How to export to Kenya in 8 easy steps

1. How to export to Kenya in 8 easy steps Kenya, the founding member of the East African community (EAC), boasts of the most advanced economy in East and Central Africa. Usually referred to as a frontier market or an emerging market Kenya has been making steady inroads into the world of global trade. The country was the 90th largest importer as of 2013. In 2015, the nation imported goods worth Sh1.293 trillion ($16.2 billion). Kenya largely imports machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics. Other top import items include wheat, rice, raw sugar, palm oil, animal and vegetable bi-products. To view the complete list, click here. While India has long been the largest source of imports for Kenya, it was recently toppled by China. U.S. is now the third largest source of imports for Kenya. While there is no doubt that the nation should be on every exporter’s list, it is essential to know the steps required to export to Kenya. First up you will need to declare and clear with the Customs Services Department of KRA. 1.First step is to apply and submit the import declaration form. This can be availed from the Kenya Revenue Authority. The importer is ideally required to obtain the form, but the importer has the liberty to engage the services of a clearing and forwarding agent to input this into the ORBUS system. It is only after the IDF has been approved that the importer can go on to arrange for an inspection of the cargo and then ship the cargo. The IDF requires the filling in of key information: Value of the cargo for tax calculation – The values entered by could be disputed by the authority in charge. Quantity – KRA prefers detailed and accurate specifications. Quality – Inspection should attest that your goods are of good quality. Inspection is usually carried out by bodies such as Kenya Bureau of Standards, Public Health Department, Department of

2. Agriculture (Kephis) etc. The certificates provided by these bodies should be submitted along with the form. Classification (HS Code) –Check if there’s a possibility that if each HS code has a different tax. 2.Certificate of conformity (if needed). The Kenya Bureau of Standards has released a list of products that requires a certificate of conformity. The certificate can only be issued by certain agents appointed by the body such as Intertek, SGS and Bureau Veritas. If your shipments are time critical, schedule the inspection ahead as it can take time. The CoC is issued under the PVoC program. To know more about the program, please visit http://www.eximdesk.com/buzz/heres-what-you-need-know-about-pvoc-kenya 3.Master bill of lading is the next product required. The name & full address of actual receiver should be entered in the consignee column on the bill of lading. This helps the customs system identify the taxpayer. The company/person must be based out of the country of location and be tax registered (have a TIN/PIN). When describing the cargo in the BL be sure to mention the actual number of packages involved. An e.g. "1x 40' STC 456 packages <cargo type>. Avoid general descriptions like 1 x 40' STC tiles, pumps and spare parts. Also, the number mentioned in the BL should be same as the one mentioned in the commercial invoice and packing list. Kenya Ports Authority adheres to the world IMCO standards. So if a shipment falls under an IMCO class that comes under the dangerous cargo category then the right code must be used to describe the cargo. A surcharge is required to be paid by the importer immediately after the shipment is discharged from the ship. 4.Telex release can be provided in lieu of an original BL. The telex release should read “Release cargo to ‘freight forwarder name’as agents of importers/consignees’ name without presentation of original master bill of lading”. 5.Container Freight Station Consigning. Containerized local imports into Kenya are usually transferred to a private CFS (container freight station) which are assigned on a per vessel basis by the port authorities. If you wish to obtain more days to get your goods cleared then you get the importer to nominate the CFS of his/her choice rather than having the cargo transferred the CFS assigned to the vessel. To ensure this happens a clause “to be transferred to <name> CFS (Container Freight Station) on merchant’s account and risk” has to be inserted into the bill of lading. The container freight station will charge an additional transfer fee for priority handling of your goods and extra free storage days. 6.Packing list – Goods description in the packing list should match the information entered in the BL and commercial invoice. Packing List must indicate the package number, description, weight in metric ton, length in meter, width in meter, height in meter and cubic measurement of all packages. 7.Commercial Invoice must include the same information as the packing list and the total CIF value of the consignment. 8.Exemption letter (if applicable) - Charities, major projects, governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, returning residents etc. can avail exemption of duties/tax. To initiate this, the receiver has to write to the treasury. If accepted then the treasury will instruct the customs