said Rhoda Wambui, Tax Education Officer.
She says for the smooth operation of the pre-arrival clearance (PAC), certain components have to be in place. “These include Automation of the clearance system to enable electronic data exchange of scanned documents, Advance electronic submission of documentation/information, e.g. manifest, entry, invoice, COO, permits, certificates, etc.”
Other requirements for the smooth operation also include a coordinated border management between customs and other partner government agencies, release decision which is actioned by customs to permit goods to be released to an interested party upon arrival, clearance which is the final determination and satisfaction by a customs officer of customs duties, taxes, fees, charges and post-clearance audit which are measures by which the customs satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and authenticity of declarations through the examination of the relevant books, records, business systems and commercial data once cargo have been released to the owner.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey, import traffic through Mombasa Port rose by 6.5 per cent from 26,713 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 28,445 thousand metric tonnes in 2023.
Dry general cargo imports rose by 9.3 per cent from 11,680 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 12,771 thousand metric tonnes in 2023. The volume of dry bulk volumes rose by 4.8 per cent from 6,229 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 6,525 thousand metric tonnes in 2023.
Further, bulk liquid import volume increased by 4.0 per cent to 9,159 thousand metric tonnes in 2023.
During the same period, transit in went up by 10.5 per cent from 9,257 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 10,225 thousand metric tonnes in 2023. However, there was a 29.2 per cent decline in the landed motor vehicles from 99,239 units in 2022 to 70,275 units in 2023.
Total transit volume rose by 11.5 per cent from 10,234 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 11,413 thousand metric tonnes in 2023.
Uganda’s share of total transit reduced from 71.5 per cent in 2022 to 62.3 per cent in 2023, with the volume declining from 7,319 thousand metric tonnes in 2022 to 7,115 thousand metric tonnes in 2023.
Transit to and from Ethiopia more than doubled from 6,915 metric tonnes in 2022 to 14,383 metric tonnes in 2023. Moreover, traffic to and from D.R Congo, and South Sudan increased by 56.9 per cent and 52.1 per cent, respectively, during the period.
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