Kenya is well known for its scenic landscapes and its vast wildlife preserves. During many centuries, travellers and traders entered the continent through Kenya's two main ports on the Indian Ocean - Lamu and Mombasa. This resulted in a long tradition of connection between Africans and the peoples of Arabia and Asia, and eventually worldwide.
Kenya's coast is also home to some of the finest beaches in Africa, and its people have contributed much to the musical and culinary heritage of Kenya.
Kenya is becoming one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in Africa thanks to the government's promotion of e-commerce and e-government services. This has led to a very high proportion of Kenyans now able to make financial transactions on-line. So, it is now even easier to say a big jambo to your Kenyan friends.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Kenya through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Kenya. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Kenya
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Eldoret, EL, KE
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Kisumu, KI, KE
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Mombasa, MO, KE
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Nairobi, NA, KE
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Kenya before shipping any goods.
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:
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: 31 Mar 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: 31 Mar 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
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)
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: 31 Mar 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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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)
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: 31 Mar 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)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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).
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: 31 Mar 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
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Kenya. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Kenya, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and 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.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
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.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
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.
