How long does KRA clearance usually take?

For standard personal shipments cleared by Azaanex at Nairobi ICD, KRA clearance typically takes 2–5 working days from cargo arrival. FCL container clearance at Mombasa Port typically takes 3–7 working days. Vehicle clearance can take 5–10 working days due to KEBS inspection and NTSA requirements.

Can I use Triple A's Southall warehouse as my UK delivery address?

Yes. Use our Southall warehouse at Unit Z01, Canal Yard, Hayes Road, Southall, UB2 5NA as your UK delivery address when shopping from any retailer including Amazon, eBay, or ASOS. We consolidate your goods and ship them to Kenya. Contact us on WhatsApp at +44 7800 648 660 to set up your account.

Documents & Certifications - Triple A Global Logistics

Q: Can I ship second-hand clothes (mitumba) to Kenya?

Yes. Mitumba can be shipped from the UK to Kenya but requires a KEBS Certificate of Conformity through a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspection in the UK before loading. Triple A has experience handling mitumba shipments — contact us before booking.

Q: What import duty rates does KRA charge on goods from the UK?

KRA duty rates vary by product: clothing and textiles 25–35%, electronics 0–25%, furniture 25%, motor vehicles 25–35% plus 16% VAT. Personal effects for returning residents may qualify for full duty exemption. An IDF levy of 3.5% of CIF value applies to all commercial imports.

What Documents Do You Need to Ship to Kenya?

Every shipment entering Kenya must pass through KRA customs clearance at either Nairobi ICD or Mombasa Port. Having the correct documents ready before your shipment departs the UK prevents delays, storage charges, and customs holds on arrival.

At Triple A Global Logistics, our sister company Azaanex Holdings Ltd handles all KRA customs clearance in-house — so we know exactly what's needed for your cargo to clear smoothly.

What's Included in Our Service

KRA customs clearance via Azaanex Holdings Ltd
Nairobi ICD and Mombasa Port clearance
No separate clearance fee charged on arrival
Document guidance provided on booking
Air freight and sea freight both covered

Jump to: Required Documents FCL Container Returning Residents Vehicle Imports Who Handles What Duty Rates Clearance Process Prohibited Items FAQs

Customs Requirements

Required Shipping Documents — All Shipments

The documents below apply to all shipments from the UK to Kenya. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of clearance delays.

📋

Required — All Shipments

Commercial Invoice

A detailed invoice listing all items, their values, and country of origin. KRA uses this to calculate applicable duties and taxes.

Full description of each item
Quantity and unit value in GBP or USD
Total shipment value
Sender and recipient full names and addresses
Country of origin for each item

📦

Required — All Shipments

Packing List

A complete itemised list of everything inside each box or container. Must match the commercial invoice exactly.

Number of boxes/packages
Contents of each package
Weight and dimensions of each package
Total gross weight

🆔

Required — All Shipments

Recipient's ID / KRA PIN

The person receiving goods in Kenya must provide valid identification and their KRA PIN for customs processing.

Copy of national ID or passport
KRA PIN certificate
Recipient's full Kenyan address
Recipient's active phone number

🚢

Required — Sea Freight

Bill of Lading

The official shipping document issued by the carrier confirming receipt of cargo and terms of delivery. Required for all sea freight.

Issued by Triple A / shipping line
Container or BL reference number
Port of loading and discharge
Consignee details must match ID

✈️

Required — Air Freight

Airway Bill (AWB)

The air freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading. Issued when your cargo is booked onto a Friday departure flight from the UK.

AWB number for tracking
Flight details and routing
Weight and dimensions confirmed
Consignee details for clearance

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Conditional

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Required for commercial goods and certain personal shipments. Azaanex files this on your behalf through the KRA TradeNet portal.

Required for commercial imports
Required for electronics above threshold
IDF levy: 3.5% of CIF value
Processing time: 1–3 working days

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Conditional — KEBS Items

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Required for KEBS-regulated product categories. Obtained from a UK PVoC inspection body before shipment departs.

Electrical appliances and electronics
Children's products and toys
Second-hand clothing (mitumba)
Allow 5–10 days for PVoC inspection

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Returning Residents Only

Personal Effects Declaration

Returning Kenyan residents may qualify for duty exemption on used personal effects. Must be applied for through KRA before cargo arrives.

Proof of previous UK residence
Evidence of permanent return to Kenya
Items must be used, not new
Azaanex files the exemption application

Full Container Load

FCL Container — Required Documents

Shipping a full 20ft or 40ft container to Kenya requires a more complete documentation set than groupage or parcel shipments. Triple A coordinates all paperwork — you provide the source documents, Azaanex handles the KRA filing.

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Required — FCL

Original Bill of Lading (OBL)

The original, signed Bill of Lading issued by the shipping line. Must be surrendered to release the container at Mombasa Port.

3 original copies typically issued
Consignee name must match KRA PIN holder
Container number and seal number included
Notify party: Azaanex Holdings Ltd
Freight terms clearly stated: prepaid or collect

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Required — FCL

Commercial Invoice with HS Codes

A comprehensive invoice covering all goods inside the container. KRA cross-references against the packing list and may inspect if values appear understated.

Itemised by product category
HS tariff codes recommended per line
CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) declared
Exporter and importer company details
Must be on company letterhead

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Required — FCL

Full Packing List

A box-by-box breakdown of every item inside the container. Must exactly match the commercial invoice.

Total number of cartons/pallets
Contents, quantity and weight per carton
Total net weight and gross weight
Container stuffing list if multiple product types

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Required — FCL

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Mandatory for all FCL commercial imports. Filed through Kenya TradeNet before cargo arrives. Azaanex files this on your behalf.

Filed via KRA Kenya TradeNet portal
Requires valid KRA PIN of importer
IDF levy: 3.5% of CIF value
Processing: 1–3 working days

🆔

Required — FCL

Importer KRA PIN & Company Docs

The Kenyan importer of record must provide their KRA PIN and company registration documents for all FCL shipments.

KRA PIN certificate (individual or company)
National ID or passport of director
Certificate of incorporation (companies)
CR12 form for company directors if applicable

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Conditional — KEBS Categories

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Required for KEBS-regulated product categories. Must be obtained from a UK PVoC inspection body before the container is loaded.

Electronics and electrical equipment
Consumer goods regulated by KEBS
Second-hand goods (mitumba)
Allow 5–10 working days for PVoC inspection

Returning Residents

Returning Resident — Required Documents

Kenyan citizens returning home permanently from the UK may qualify for duty exemption on used personal and household effects under the KRA Returning Resident Relief scheme. The exemption must be applied for in advance — it does not apply automatically.

🛂

Required — Returning Resident

Valid Kenyan Passport

Your Kenyan passport is the primary document confirming nationality and eligibility for returning resident relief.

Must be valid at time of application
Must show travel history confirming time abroad
Certified copy required for KRA application
Bio-data page and all entry/exit stamp pages

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Required — Returning Resident

Proof of UK Residence

Evidence you were residing in the UK for a minimum period before returning to Kenya permanently.

UK utility bills or council tax statements
UK bank statements showing UK address
UK tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
HMRC correspondence or payslips
Documents should cover at least 12 months abroad

✈️

Required — Returning Resident

Proof of Return to Kenya

Confirmation you have returned permanently, not temporarily. Key eligibility requirement for the duty exemption.

Flight itinerary or boarding pass to Kenya
Kenya entry stamp in passport
Letter of intent to reside in Kenya permanently
Goods must arrive within 90 days of your return

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Required — Returning Resident

Detailed Inventory of Goods

A complete list of all personal effects being shipped. Items must be used — new items are assessed at full duty rates.

Description of each item
Estimated age and condition (used)
Estimated current value in USD
No commercial quantities of any single item

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Required — Returning Resident

KRA PIN Certificate

Your Kenyan KRA PIN is required to process the returning resident application and customs clearance.

KRA PIN certificate — active and valid
Update with KRA before shipping if outdated
Azaanex files the exemption application on your behalf

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Supporting — Conditional

Employment / Student Records

If your reason for being in the UK was employment or study, these documents strengthen your application.

UK employer letter or P45/P60
University enrollment and graduation letter
Work permit or visa history
Supporting — not always mandatory

Vehicle Imports

Car & Vehicle Imports — Required Documents

Importing a car, van, or other motor vehicle from the UK to Kenya involves KRA, KEBS, and NTSA requirements. Triple A and Azaanex manage the full clearance process — from RoRo loading in the UK to release at Mombasa Port.

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Required — Vehicle Import

Original Vehicle Logbook (V5C)

The UK DVLA registration document is the primary proof of ownership. The original must be surrendered — photocopies are not accepted by KRA.

Original V5C only — not a photocopy
Name on V5C must match importer ID
If recently purchased: include purchase receipt
DVLA export notification recommended

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Required — Vehicle Import

Bill of Lading (RoRo)

Issued by the RoRo shipping line confirming your vehicle has been loaded and the terms of delivery to Mombasa Port.

Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN/chassis number
Consignee details matching KRA PIN holder
Port of discharge: Mombasa
Notify party: Azaanex Holdings Ltd

💰

Required — Vehicle Import

Purchase Invoice / Proof of Value

KRA calculates import duty on vehicles based on their Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) database — not necessarily what you paid. A purchase invoice is still required.

Dealer invoice or private sale receipt
Purchase price in GBP or USD
Date of purchase and seller details
KRA applies CRSP for duty calculation

🏛️

Required — Vehicle Import

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Mandatory for all vehicle imports. Azaanex files this through KRA's TradeNet portal before the vessel arrives at Mombasa Port.

Filed via KRA Kenya TradeNet
Requires vehicle VIN/chassis number
IDF levy: 3.5% of CIF value
Processing: 2–5 working days
Must be filed before vessel arrival

🔍

Required — Vehicle Import

Pre-Export Inspection Report (KEBS)

All imported used vehicles must be inspected by a KEBS-approved body in the UK. Confirms roadworthiness and emissions compliance before loading.

Carried out by KEBS-approved UK inspection agent
Vehicle must be 8 years old or newer (from manufacture)
Right-hand drive only permitted for Kenya
Allow 3–7 working days for inspection appointment

🆔

Required — Vehicle Import

Importer KRA PIN & ID

The Kenyan person or company registering the vehicle must provide their KRA PIN and valid ID for both customs clearance and NTSA registration.

KRA PIN certificate
National ID or passport
Proof of Kenyan address
Company documents if importing as a business
NTSA registration follows after KRA clearance

Who Does What

Documents We Handle vs Documents You Provide

We handle all KRA filing and customs communications. You provide the source documents. Here is the split clearly laid out.

Document

You Provide

We Handle

Commercial Invoice & Packing List

You prepare and send to us

We submit to KRA via Azaanex

KRA PIN Certificate & ID

You provide copy to us

We use for clearance filing

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

—

We issue on your behalf

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

—

Azaanex files via KRA TradeNet

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Arranged in UK before shipping

We advise which items need it

Original V5C (vehicles)

You provide original to us

We submit to Mombasa Port

Returning Resident Relief Application

You provide supporting documents

Azaanex files with KRA

KRA Duty Payment

You pay duties assessed by KRA

We notify you of amount and facilitate

Approximate KRA Import Duty Rates — 2026

Indicative rates only. Actual duties depend on HS tariff code, declared value, and KRA assessment. Contact Azaanex for a duty estimate on your specific goods before shipping.

Clothing & Textiles25–35%

Electronics & Appliances0–25%

Furniture & Household Goods25%

Footwear25–35%

Motor Vehicles (+ 16% VAT)25–35%

Personal Effects — Returning ResidentExempt*

IDF Levy — All Commercial Imports3.5% CIF

VAT on Imports16%

*Returning resident exemption applies to used personal effects only, subject to KRA approval. New items assessed at full duty rates. Get a duty estimate before booking your shipment.

How It Works

KRA Customs Clearance Process & Timescales

Azaanex Holdings Ltd manages every step of your KRA clearance — you don't pay separately for this on arrival in Kenya.

Documents Submitted

Your commercial invoice, packing list and ID are submitted to KRA through Azaanex upon cargo arrival at Nairobi ICD or Mombasa Port.

Day 1

Duties Assessed

KRA calculates applicable import duties and VAT based on declared value and HS tariff codes. IDF is verified at this stage.

Days 1–3

Duties Paid

Azaanex notifies you of the duty amount. Payment is made to KRA before release. Triple A can advise on expected rates at booking stage.

Days 2–5

Cargo Released

Once duties are settled and all documents approved, your cargo is released for collection or door delivery across Kenya.

Days 3–7

Prohibited Items — Cannot Be Shipped

The following items are strictly prohibited under Kenyan law and international shipping regulations. Shipments found to contain these items will be seized by KRA and may result in legal action against the sender.

✕Firearms, ammunition, and weapons of any kind

✕Illegal drugs and controlled substances

✕Counterfeit goods and pirated material

✕Pornographic material

✕Endangered species and wildlife products (CITES)

✕Hazardous chemicals and toxic substances

✕Radioactive materials

✕Flammable liquids and explosives

✕Currency above permitted limits (undeclared)

✕Soil, unprocessed plant material and certain food products

Restricted Items — Prior Approval Required

These items can be shipped but require additional documentation or permits before departure from the UK. Contact us before booking if your shipment includes any of the following.

Medicines and pharmaceutical products
Medical devices and equipment
Perfumes and alcohol-based products
Second-hand clothing (mitumba) — KEBS PVoC inspection required
Food products and supplements
Agricultural seeds and pesticides
Telecommunications equipment
Used motor vehicle parts
Batteries (lithium — air freight restrictions apply)
Alcohol and tobacco products
Security equipment (CCTV, alarms)
Children's products requiring KEBS CoC

Packing Guidelines

Proper packing protects your goods and avoids customs delays caused by damaged or unidentifiable items.

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Use Strong Outer Boxes

Double-walled cardboard boxes are recommended. Avoid re-using damaged boxes for heavy items.

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Label Every Box

Include your name, recipient's name, and Kenyan delivery address on every box — not just the outer package.

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Declare Accurately

Never undervalue items on your commercial invoice. KRA may inspect and value items independently.

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Seal Securely

Use strong packing tape on all seams. Fragile items should be bubble-wrapped and packed with void fill.

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Weigh Before Drop-Off

Your shipment is charged per kg. Weigh your boxes at home before bringing to our Southall warehouse.

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Photograph Contents

Take photos of box contents before sealing. Useful for insurance claims and customs queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kenya Shipping Documents — FAQs

Common questions about documents, customs clearance, and what to expect when shipping from the UK to Kenya.

Not for every shipment. The IDF is required for all commercial imports and for personal shipments above the de minimis threshold. For small personal parcels, Azaanex will advise whether an IDF is required based on declared value and contents. All FCL container shipments and vehicle imports require an IDF without exception.

KRA requires the original V5C logbook for vehicle clearance at Mombasa Port — photocopies are not accepted. If you have lost the V5C, apply for a replacement from the DVLA before shipping. Shipping without the original V5C will result in the vehicle being held at Mombasa Port incurring daily storage charges. Contact Triple A before booking your vehicle shipment to confirm all documents are in order.

For standard personal shipments cleared by Azaanex at Nairobi ICD, KRA clearance typically takes 2–5 working days from cargo arrival, assuming all documents are correct and duties are paid promptly. FCL container clearance at Mombasa Port typically takes 3–7 working days. Vehicle clearance can take 5–10 working days due to KEBS inspection and NTSA requirements. Delays occur most commonly when documents are incomplete or duty payment is delayed.

Yes. Mitumba can be shipped from the UK to Kenya but it is a restricted category requiring a KEBS Certificate of Conformity through a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspection in the UK before loading. Triple A has experience handling mitumba shipments — contact us before booking to ensure your consignment meets KEBS requirements.

KRA duty rates vary by product category. Common rates: clothing and textiles 25–35%, electronics 0–25%, furniture and household goods 25%, motor vehicles 25–35% plus 16% VAT. Personal effects for returning residents may qualify for full duty exemption. An IDF levy of 3.5% of CIF value applies to all commercial imports. Contact us for a duty estimate on your specific goods before shipping.

Yes. Triple A and Azaanex Holdings Ltd handle all KRA customs filing, IDF submissions, and clearance communications — with no separate clearance fee charged on arrival in Kenya. You provide the source documents: your commercial invoice, packing list, and a copy of your KRA PIN and ID. For vehicle imports, you must also provide the original V5C. Once we have your documents, Azaanex manages the rest.

Yes. Use our Southall warehouse at Unit Z01, Canal Yard, Hayes Road, Southall, UB2 5NA as your UK delivery address when shopping from any retailer — Amazon, eBay, ASOS, or any online store. We consolidate your goods and ship them to Kenya on your chosen service. Contact us on WhatsApp at +44 7800 648 660 to set up your account.

Nairobi ICD handles air freight shipments and some sea freight containers for Nairobi and central Kenya. Mombasa Port handles all sea freight arriving by vessel including FCL containers and RoRo vehicle shipments. Azaanex Holdings Ltd operates at both locations. Sea freight containers for Nairobi are typically cleared at Mombasa and transported by rail or road to Nairobi ICD for collection or delivery.

KRA Clearance Handled In-House — No Extra Fees on Arrival

Our sister company Azaanex Holdings Ltd manages all KRA customs clearance at Nairobi ICD and Mombasa Port. Unlike many UK freight forwarders who outsource clearance to third parties in Kenya, our in-house operation means faster release, fewer delays, and no separate clearance fee charged to your recipient on arrival.

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