Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
The following items may be shipped to Kenya as documents provided the
parcel's weight does not exceed 5 kg and they can fit into a shipping
envelope.
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Cheques
- Diplomas
- Drawings and graphs
- Driver's license
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Intercompany mail
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Periodicals and publications
- Price lists
- Publications
- Passports and visa applications
Restrictions will apply to certain document shipments to Kenya such as
the ones listed below:
| Document Type |
Restriction |
|---|
| Airline Tickets |
Must be validated Blank airline tickets are prohibited |
| Event tickets |
Stage performances, football matches or concerts excluding
those sent by the event organizer or a sales ticket office
|
| Examination papers |
Up to 5 kg |
| Forms |
Must be blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Gifts sent to Kenya are subject to duty and possibly VAT depending on
the circumstances. The rate of duty applied is determined according to
the East African Community Common External Tariff unless identified
otherwise.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Shipments sent to or from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Kenya will incur duty regardless of its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipments sent to a Kenyan business from a Canadian business will
incur taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gifts shipped to an individual on behalf of a business will incur
taxes and charges regardless the value of the gift.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$79.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$79.99
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you send more than one gift in one shipment, ensure to wrap and tag
each one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$39.99 |
| 1 Each |
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
|
CA |
$49.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$89.98
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Sources:
https://www.kra.go.ke/images/publications/Customs-FAQs--brochure.pdf
Shipping Personal Effects
Shipping personal effects to Kenya may be exempt from duty and taxes
provided they meet certain criteria.
Moving Temporarily
Students
At this time we do not have information regarding students shipping
their personal effects because of a temporary move to Kenya to study.
Non-Students
If you are moving temporarily to Kenya for work, you may ship your
personal effects duty-free provided your work contract is new and the
term is a minimum of 2 years. Your personal effects must be imported
within 3 months of obtaining your import permit.
The duty exemption is allowed providing the items are:
- Used household goods and personal effects belonging to and used by
the owner for at least 1 year
- Not sold or lent after their entry to Kenya
If you are visiting Kenya as a tourist or a visitor on business, you
are exempt from duty on personal shipments as long as your stay does
not exceed 3 months.
Eligible items include:
- Goods intended for personal use only during your stay or visit
- Provisions and non-alcoholic beverages
Moving Permanently
Kenyan residents returning to live in Kenya may ship personal effects
exempt from duty if these conditions are met:
- Proof of living abroad for 2 years or more
- Not have resided in Kenya for 90 days or more within the 2 years
prior to their return to Kenya
- Be over 18 years of age
- Hold a valid passport issued within the last 2 years
- Personal effects are imported within 3 months of arrival
The following items may enter duty-free:
- Household furnishings, carpets, tableware
- Clothing (must have been owned for one year minimum)
- Professional books
- Tools of the owner's trade
- Instruments
The following items may enter duty-free with the restrictions shown:
- 1 litre of alcohol
- 250 mL of perfume
- 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, or 250 g of tobacco
Duty applies to Jewellery, photography equipment, and portable radios
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.kra.go.ke/en/individual/importing/learn-about-importation/importing-goods
https://kra.go.ke/en/helping-tax-payers/faqs/customs-and-border-control
https://www.kra.go.ke/images/publications/Customs-FAQs--brochure.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs |
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
|
IN |
$40.00 |
| 1 Each |
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
|
CA |
$478.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Personal Effects
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$678.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Food, Chocolate, Candies
In Kenya, candies and chocolate are subject to an import duty of 25%.
You May Ship
- Chocolate and candies
- Meat products
- Fruit
Do Not Ship
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.kra.go.ke/images/publications/Customs-FAQs--brochure.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent / Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Samples
Samples of goods are shipped abroad to showcase products and attract
future sales. Samples shipped to Kenya are duty-free if they meet
certain requirements:
- Items accepted as commercial samples by Kenyan customs
- The commercial traveller is authorized to solicit orders on behalf
of a Canadian business
Additional information on import forms may be found by clicking here.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://infotradekenya.go.ke/media/Customs%20Act%202010_1.pdf
http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actviewbyid.xql?id=KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143#KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/kenya-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Commercial Sample
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Advertising Material
Advertising material shipped to Kenya for temporary use may include
stage material imported for local exhibitions as well material used in
promotional tours.
Importation of advertising material is considered a temporary import
and requires the completion of forms C.43 and C.63.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/sublegview.xql?subleg=CAP.%20472
http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actviewbyid.xql?id=KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143#KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/kenya-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
|
CA |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Promotional Material
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Repairs
Goods shipped to Kenya for repairs or renovation are exempt from duty
provided they meet the conditions below:
- Goods are shipped to Kenya for the sole purpose of repair or
renovation.
- Importation period cannot exceed 12 months unless permission is
granted by the customs authorities.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Kenya and
returned to Canada will be exempt from GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item no longer under warranty that is shipped to Kenya for repair
will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any parts required
for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Kenya
Equipment sent to Kenya for repair is exempt from duty providing it
stays a maximum of 12 months in the country.
Returning Repaired Product to Kenya
If you are returning a product after it has been repaired or renovated
in Kenya, you must declare the product by filling out the appropriate
forms as required by Kenyan customs.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Kenya or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
Sources:
https://infotradekenya.go.ke/media/Customs%20Act%202010_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
|
US |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Warranty Repair
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Temporary Imports
Goods imported in Kenya for temporary use or purpose are exempt from
duty and taxes and include items such as:
- Commercial samples
- Stage material imported for local exhibitions or entertainment
purposes
- Goods imported for renovation or repair only
- Promotional tour material
Temporarily imported goods may stay in Kenya for a maximum of 12
months.
ATA Carnets
At this time, Kenya does not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary
imports of goods.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actviewbyid.xql?id=KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143#KE/LEG/EN/AR/C/CHAPTER%20472/sec_143
http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/sublegview.xql?subleg=CAP.%20472
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box |
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
|
CA |
$1032.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Temporary Imports
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1032.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Permanent/Sold Goods
Importing goods into Kenya requires you enlist the services of a
clearing agent. The agent processes the import documentation through
the Kenyan Customs electronically on your behalf via a system called
the Simba 2005 System.
Occasional Shipper
We suggest you consult with an authorised agent of the Kenyan Revenue
Authority (KRA) services who is in charge of processing the
documentation via their official system.
Regular shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Kenya, we suggest you consult
with an authorised agent of the Kenyan Revenue Authority (KRA)
services who is in charge of processing the documentation via their
official system. There may be specific requirements to consider, for
instance, obtaining an Import Declaration Form (IDF).
Sources:
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/kenya-import-requirements-and-documentation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Jomo Kamau
Juja Kwale Rd.
Juja
Kenya
Phone:
+254 67 5352224 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each |
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
|
CA |
$132.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent/Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1980.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes on imports into Kenya are calculated based on the sum of
the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs, i.e. its CIF
value.
By knowing the CIF value of a parcel, you will be able to predict the
duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds on imports into Kenya, i.e. the de minimis
value is zero, which means regardless of the value of the shipment, it
will incur duty and/or taxes.
| Currency |
Kenya Shilling (KSH) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) |
N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method |
CIF |
| TAX (VAT) |
16% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) |
N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method |
CIF |
|
|
Excise Taxes
Kenya applies excise duties to:
- Alcoholic beverages and beverages containing added sugar or other
sweeteners
- Tobacco and tobacco products
For additional information on the type products and quantities, you
may click
here.
Duties on Imports
- Candy25%
- Chocolate25%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles25%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras25%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats35%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics25%
- Jewellery25%
- Shirts & Pants35%
- Home Appliances25%
- Toys25%
- Sports Equipment25%
*Also incur excise duties. See here for details.
Sources:
https://www.kra.go.ke/images/publications/Excise_Duty_Act_23_of_2015.pdf
https://www.kra.go.ke/en/business/companies-partnerships/companies-partnerships-pin-taxes/company-partnership-imports-exemptions
https://www.macmap.org/
Questions
about Shipping to Kenya
Can I ship to Kenya?
Shipping to Kenya from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through
the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Kenya by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Kenya?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Kenya?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Kenya?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Kenya?
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