The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released a comprehensive list of items that necessitate declaration for all individuals entering Kenya.
During the festive season, there is a notable increase in both domestic and international travel in Kenya, presenting a prime opportunity for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to accrue substantial revenue.
Previously, the authority faced significant scrutiny for its directive to impose taxes on travelers arriving in the country from international destinations.
Nevertheless, KRA has proceeded to provide clarification regarding the items that require declaration upon arrival at airports. In the preceding month, the authority heightened vigilance across all points of entry to ensure compliance with customs regulations governing restricted and prohibited items.
Among the items specified are inherited possessions, acquisitions from duty-free establishments, items that underwent repairs or alterations abroad and were subsequently brought back, business-related merchandise, currency exceeding USD 10,000, and all goods subject to regulation under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).
The taxman announced, “Items purchased at duty-free shops on the ship or on the plane, such as spirits (including liquors exceeding one liter or wine exceeding two liters), perfumes and toiletries exceeding a total of one liter (with perfume exceeding 250ml), as well as cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco, and snuff exceeding 250 grams, should be declared.”
Furthermore, any items purchased that are part of the baggage and exceed $500 must also be declared. The revenue collection authority highlighted its observation of high-end mobile phones and restricted goods, such as firearms, magazines, drones, pornographic material, and narcotics, being illicitly brought into the country through various entry points.
All arriving passengers are required to submit declarations using the prescribed Passenger Declaration Form(s) (Form F88). The KRA emphasized that providing false information to a Customs Officer is an offense under the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004, cautioning against such actions.
