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The documents required depend on the type of goods, but KRA lists documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading for sea freight or Airway Bill for air freight, Certificate of Origin, relevant permits or licences, taxpayer PIN details and, where applicable, a Certificate of Conformity for regulated products.

Importers should confirm the requirements before the goods are shipped because different products may require additional approvals or supporting documents.

For commercial customs clearance, KRA requires importers and exporters to engage a licensed customs clearing agent. The clearing agent prepares and submits the customs declaration and helps coordinate the clearance process through the customs system.

Using an experienced agent early also gives you an opportunity to review shipment documents and cargo requirements before the goods reach the port or airport.

Import taxes depend on the customs value, tariff classification and the taxes or levies applicable to the particular goods. KRA explains that customs duties are assessed using the customs value and tariff classification under the East African Community Common External Tariff and other applicable tax laws.

Because the rate can vary significantly by product, importers should avoid estimating duty from the purchase price alone. Correct product classification is an important part of understanding the likely landed cost.

Kenya introduced a mandatory Certificate of Origin requirement for most imported consignments. KRA states that the certificate should be issued by a competent authority in the country of export, although specific exceptions and provisional alternatives may apply in certain circumstances.

Importers should therefore confirm origin-document requirements with their supplier before shipment rather than waiting until the cargo has already arrived in Kenya.

Kenya introduced the Advance Cargo Declaration, or ACD, platform for containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports in August 2026. The declaration is completed before loading and generates an ACD reference code that is endorsed on the Bill of Lading.

KRA currently lists the draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration among the documents used for the ACD application.

KRA lists documents such as a valid commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin, packing list, taxpayer PIN information, purchase orders or contracts and any required permits or licences for restricted goods.

The exact documents can vary with the product and destination, so exporters should also check the import requirements of the destination country before the goods leave Kenya.

Neither option is automatically better. Sea freight is often considered for larger, containerized or less time-sensitive shipments, while air freight may be more suitable when faster international movement is required or the shipment size and cargo characteristics favour air transport.

The choice should consider cargo type, volume, urgency, destination, handling needs and the complete logistics cost, not just the freight rate.

Some restricted goods can be imported or exported when the required permits, licences or approvals have been obtained from the relevant government authority. KRA lists examples of restricted items including certain medicaments, plants, drones, precious materials and other regulated products.

Prohibited goods are different: their import or export is not permitted under the applicable law. Cargo should therefore be checked before booking international freight.

After arrival, the cargo may need customs declaration, assessment, document review, payment of applicable taxes, inspection where required and customs release before it can leave the port or airport.

Once released, the goods may then move to a warehouse, cold room, distributor, factory or final delivery point. Planning this inland stage before arrival can reduce last-minute logistics decisions.

Ruleex can coordinate multiple stages of the international logistics journey, including sea or air freight, customs clearing and forwarding, warehousing, cold-room support for suitable temperature-sensitive goods and inland transportation.

The exact service combination depends on the cargo, route, destination and handling requirements. Sharing shipment details early allows the team to plan the connected stages before the goods begin moving.