Import Duty & VAT — China to Kenya
Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control charges 16% VAT on imports from China to Kenya, plus an HS-code-specific duty typically in the 0–35% band. Both apply to the CIF value.
Below: authority, CIF calculation basis, indicative rates, the official portal for the exact HS-code rate, the customs-clearance process at Port of Mombasa (gateway for East Africa, categories with special treatment, and common mistakes to avoid on a commercial import from China.
What is the import duty from China to Kenya?
CIF value: the basis of every calculation
CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight. It's the value on which Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control calculates VAT and duty.
Cost (C): supplier price on the Chinese commercial invoice.
Insurance (I): international cargo insurance (typically 0.5–2% of value).
Freight (F): international freight to Port of Mombasa (gateway for East Africa (see our shipping page).
Worked example: Supplier invoice US$10,000 + insurance US$100 + freight US$800 = CIF US$10,900. On this basis, duty + VAT + additional fees are calculated.
If you buy on EXW (factory) or FOB (Chinese port) terms, customs rebuilds the CIF value by adding freight + insurance — you cannot avoid this base.
Step-by-step: clearing customs in Kenya
- 1
Prepare documents
Bill of lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, sanitary certificate if needed (food, cosmetics), HS code for each product line.
- 2
Engage a local customs broker
A broker familiar with Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control and Port of Mombasa (gateway for East Africa simplifies everything. Ask for an all-in quote (clearance + handling + transport to warehouse).
- 3
Submit the customs declaration
Via the official portal https://www.kra.go.ke. The declarant (you or your broker) enters the HS code, CIF value, and attaches documents.
- 4
Pre-assessment and inspection
Customs assigns a risk channel: green (direct), yellow (document check), red (physical inspection). Physical inspection adds 1–3 days and may cost in storage.
- 5
Pay duty + VAT + taxes
Payment goes through approved banks or directly to the customs treasury. Your broker provides the official receipt.
- 6
Release and delivery to your warehouse
Once paid and inspected, the cargo is released for transport to your warehouse. Allow 1–3 extra days for inland transport.
Official Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control portal
The exact rate depends on your product's HS code. Check the official portal directly for the full tariff schedule, preferential regimes and exemptions applicable in Kenya.
Note: EAC Common External Tariff. IDF (3.5%) + Railway Development Levy (2%) apply on most imports.
Categories with special treatment in Kenya
Certain import categories from China get specific treatment in Kenya: higher rates (used clothing, alcohol, tobacco, used vehicles), preferential rates (industrial inputs, raw materials for local production), or bans/quotas (depending on current trade policy).
Always check the up-to-date list of prohibited or licensable products before ordering. Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control publishes these lists; your local forwarder knows the common cases. A US$5,000 product that turns out to be prohibited is a total loss.
Categories that often require a sanitary or conformity certificate before entry: food products (fresh and processed), cosmetics, medicines, toys and children's products, electronics with batteries, telecommunications equipment.
Tax registration prerequisites for importing in Kenya
To clear a commercial import in Kenya, you typically need a business tax identification number (equivalent of the local Tax ID), an importer's license if required, and a business bank account to pay duty through a bank accredited by Kenya Revenue Authority — Customs & Border Control.
For individuals importing small volumes (samples, personal purchases), the regime may differ — often a simplified clearance with a value cap (typically US$500–2,000). Above that cap, the commercial regime applies and tax registration is required.
Renew your tax certificate and any required permits before expiry: an import file rejected for expired KYC can hold your container in the port zone with daily stockage fees accumulating.