KRA Licensed · Mombasa Port · JKIA · Nairobi ICD
Customs Clearance
Kenya —
Done In-House.
Most shippers hand your cargo to an unknown broker after landing. Triple A doesn't. Every UK-to-Kenya shipment is cleared by Azaanex Holdings Ltd — our own KRA-licensed clearing company in Nairobi. Named. Accountable. No hidden port charges. Ever.
Azaanex Holdings Ltd — At a Glance
KRA Licensed Clearing AgentKenya Revenue Authority
JKIA NairobiAir freight clearance
Mombasa PortFCL, LCL & RoRo clearance
Nairobi ICD — SGRInland container depot
1–3 Working DaysTypical clearance time
£0 Extra on ArrivalFor all Triple A shipments
KRA iCMS — Pre-Lodged IDFFiled before cargo arrives
Azaanex
KRA licensed
clearing agent
clearing agent
JKIA
Air cargo
clearance
clearance
Mombasa
Sea & container
clearance
clearance
ICD Nairobi
SGR inland
clearance
clearance
1–3 Days
Air clearance
timeline
timeline
£0
Hidden fees
on arrival
on arrival
Customs clearance in Kenya is mandatory for every import — KRA law requires a licensed clearing agent to process all commercial cargo. Triple A Global Logistics operates Azaanex Holdings Ltd, our own KRA-licensed clearing company in Nairobi, handling customs clearance at JKIA, Mombasa Port, and Nairobi ICD. For UK-shipped cargo, clearance is fully included in your rate — zero extra charges on arrival. For standalone clearance, Azaanex is also available for containers and cargo arriving by any carrier.
The Triple A / Azaanex Difference
One Controlled Corridor —
UK to Kenya. No Handoffs.
Most Kenya-based clearing agents only control the Kenya side. Triple A controls the UK side too — and that changes everything for UK importers.
UK Origin Control
Triple A manages your cargo from collection at our Southall warehouse. HS codes verified, KEBS PVoC arranged, IDF data prepared — all before goods leave the UK. No documentation gaps on arrival.
Named Kenya Clearing Partner
Azaanex Holdings Ltd is Triple A's own company — not a subcontractor, not a broker. When your cargo lands in Kenya, the same accountable team that managed the UK side handles clearance. One call. One chain.
Landed Cost Guarantee
Competitors quote shipping. Clearance is extra. Triple A quotes the total. VAT 16%, IDF 3.5%, RDL 2%, and Azaanex clearing fees are all included in your UK rate. Your consignee in Kenya pays nothing on arrival.
KRA
Licensed
clearing agent
clearing agent
3
Clearance
points
points
1–3
Days air
clearance
clearance
2016
On this
corridor since
corridor since
Three Clearance Points
JKIA · Mombasa Port ·
Nairobi ICD
Azaanex operates at all three primary Kenya customs clearance points. Whatever your cargo and whatever port it arrives at — we're there.
JKIA Nairobi
Air Freight Clearance
- Azaanex meets every Triple A inbound air consignment
- IDF pre-lodged before aircraft departs the UK
- Clearance typically 1–2 working days post-arrival
- 14 days free Nairobi warehouse storage post-clearance
- Door-to-door across all 47 Kenya counties
Mombasa Port
FCL · LCL · RoRo Clearance
- Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — KES 2,100,000
- Used Goods 40ft — KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — KES 800,000
- Returning Resident 40ft — KES 700,000 · 20ft — KES 400,000
- LCL groupage, FCL, RoRo vehicles all handled
- Bill of Lading surrender and KPA cargo release coordinated
- Typical clearance 3–5 working days after vessel berths
- SGR transfer to Nairobi ICD available on request
Nairobi ICD
Inland Container Depot — SGR
- Containers cleared at Nairobi ICD via SGR — faster than road
- Often cheaper than Mombasa Port clearance for central Kenya
- Avoids Mombasa Port congestion and demurrage risk
- Ideal for Nairobi-bound full containers
- Onward delivery to any Kenya county from ICD
Why It Matters
The Broker Problem — Solved
Most UK-to-Kenya freight companies ship your cargo to JKIA or Mombasa — and then hand it to an unnamed third-party broker you've never met. This is when unexpected charges appear. Here's the difference.
| Stage | Third-Party Broker Model | Triple A + Azaanex |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo arrives at JKIA / Mombasa | Handed to an unnamed Nairobi agent you've never dealt with | Azaanex — Triple A's own company — takes direct control |
| IDF filing | Broker files on arrival — adding 1–3 days minimum to clearance | Pre-lodged via KRA iCMS before cargo leaves the UK |
| Clearance fees | Separate broker invoice of KES 15,000–50,000+ after landing | Included in UK-quoted rate — zero extra in Kenya |
| Duty calculation | Broker assigns HS code — errors cause reclassification penalties | HS codes verified in the UK before departure — no disputes |
| KEBS / PVoC | Non-compliance discovered at Mombasa — 15% CIF penalty applies | PVoC arranged with QISJ/SGS in Southall before goods sail |
| Updates & visibility | Importer must chase multiple parties — UK shipper and Nairobi broker | WhatsApp updates from a named team member at every milestone |
| Total landed cost | UK quote + broker fees + port charges + penalty risk = unknown total | One all-inclusive UK quote. That is what you pay. Guaranteed. |
What We Clear
Customs Clearance Services — All Cargo Types
Azaanex handles customs clearance for the full range of UK-to-Kenya imports — from online shopping parcels to 40ft containers and commercial machinery.
01
Air Freight — JKIA Nairobi
Weekly Monday flights from Heathrow to JKIA. Azaanex pre-files the IDF before the aircraft departs. Same-day processing on arrival. 1–2 working day clearance for compliant consignments. All duties included in the £7.99/kg all-inclusive rate.
02
Sea Freight LCL — Mombasa Port
Shared container groupage cleared at Mombasa Port. Bill of Lading surrender, KPA coordination, duty payment and port release managed by Azaanex. All duties included in the £2.95/kg all-inclusive sea freight rate.
03
Full Container — FCL Clearance
Full container clearance at Mombasa Port or Nairobi ICD via Azaanex — for containers shipped by any carrier. Rates based on cargo type:
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
04
Vehicle & RoRo Clearance — Mombasa
Cars, SUVs, vans, trucks and motorcycles cleared at Mombasa Port. Import duty (25%), excise duty (engine-size based), VAT, and IDF assessed against KRA CRSP valuation. NTSA registration and logbook support available.
05
Machinery, Generators & Industrial Equipment
Commercial machinery imports including power generators, industrial tools, and construction equipment. HS code classification for capital goods to access lower duty rates (0–10%). EPA preferential tariffs applied where UK-origin goods qualify.
06
Online Shopping & Retail Consolidations
Consolidated UK retail orders — Amazon, eBay, ASOS, and supplier stock — cleared as a single consignment from our Southall warehouse. KEBS compliance for electronics included. Zero separate clearance fees.
📋 Azaanex Standalone Clearance Rates — Mombasa Port & Nairobi ICD
| Cargo Category | Container | From |
|---|---|---|
| 🧺 Used Mtumba — Clothing | 40ft FCL | KES 2,100,000 |
| 📦 Used Goods | 40ft FCL | KES 1,200,000 |
| 📦 Used Goods | 20ft FCL | KES 800,000 |
| 🏠 Returning Resident | 40ft FCL | KES 700,000 |
| 🏠 Returning Resident | 20ft FCL | KES 400,000 |
Rates cover KRA customs clearance via Azaanex Holdings Ltd at Mombasa Port or Nairobi ICD. Import duties, VAT, IDF and government levies assessed separately by KRA against declared cargo value. Available for cargo shipped by any carrier. Contact us with container number, cargo type, and vessel ETA for a confirmed quote.
Kenya Import Duties 2026
KRA Customs Duties — Full Rate Table
All duties are assessed by KRA per the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET). For all Triple A shipments, VAT, IDF, and RDL are included in your UK-quoted rate. Import duty on goods is assessed against declared value — Azaanex advises on estimates at booking.
| Category | Import Duty | VAT | IDF | RDL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machinery & Industrial Equipment | 0–10% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | Capital goods exemptions possible. EPA preferential rates for UK-origin. Azaanex advises. |
| Electronics & Tech (phones, laptops) | 10–25% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | HS code-specific. KEBS PVoC mandatory. Triple A arranges via QISJ/SGS in UK. |
| Vehicles — Passenger Cars & SUVs | 25% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | Excise duty 20–35% (engine size). Assessed on KRA CRSP value. RHD only. Max 8 years. |
| Clothing, Shoes & Fashion | 25–35% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | Used clothing (mitumba) — commercial imports require KRA permit. |
| Cosmetics & Beauty Products | 25% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | KEBS compliance required for commercial quantities. CoC arranged by Triple A. |
| Medicines & Pharmaceuticals | 0–10% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | PPB (Pharmacy & Poisons Board) import permit required for commercial quantities. |
| Food Products — Commercial | 25% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | KEBS product standards + KEPHIS phytosanitary certificate required. |
| General Cargo & Personal Effects | 25% | 16% | 3.5% | 2% | Varies by HS code. Personal effects for returning residents — duty concessions may apply. |
| ✓ For all Triple A shipments: VAT, IDF, and RDL are included in your UK-quoted rate. Import duty on goods is assessed separately by KRA against declared value — Azaanex advises on estimates at the time of booking. | |||||
💡 UK–Kenya EPA — Preferential Duty Rates
UK-origin goods qualify for reduced or zero import duty under the UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Azaanex claims preferential rates by filing a EUR.1 Certificate of Origin. Most UK-to-Kenya shippers don't proactively apply this — meaning importers routinely overpay. Ask us at booking whether your goods qualify.
Step by Step
How Customs Clearance in Kenya Works with Us
From UK departure to Kenya delivery — the full customs clearance process managed end-to-end, with no handoffs to unknown agents.
1
Pre-Clearance Document Check — UK Side
At booking, Triple A reviews your goods list, confirms HS codes, checks KEBS PVoC requirements, and identifies any permit needs. KEBS Certificate of Conformity is arranged with QISJ or SGS in Southall before goods are dispatched. Missing documents flagged before departure — not after landing at Mombasa.
Southall Warehouse — Before Departure2
IDF Pre-Lodgment via KRA iCMS
Azaanex submits the Import Declaration Form (IDF) to Kenya Revenue Authority via the KRA iCMS platform before your cargo departs the UK. Pre-filing means KRA processing begins the moment your consignment arrives — cutting 1–3 days off the typical broker-filed clearance timeline.
Pre-Arrival — Before Cargo Lands3
Cargo Arrives — JKIA or Mombasa Port
Aircraft lands at JKIA or vessel berths at Mombasa Port. Azaanex coordinates directly with Kenya Airports Authority or Kenya Ports Authority for cargo offload and transfer. KRA risk assessment and any physical examination is managed on your behalf — you don't need to be present or appoint anyone locally.
JKIA Nairobi or Mombasa Port4
Duty Assessment, Payment & KRA Certification
KRA assesses duty against declared value and HS code. Azaanex verifies the assessment, pays all applicable duties, and obtains KRA customs release certification. For Triple A shipments, all duties are pre-included in your UK rate — nothing payable in Kenya. Azaanex also claims UK–Kenya EPA preferential duty rates where applicable.
1–2 Days (Air) · 3–5 Days (Sea)5
Port Release & Delivery Across Kenya
KRA release order issued. Azaanex obtains port or airport gate pass. Cargo collected from JKIA or Mombasa Port/Nairobi ICD. Optional White Glove door-to-door delivery to any of Kenya's 47 counties. WhatsApp update confirming clearance and delivery status from your named team member.
Delivery to All 47 Kenya CountiesDocumentation
Documents Required for Kenya Customs Clearance
Azaanex prepares most documentation on your behalf. Here is what KRA requires for customs clearance in Kenya — and who handles each element.
⚠️ The #1 cause of clearance delays in Kenya is missing or incorrect documentation. Triple A verifies all documents at the UK end before dispatch. Do not wait until your cargo arrives at Mombasa to discover a missing packing list or incorrect HS code — by then, storage charges are accumulating.
Commercial Invoice
Goods description, HS codes, unit prices and total declared value. KRA assesses duty against this. Wrong values trigger reclassification and penalties. Triple A verifies before departure.
Packing List
Itemised contents, quantities, weights and dimensions per package. Mandatory for all KRA clearance. Prepared by Triple A at Southall warehouse for every consignment.
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Title document for cargo. Sea freight: Bill of Lading (original or telex). Air freight: Air Waybill (AWB). Prepared by Triple A and lodged with Azaanex before arrival.
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Filed by Azaanex via KRA iCMS. Mandatory for all commercial imports. Pre-lodged before cargo departs the UK to enable same-day processing on arrival at JKIA or Mombasa.
KEBS Certificate of Conformity
Mandatory for regulated goods — electronics, cosmetics, food products. Arranged by Triple A via QISJ or SGS in Southall. Avoids the 15% Mombasa non-compliance penalty.
KRA PIN Number
Required for commercial imports. Azaanex files declarations under the consignee's KRA PIN. We advise on whether your specific shipment requires a PIN at the booking stage.
EUR.1 Certificate of Origin
UK-origin goods attract lower duty rates under UK–Kenya EPA. EUR.1 arranged by Triple A at booking — your consignee saves on import duty. Most shippers don't proactively arrange this.
V5C Logbook (Vehicles)
UK vehicle registration document required for all vehicle exports to Kenya. Passport copy also required. QISJ pre-shipment inspection certificate mandatory. Triple A coordinates the full vehicle export process.
KEPHIS / PPB Permits
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KEPHIS) permits for plants and food. Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB) permits for commercial pharmaceuticals. Azaanex coordinates with agencies before clearance begins.
Our In-House Clearing Company
Azaanex Holdings Ltd —
Not a Broker. Our Company.
There are over 200 KRA-licensed clearing agents in Kenya. The difference isn't who is licensed — it's who is accountable. When you ship with Triple A, your clearance is handled by Azaanex Holdings Ltd, our own company, not a subcontracted third party you've never met.
Azaanex files every IDF before your cargo departs the UK. When your consignment lands at JKIA or berths at Mombasa, processing starts immediately. There is no hand-off, no broker queue, and no surprise invoice on arrival.
Standalone clearance is also available — for containers and cargo arriving by any carrier. Contact us with your vessel ETA or flight details.
✓
KRA iCMS — Pre-Lodged IDF Filing
Not filed on arrival like most brokers. Filed in the UK before cargo departs, via KRA's current Integrated Customs Management System. Faster than any third-party broker operating on arrival.
✓
UK–Kenya EPA — Preferential Tariff Claims
Azaanex files EUR.1 Certificates of Origin for qualifying UK-origin goods, securing lower duty rates under the UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. Most agents don't proactively claim this — importers overpay.
✓
KEBS PVoC — Zero Mombasa Penalties
KEBS Certificate of Conformity arranged with QISJ and SGS in Southall before goods leave the UK. Non-compliance at Mombasa attracts a 15% CIF penalty — we prevent it entirely by clearing it at source.
✓
Standalone Container Clearance
Already shipping with another carrier? Azaanex is available for standalone clearance at Mombasa Port or Nairobi ICD. Rates by category: Used Mtumba 40ft — KES 2,100,000 · Used Goods 40ft — KES 1,200,000 · Used Goods 20ft — KES 800,000 · Returning Resident 40ft — KES 700,000 · Returning Resident 20ft — KES 400,000.
✓
Named Team — WhatsApp at Every Milestone
Cargo arrived. IDF filed. Clearance complete. Ready for delivery. Named team member sends WhatsApp updates at every stage. Not automated emails. Real people with real answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customs Clearance Kenya — FAQs
Do I need a customs clearing agent in Kenya?
Yes. KRA law requires all commercial cargo entering or leaving Kenya to be cleared by a licensed clearing agent. Importers cannot process customs declarations themselves without holding a KRA clearing agent licence. For all Triple A shipments, Azaanex Holdings Ltd — our own KRA-licensed clearing company — handles every declaration. Clearance fees are included in your UK-quoted rate with no additional charges in Kenya.
How long does customs clearance take in Kenya?
Air freight at JKIA Nairobi: typically 1–2 working days after aircraft arrival, provided documentation is complete and pre-lodged. Sea freight at Mombasa Port: typically 3–5 working days after vessel berths. Nairobi ICD via SGR: typically 2–4 working days after container transfer from Mombasa. Pre-filing the IDF via KRA iCMS before cargo arrives — which Azaanex does for all Triple A shipments — significantly reduces clearance time compared to agents who file on arrival.
What is Azaanex Holdings Ltd?
Azaanex Holdings Ltd is the KRA-licensed customs clearing company owned by Triple A Global Logistics, based in Nairobi. Azaanex handles all customs clearance for Triple A's UK-to-Kenya shipments at JKIA Nairobi and Mombasa Port, and is also available as a standalone clearing agent for third-party cargo. Unlike most UK freight companies that use unnamed sub-contractors in Kenya, Azaanex is Triple A's own company — named, licensed, and fully accountable.
What does Kenya customs clearance cost?
For all Triple A UK shipments, customs clearance fees are fully included in your quoted rate — £7.99/kg air or £2.95/kg sea. Nothing extra is payable in Kenya. For standalone clearance via Azaanex, rates are based on cargo category:
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
Import duties (VAT 16%, IDF 3.5%, RDL 2%) are assessed against cargo value and are in addition to clearing agent fees — Azaanex provides duty estimates at booking so you have the full landed cost picture before you commit.
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
Import duties (VAT 16%, IDF 3.5%, RDL 2%) are assessed against cargo value and are in addition to clearing agent fees — Azaanex provides duty estimates at booking so you have the full landed cost picture before you commit.
How long does KRA clearance take at Mombasa Port?
With Azaanex pre-filed IDF and complete documentation, sea freight clearance at Mombasa Port typically takes 3–5 working days after the vessel berths. Transferring to Nairobi ICD via SGR for inland clearance is often faster — typically 2–4 working days — and avoids Mombasa Port congestion and potential demurrage charges. The primary cause of delays is missing or incorrect documentation — which Triple A addresses at the UK end before dispatch.
Do all imports to Kenya need a KEBS Certificate of Conformity?
KEBS has expanded Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) requirements to cover a broad range of imports — including electronics, cosmetics, food products, and building materials. Goods arriving at Mombasa without a valid Certificate of Conformity attract a 15% CIF penalty plus a compulsory inspection at the importer's expense. Triple A arranges KEBS PVoC with QISJ and SGS (KEBS-approved UK inspection bodies) before goods leave Southall — eliminating this risk entirely. Whether your specific goods require a CoC should be confirmed at booking.
Do I need an IDF for personal parcels to Kenya?
An Import Declaration Form (IDF) is required for all commercial imports above a minimum threshold. Personal parcels of low value sent to individuals may be exempt. However, all consolidated consignments handled through Triple A's Southall warehouse — including online shopping forwards — are treated as commercial imports and cleared with a full IDF by Azaanex. This ensures there are no clearance complications on arrival and no unexpected charges for the recipient.
Can Azaanex clear cargo I've shipped via another company?
Yes. Azaanex Holdings Ltd is available as a standalone clearing agent for cargo arriving at Mombasa Port, Nairobi ICD, or JKIA — regardless of which carrier shipped it. Clearance rates by cargo category:
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
Contact us with your container number, cargo type, vessel name, and ETA and we will provide a clearance quote.
🧺 Used Mtumba (clothing) 40ft — from KES 2,100,000
📦 Used Goods 40ft — from KES 1,200,000 · 20ft — from KES 800,000
🏠 Returning Resident 40ft — from KES 700,000 · 20ft — from KES 400,000
Contact us with your container number, cargo type, vessel name, and ETA and we will provide a clearance quote.
UK Base — Southall, London
Where Clearance
Starts — in the UK
Clearance doesn't start when your cargo arrives at Mombasa. It starts at our Southall warehouse — where Triple A verifies documents, arranges KEBS PVoC, confirms HS codes, and pre-files your IDF before goods even leave the UK.
Use our Southall address as your UK delivery address when shopping from any retailer — whether you're buying everyday essentials, online shopping from Amazon, eBay, or ASOS, or ordering for Christmas, Eid, Black Friday, Ramadan, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, or back-to-school season.
Unit Z01,8A Canal Yard · Hayes Road
Southall, UB2 5NA · United Kingdom
Mon–Fri: 09:30–17:30 · Sat: 09:30–15:00
Southall, UB2 5NA · United Kingdom
Mon–Fri: 09:30–17:30 · Sat: 09:30–15:00
🇬🇧
+44 7800 648 660
UK Southall Team
🇰🇪
+254 111 81 81 81
Nairobi — Azaanex Team
💬
WhatsApp
wa.me/447800648660
Need Customs Clearance
in Kenya?
Send us your cargo type, shipment method, arrival point, and available documents. Our UK and Kenya teams will advise the clearance steps and quote within the hour.
📍 Unit Z01,8A Canal Yard, Southall, UB2 5NA
🇬🇧 +44 7800 648 660 · 🇰🇪 +254 111 81 81 81 · info@tripleafreight.co.uk
🇬🇧 +44 7800 648 660 · 🇰🇪 +254 111 81 81 81 · info@tripleafreight.co.uk
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