Visit Us: Unit Z0l, 8a Canal Yard, Hayes Road, UB2 5NA Call Us: UK +44 7800 648 660 | KE +254 111 81 81 81 Hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30 Sat 09:30-15:00 Mail Us: info@tripleafreight.co.uk
Triple A

Import Machinery from UK to Kenya

Import Machinery from UK to Kenya | Industrial Equipment Shipping | Triple A

Import Machinery from the UK to Kenya
Industrial Equipment, Farm Machinery & Aircraft Parts

Triple A ships all categories of machinery and industrial equipment from the UK to Kenya — generators, tractors, water pumps, metalwork machinery, bearings, aircraft parts, and more. Sea freight by container or air freight for urgent parts. In-house KRA customs clearance through Azaanex, our licensed agent in Nairobi.

🏭 All Machinery Types 🌊 Sea Freight · From £2.50/kg ✈️ Air Freight · From £6.99/kg 🇰🇪 KRA Clearance · Azaanex 📦 20ft & 40ft Containers ⚙️ LCL Part-Loads Available
GET A MACHINERY QUOTE → 💬 WHATSAPP US
£67M+UK machinery exported to Kenya (2024)
0%Import duty on most capital machinery
40–45Days sea transit, UK to Mombasa
AzaanexIn-house KRA licensed clearing agent

Importing machinery from the UK to Kenya is one of the most commercially significant freight lanes on the UK→Kenya corridor. According to UK government trade data, mechanical power generators and industrial equipment are the single largest category of UK goods exported to Kenya — over £67 million in 2024 alone.

Kenya's construction boom, agricultural expansion, and growing aviation sector create sustained demand for UK-sourced machinery: Massey Ferguson tractors, Lister and Perkins engines, SKF bearings, metalwork equipment, water pumps, aircraft parts, and more. Triple A ships all of these — by 20ft or 40ft container for large equipment, LCL for smaller consignments, and air freight for urgent parts. Our in-house Kenya partner, Azaanex Holdings Ltd, handles KRA customs clearance in Nairobi — meaning no third-party brokers and no surprise clearance charges at Mombasa port.

Use our Southall warehouse as your UK consolidation point — we can collect from multiple UK suppliers, consolidate into one shipment, and ship to Kenya in a single container.

Machinery Categories We Ship from the UK to Kenya

Every category handled by sea freight container or air freight — with KRA customs clearance through Azaanex at Mombasa/Nairobi.

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Agricultural & Farm Machinery
HS Chapters 84.32 · 84.33 · 87.01
What we ship: Tractors (Massey Ferguson, Ford, Case IH, John Deere, Landini), ploughs, disc harrows, subsoilers, seed drills, fertiliser spreaders, combine harvesters, threshers, maize shellers, balers, hay rakes, ridgers, cultivators, and agricultural trailers.
Massey Ferguson John Deere Case IH Ford / New Holland Kubota
Import Duty: 0% · Agricultural machinery is exempt from import duty under the EAC Common External Tariff. IDF (3.5%), RDL (2%) and VAT (16%) on CIF value still apply. Tractors over 18kW attract 0% duty.
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Water Pumps & Irrigation Equipment
HS Chapter 84.13 · 84.14
What we ship: Lister diesel pumps, Kirloskar centrifugal pumps, Honda and Briggs & Stratton petrol pumps, submersible borehole pumps, irrigation pivot systems, drip line equipment, water storage tanks, pressure pumps, fire-fighting pumps, sewage and slurry pumps.
Lister Kirloskar Grundfos Submersible Borehole
Import Duty: 0% · Pumps for liquid (HS 8413) attract 0% duty under the EAC CET. IDF (3.5%), RDL (2%) and 16% VAT apply on CIF value.
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Generators & Power Equipment
HS Chapter 85.02 · 84.08 · 84.09
What we ship: Lister-Petter diesel generators, Perkins engine generators, Cummins gensets, FG Wilson generators, Caterpillar generators, Kohler power systems, Honda generators, solar inverter systems, UPS units, transformer equipment, switchgear panels, and diesel engines (used and new).
Perkins Cummins Lister-Petter FG Wilson Caterpillar
Import Duty: 0% · Generating sets (HS 8502) attract 0% duty. UK is Kenya's top supplier of power generators — over £67m shipped annually. IDF, RDL, and VAT apply.
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Metalwork & Fabrication Machinery
HS Chapter 84.62 · 84.63 · 84.57 · 84.61
What we ship: Guillotines (hydraulic and mechanical), press brakes, angle rollers, sheet metal rollers, iron workers, plasma cutting machines, CNC lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, grinding machines, welding sets (MIG, TIG, arc), angle grinders, pipe benders, bench vices, and engineering workshop kits.
Guillotines Press Brakes CNC Lathes Plasma Cutters Welding Sets
Import Duty: 0% · Forging, pressing, stamping, bending machines (HS 8462) attract 0% duty under EAC CET. Metal-cutting machine tools (HS 8461) also 0%. IDF, RDL, and VAT apply.
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Bearings & Transmission Components
HS Chapter 84.82 · 84.83 · 84.84
What we ship: Ball bearings (SKF, NSK, FAG, Timken, NTN), roller bearings, needle bearings, tapered roller bearings, pillow block bearings, industrial gear boxes, drive shafts, pulleys, sprockets, couplings, shaft seals, V-belts, timing belts, conveyor belts, and transmission chains.
SKF NSK FAG / Schaeffler Timken NTN
Import Duty: 10% · Ball and roller bearings (HS 8482) attract 10% import duty under the EAC CET. IDF (3.5%), RDL (2%), and VAT (16%) also apply on CIF value.
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Construction & Earth-Moving Equipment
HS Chapter 84.29 · 84.30 · 84.28
What we ship: Excavators (JCB, CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi), bulldozers, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, motor graders, compactors, road rollers, mini diggers, skid steers, telehandlers, concrete mixers, concrete pumps, scaffolding, tower cranes, forklifts, and pallet trucks.
JCB CAT / Caterpillar Komatsu Hitachi Volvo CE
Import Duty: 0% · Bulldozers, excavators, graders, compactors (HS 8429) and other mining/construction machinery attract 0% duty. Self-propelled equipment ships RoRo or in flat-rack containers. IDF, RDL, VAT apply.
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Food Processing & Tea Machinery
HS Chapter 84.35 · 84.38 · 84.19
What we ship: Tea withering troughs, tea rollers, tea dryers, CTC machines, flour milling equipment, grain dryers, rice hullers, palm oil presses, juice processing lines, pasteurisers, milk cooling tanks, packaging machines, weighing and labelling equipment, and cold-room units.
Tea Processing Flour Milling Dairy Packaging Lines Cold Rooms
Import Duty: 0% · Machinery for food processing (HS 8438) and industrial heat-treatment equipment (HS 8419) generally attract 0% duty under EAC CET. IDF, RDL, and VAT apply.
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Printing, Textile & Packaging Machinery
HS Chapter 84.40 · 84.41 · 84.43 · 84.53
What we ship: Offset printing presses, digital printers, screenprinting equipment, bookbinding machines, paper cutters, textile knitting machines, sewing machines (industrial), embroidery machines, garment presses, laundry equipment, shrink-wrap machines, and blister packing lines.
Offset Presses Textile Machinery Packaging Lines Industrial Sewing
Import Duty: 0% · Printing, binding, bookmaking machinery (HS 8443) and textile machinery (HS 8445–8453) attract 0% duty. IDF, RDL, and 16% VAT apply.

✈️ Aircraft Parts & Aviation Components — A Specialist Lane

Importing aircraft parts and aviation components from the UK to Kenya is a growing and commercially important freight lane. Kenya has over 1,500 registered aircraft (KCAA data), a busy JKIA aviation hub, and a significant MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) market. The UK is a major global source of certified aviation parts, surplus aircraft components, avionics, engines, and structural spares.

Duty position: Aircraft spare parts and jet fuel imports to Kenya are duty free (0% import duty). Following the Finance Act 2023, VAT exemptions were extended to a wider range of aircraft parts upon KCAA approval — reducing the cost burden on aviation operators significantly.

🔩 What We Ship

Aircraft wheels & tyres, engines & engine components, avionics, landing gear, propellers, hydraulic systems, seats, structural panels, instruments, APUs

📋 KCAA Requirements

Parts must meet KCAA airworthiness standards. Documentation required: EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3, airworthiness release certificate, part number & serial number records, maintenance history

✈️ Shipping Method

Air freight for urgent AOG (Aircraft on Ground) parts — 3–5 days UK to Nairobi. Sea freight for non-urgent structural, interior, and overhaul components. Hazmat certification for restricted items

💰 Duty Position

0% import duty. VAT exemption available via KCAA approval. IDF (3.5%) and RDL (2%) apply on CIF value. Contact us for pre-shipment classification support

Kenya Import Duty on Machinery from the UK — Quick Reference Table

Based on the EAC Common External Tariff (CET). All imports also attract IDF 3.5%, RDL 2%, and VAT 16% on CIF value. Rates correct as at July 2024 EAC gazette revision.

Machinery CategoryHS ChapterImport DutyNotes
Agricultural machinery (tractors, ploughs, harvesters)87.01, 84.32, 84.330%Exempt — capital goods. All types including new and used tractors.
Water pumps & irrigation equipment84.130%Pumps for liquids. Includes centrifugal, submersible, and borehole pumps.
Generators & generating sets85.020%Diesel, petrol, gas. Includes Perkins, Cummins, Lister, FG Wilson.
Diesel engines & parts84.08, 84.090%Marine and stationary engines. Engine parts may vary.
Metalworking machinery (guillotines, lathes, presses)84.61, 84.62, 84.630%Forging, pressing, stamping, bending, CNC machines, grinding.
Construction & earth-moving equipment84.29, 84.300%JCB, CAT, Komatsu. RoRo or flat-rack shipping.
Printing & packaging machinery84.43, 84.410%Offset, digital, flexo, paper-cutting, bindery.
Food processing machinery84.38, 84.350%Grain mills, tea machinery, dairy equipment, packaging lines.
Textile machinery84.44–84.530%Knitting, weaving, sewing (industrial). Garment and fabric equipment.
Aircraft spare parts & components88.03, 88.040%Duty free. VAT exemption via KCAA approval. EASA/FAA docs required.
Bearings (ball & roller)84.8210%Ball bearings, roller bearings, taper bearings, all types.
Transmission components (gearboxes, shafts, pulleys)84.8310%Gearboxes, clutches, flywheels, pulleys, transmission equipment.
All imports — additional leviesAll HS+21.5%IDF 3.5% + RDL 2% + VAT 16% on CIF value (applies on top of duty above).

⚠️ Important: Duty rates are based on the EAC Common External Tariff (CET) and may be subject to revision. The 2024 EAC Gazette Notice introduced rate changes from July 2024. Always verify current rates via kra.go.ke or contact our Azaanex team for a pre-shipment classification check before purchasing. Rates for used machinery may differ.

💡 UK-Kenya EPA benefit: Kenya and the UK have a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Goods originating in the UK with a valid Certificate of Origin may qualify for preferential duty rates. Ask us about EPA eligibility when you request a quote.

How We Ship Machinery from the UK to Kenya

The right method depends on the size, weight, urgency, and type of your machinery. We advise on the most cost-effective option for every shipment.

📦 Full Container Load (FCL)

For large machinery, multiple items, or full workshop / plant fitouts. Load a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container at your UK supplier, sealed and shipped directly to Mombasa.

  • 20ft container: approx 25–28 CBM / 20,000kg
  • 40ft container: approx 58–65 CBM / 26,500kg
  • Flatbed containers for oversized plant
  • Open-top containers for tall equipment
  • Best for: generators, guillotines, tractors, full workshop kits
From £1,800 per 20ft · From £2,800 per 40ft

🔀 LCL Part-Load (Less Than Container Load)

For smaller machinery, single machines, or parts consignments that don't fill a full container. Your cargo shares container space with other freight and you pay only for what you use.

  • Priced per cubic metre (CBM) or per kg
  • Consolidation at our Southall warehouse
  • Collect from multiple UK suppliers
  • Best for: bearings, pumps, small engines, spare parts, components
  • Transit: 40–45 days UK to Mombasa
Sea freight from £2.50/kg all-inclusive

✈️ Air Freight (Urgent / AOG)

For time-critical machinery parts, aircraft AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations, or high-value small consignments where speed matters more than cost.

  • Transit: 3–5 business days UK to Nairobi
  • JKIA Nairobi or Mombasa airport delivery
  • DGR/Hazmat handling for restricted items
  • Best for: aircraft parts, bearings, electronic components, urgent spares
  • Documentation: EASA Form 1, airworthiness release, HS pre-classification
From £6.99/kg all-inclusive

🚢 RoRo / Flat-Rack (Self-Propelled & Oversized)

For self-propelled machinery (tractors, excavators, bulldozers, forklifts) and oversized or out-of-gauge equipment that can't fit inside a standard container.

  • RoRo for wheeled, self-propelled machinery
  • Flat-rack containers for oversized plant
  • Abnormal load survey if required
  • Best for: tractors, excavators, cranes, road rollers, generators on skids
  • UK port: Southampton or Tilbury
POA — depends on equipment dimensions

⚠️ New vs Used machinery: KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) requires pre-shipment inspection for many imported goods including machinery. Some categories require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before Mombasa clearance. Our Azaanex team advises on KEBS requirements for your specific machinery before shipping — contact us before you buy.

Our Southall Warehouse as Your UK Consolidation Hub

Buying from multiple UK machinery dealers? We collect from all of them and consolidate into one shipment.

Many Kenyan importers source machinery from multiple UK suppliers — a guillotine from a dealer in Birmingham, bearings from a distributor in Sheffield, and a water pump from a supplier in Manchester. Managing three separate shipments to Kenya is expensive and complicated.

Triple A's warehouse at Unit Z01, Canal Yard, Southall UB2 5NA acts as your UK receiving address. We collect from your suppliers (or they deliver to us), we consolidate everything at our Southall warehouse, and we ship it all together in one container — cutting your shipping costs significantly.

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UK Collection
We collect from any UK address
📦
Consolidation
Southall warehouse storage
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One Container
One shipment, one clearance
🇰🇪
Kenya Delivery
Door-to-door via Azaanex

Use our Southall warehouse as your UK delivery address when ordering from any UK supplier, whether buying from dealers, auctions, or online platforms like Machinery Trader, Ritchie Bros, or eBay.

How Machinery Shipping from UK to Kenya Works

From purchase in the UK to delivery at your factory, farm, or site in Kenya — one team, end-to-end.

Get a Quote

Tell us the machinery type, dimensions, weight, and Kenya destination. We quote UK shipping cost AND advise on estimated Kenya-side import duty through Azaanex — before you commit.

Pre-Shipment Check

Our team checks KEBS CoC requirements, HS classification, and KRA duty position for your specific machinery. Identify any compliance issues before you buy — not at Mombasa port.

UK Collection

We collect from your UK supplier or they deliver to our Southall warehouse. We inspect, photograph, and prepare your machinery for export — export packing included on request.

Export Documentation

We handle UK export declaration (C88/E2), commercial invoice verification, packing list, Bill of Lading, and Certificate of Origin (for UK-Kenya EPA preferential rates where applicable).

Ocean / Air Transit

FCL, LCL, RoRo, or air freight — vessel departs weekly. Sea transit: 40–45 days UK to Mombasa. Air transit: 3–5 days UK to Nairobi. WhatsApp updates throughout.

KRA Clearance & Delivery

Azaanex handles KRA entry lodgement, duty payment, port release, and onward transport. Delivery to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or any upcountry destination in Kenya.

Documents Required to Import Machinery into Kenya

We assist with all documentation on both the UK and Kenya side. Here's what's typically required.

📄 UK Export Documents

  • Commercial invoice (seller to buyer)
  • Packing list with weights & dimensions
  • UK export declaration (HMRC)
  • Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill
  • Certificate of Origin (for EPA rates)
  • Insurance certificate (CIF basis)

🛃 Kenya Customs (KRA) Documents

  • Import Declaration Form (IDF) — via Azaanex
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
  • Commercial invoice + packing list
  • KRA PIN of importer
  • Pre-shipment inspection certificate (KEBS CoC where required)
  • Certificate of Origin (if claiming EPA preference)

🔍 KEBS — Pre-Shipment Inspection

  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from approved inspector
  • Approved inspectors: Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS
  • Inspection conducted in UK before shipping
  • Required for most regulated machinery categories
  • We advise on whether your machinery requires CoC

✈️ Aircraft Parts — Additional Requirements

  • EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3 airworthiness release
  • Part number, serial number, condition records
  • Maintenance history and inspection records
  • KCAA import authorisation (for controlled parts)
  • Dangerous goods declaration (where applicable)
  • Operator's airworthiness certificate reference

Why Import Machinery from UK to Kenya with Triple A?

We handle the entire UK-to-Kenya machinery import journey — not just the shipping. Competitors quote freight. We quote freight AND advise on KRA duty, KEBS compliance, and documentation.

❌ Other UK-Kenya Freight Companies

  • Quote shipping only — clearance separate
  • No Kenya-side knowledge of KRA duty rates
  • You find your own Mombasa clearing broker
  • No KEBS compliance advice before shipping
  • Surprise charges when machinery arrives at port
  • No pre-shipment classification check

✅ Triple A Global Logistics

  • UK shipping + Kenya clearance, one team
  • Azaanex advises on KRA duty before you ship
  • In-house clearing agent — no third-party broker
  • KEBS CoC advice and pre-shipment check
  • Full cost estimate before you commit
  • HS pre-classification available on request
🏢

UK Warehouse, Southall

Unit Z01, Canal Yard, Southall UB2 5NA. Drive-in or collection from your UK supplier.

🇰🇪

Azaanex — Our Kenya Agent

Licensed KRA clearing agent, Nairobi. Not outsourced. Not a broker. Our own team in Kenya.

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Duty Transparency

We tell you the full cost — UK shipping + Kenya duty estimate — before you commit to shipping.

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Kenya-Wide Delivery

Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika — delivered to your factory, farm, or site.

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WhatsApp Updates

Real updates throughout. UK: +44 7800 648 660 · Kenya: +254 111 81 81 81

Importing Machinery from UK to Kenya — FAQs

What is the import duty on machinery imported from the UK to Kenya?
Most industrial machinery categories attract 0% import duty under the EAC Common External Tariff (CET) — including agricultural machinery, generators, water pumps, metalwork machinery, construction equipment, and aircraft parts. Bearings (HS 8482) attract 10% duty. However, all imports also attract IDF (3.5%), RDL (2%), and 16% VAT on the CIF value — so the effective additional cost on a 0% duty item is approximately 21.5% of CIF. Our Azaanex team provides duty estimates for your specific machinery before you ship.
Do I need a pre-shipment inspection certificate (KEBS CoC) for machinery?
Many machinery categories require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from a KEBS-approved inspection body (Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or SGS) before shipment from the UK. The inspection confirms the machinery meets Kenya's standards. Machinery that arrives without a required CoC can be held at Mombasa port. We advise on whether your specific machinery requires a CoC before you purchase — contact us with the HS code or product description.
Can I import used machinery from the UK to Kenya?
Yes. Used machinery can be imported to Kenya from the UK and is commonly done for tractors, generators, metalwork equipment, and construction plant. Used machinery is subject to the same duty rates as new. KEBS may require a pre-shipment inspection to confirm condition and safety. Some categories of used equipment may face more scrutiny at customs — we advise on any restrictions applicable to your specific machinery before shipping.
How long does it take to ship machinery from the UK to Kenya?
Sea freight (FCL or LCL): 40–45 days from UK port to Mombasa, plus 5–10 days for KRA customs clearance. Total door-to-door: typically 7–9 weeks. Air freight: 3–5 business days UK to Nairobi JKIA, plus 2–3 days for customs clearance. For urgent aircraft AOG parts, we can offer same-day departure from the UK on available flights.
What machinery brands from the UK are most commonly imported to Kenya?
The most frequently shipped UK machinery brands to Kenya include: agricultural — Massey Ferguson, Ford/New Holland, Case IH; generators/engines — Perkins, Lister-Petter, FG Wilson, Cummins; construction — JCB, Caterpillar; bearings — SKF, FAG/Schaeffler, Timken; water pumps — Lister, Grundfos, Kirloskar. Many Kenyan importers also source surplus and used machinery through UK auctions (Ritchie Bros, Euro Auctions, Hilton-Baird) and dealers — we collect from all UK locations.
Are aircraft spare parts duty free when imported from the UK to Kenya?
Yes. Aircraft spare parts and jet fuel attract 0% import duty when imported to Kenya. Following the Finance Act 2023, VAT exemptions were extended to a wider range of aircraft parts upon approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Parts must comply with KCAA airworthiness standards and be accompanied by appropriate documentation (EASA Form 1 or FAA 8130-3 airworthiness release, part number and serial records). Contact us with specific part details for pre-classification advice.
Can you consolidate machinery from multiple UK suppliers into one container?
Yes — this is one of our most common services for machinery importers. We collect from multiple UK dealers, auction sites, or distributors, consolidate at our Southall warehouse, and ship everything in one container with one Bill of Lading and one customs clearance in Kenya. This significantly reduces shipping costs and simplifies the import process. Contact us to use our Southall address as your UK delivery point.
What is the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and how does it affect machinery imports?
The UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) allows qualifying goods that originate in the UK to enter Kenya at reduced or zero preferential duty rates. For machinery already attracting 0% standard duty, the EPA may still reduce other charges. A Certificate of Origin confirming UK origin is required to claim EPA preference. Our team advises on EPA eligibility for your shipment at the quoting stage.
How do I get a price for shipping machinery from the UK to Kenya?
Contact us via our quote form or WhatsApp with: machinery type and brand, dimensions (L × W × H in cm) and weight (kg), UK collection address or supplier location, whether it's new or used, and your destination in Kenya. We'll come back with the UK shipping cost and an estimate of Kenya-side import duty — giving you the full picture before you commit.

Ready to Import Machinery from the UK to Kenya?

Get a full cost estimate — UK shipping price and Kenya duty estimate together. Sea freight, air freight, FCL, LCL, or RoRo. One team from UK collection to Kenya delivery, with in-house KRA clearance through Azaanex.

MACHINERY IMPORT EXPERTS · UK TO KENYA · IN-HOUSE KRA CLEARANCE

GET A MACHINERY QUOTE → 💬 WHATSAPP US NOW

Also importing personal goods, vehicles, or stock to Kenya?

Sea Freight to Kenya  ·  Air Freight to Kenya  ·  Vehicle Shipping to Kenya

📞 UK: +44 7800 648 660 · 🇰🇪 Kenya: +254 111 81 81 81
📧 info@tripleafreight.co.uk · 📍 Unit Z01, Canal Yard, Southall UB2 5NA
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