The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Thursday stated that goods of upto the value of USD500 for each traveler are exempted from import tax, if the baggage is accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer.
However, the taxman said it is in the process of reviewing this regulation to a higher limit in a decision which shall be communicated to the public in due course.
KRA also said all used personal items/effects are exempt from customs duties
“Where imported goods are subject to customs duty, a passenger is required to self-declare the actual price of the item(s). The duty to be paid (if any) shall be based on the actual purchase price as declared by the passenger/traveler,” said KRA in a notice signed by Commissioner of Customs & Border Control.
“All passengers are thus required to declare the specified items in the Passenger Declaration Form (F88), prior to arrival in Kenya, and present it to a Customs Official at the point of entry. However, a passenger has a right to query the assessed customs duty and may seek an explanation from the Customs Officer.”
On baggae handling, KRA said scanning of traveler’s baggage will be done to ensure correct declarations for purposes of taxation and to screen out prohibited and restricted goods for the safety of all Kenyans. Items flagged out after the first line x-ray/non-intrusive scanning process will undergo a physical inspection by the Customs Officer.
The clarification comes few days after the taxman sent out a notice alerting travelers that they will only be required to carry personal or household items worth USD 500 and below. “Remember when traveling you will be allowed to carry personal or household items worth USD500 and below, anything above the amount, shall be subjected to tax,” KRA said.
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