Kenya Revenue Authority Introduces New Customs Regulations for Mobile Devices
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced new customs regulations aimed at enhancing tax compliance and regulatory oversight for mobile devices entering the country. In a notice issued on November 4, KRA outlined specific measures targeting importers, travelers, and local device manufacturers under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004).
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the monitoring and regulation of mobile devices in Kenya. The new regulations are being implemented in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to ensure better oversight and adherence to importation requirements.
New Customs Requirements for Importers
Under the revised directive, all mobile device importers must adhere to stricter customs procedures aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. Importers are now required to submit comprehensive records for every mobile device brought into the country, including:
- Accurate quantity details
- Precise model descriptions
- Essential IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers
KRA emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating: “All importers of mobile devices will be required to provide detailed import declarations, including precise quantities, correct model specifications, and their corresponding IMEI numbers within the Customs system.”
Impact on Travelers
In addition to importers, KRA has tightened regulations for travelers bringing mobile devices into Kenya. Passengers arriving in the country will now be required to declare the IMEI numbers of their devices as part of their customs declaration using the F88 form at entry points. This new requirement aims to curb illegal imports and ensure all devices meet the necessary tax obligations.
New Guidelines for Local Manufacturers
Local manufacturers and assemblers of mobile devices will also be subject to the new regulatory framework. KRA has mandated that all device assemblers and manufacturers register on the Customs portal and submit detailed reports on their production, including:
- Comprehensive records of all locally assembled devices
- Corresponding IMEI numbers for each device
“Assemblers and manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and provide a comprehensive report of all locally assembled devices along with their corresponding IMEI numbers,” KRA stated in its announcement.
Additional Regulatory Directives
Beyond customs requirements, local manufacturers and assemblers must also obtain necessary regulatory clearances from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) before their devices can be sold in the market. This ensures that all devices meet the required compliance standards before being made available to consumers.
Implementation Timeline
KRA has confirmed that these new regulations will take effect in January 2025. Additional guidelines on system processes and IMEI number recording will be provided in the coming months to facilitate compliance.
Network Access Restrictions for Non-Compliant Devices
This announcement follows a recent directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya, which stated that mobile devices failing to meet the new tax compliance requirements will be barred from connecting to local mobile networks. The CA has instructed mobile operators to verify a device’s tax compliance status against a whitelist database before granting network access.
With these new measures, the government aims to streamline the importation and distribution of mobile devices while ensuring tax compliance and regulatory integrity across the industry.
