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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has tightened import regulation requirements to clamp down on fraudulent, undervalued, or misdeclared imports, demanding that all goods entering Kenya be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (CoO).
Nairobi, Kenya — September 23, 2025, 13:45 EAT.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has tightened import regulation requirements to clamp down on fraudulent, undervalued, or misdeclared imports, demanding that all goods entering Kenya be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (CoO).
Beginning July 1, 2025, KRA made it mandatory that every consignment imported into Kenya must have a Certificate of Origin issued by a competent authority in the exporting country.
The requirement stems from amendments under Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, Cap. 469B (Finance Act 2025).
Importers were given a grace period until September 30, 2025, to adapt to the new rule. After that, lack of valid CoO may lead to seized or rejected shipments.
Kenya has long faced revenue losses and unfair trade practices through undervalued imports, false country of origin declarations, and goods dumped into the local market.
Prior to this, only some goods under preferential trade agreements or specific regulatory frameworks needed origin documents; many routine imports were processed with minimal verification.
The move aligns with KRA’s broader strategy to improve trade integrity, ensure correct tariffs/duties, and protect local industries from unfair competition.
Legal basis: Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, Cap. 469B (amended by Finance Act 2025) now obliges importers to provide CoOs.
Enforcement: Consignments without CoOs will not be cleared; they may be held, seized, or forfeited. Penalties may apply.
Procedure: The CoO must include exporter and importer details, full product description, quantity, origin country, destination, port of origin, etc.
KRA’s Announcement: The Authority emphasized that the move is not to hinder trade but to ensure all imports are properly tracked and duties are fairly applied.
Importers / Trade bodies: Some have warned that smaller traders, especially those dealing in materials with complex supply chains, may find it difficult to secure CoOs from exporters, adding cost and delay.
Industry experts: Some see the change as necessary to reduce smuggling, duty evasion, and dumping of substandard goods. Others caution about potential disruptions during the transition period.
|
Aspect |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Legislation involved |
Tax Procedures Act, Cap. 469B (Finance Act 2025, Section 44A) |
|
Requirement |
All imports must have a valid Certificate of Origin from exporter’s competent authority |
|
Grace-period deadline |
September 30, 2025 |
|
Penalties |
Non-compliance may lead to seizure, non-clearance, loss of goods |
Short-term disruptions: Some importers may face delays, especially those who have relied on minimal documentation or informal supply chains.
Increased costs: Sourcing CoOs, verifying them, possible additional administrative fees could raise import costs, which could be passed to consumers.
Improved revenue and fairness: Over time, correct classification and valuation may boost duty collection and protect local industries from unfair foreign competition.
Trade relations risk: Exporting countries whose systems are weak or whose authorities are not officially recognized may struggle, leading to friction.
Which authorities in various exporting countries are deemed “competent authorities” by KRA; how KRA will verify their legitimacy.
To what extent informal / grey-market imports will be disrupted or blocked.
What support KRA will provide importers to help them meet the new requirements, especially smaller businesses.
Whether there are exemptions or special arrangements for some categories of goods.
2025-07-01: New CoO requirement takes effect for all imports.
2025-09-30: End of grace period for compliance. After this date, strict enforcement begins.
KRA’s official guidance on recognized authorities in exporting countries.
Customs and port delays or backlogs as enforcement ramps up.
Price adjustments those importers pass onto consumers.
Importers’ reactions — legal challenges or requests for revision or clarifications.
Editor’s Note:
Information is based on KRA notices, Kenyan media reports (Standard Media, The Star, Nairobi Business Monthly), and legal texts of the Finance Act 2025.
