Kenya Cracks Down on Imports: New Rule Requires Proof of Origin for All Goods
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a sweeping change to import procedures, announcing that all goods entering the country must now be accompanied by an official Certificate of Origin (COO), effective from July 1, 2025.
The new rule, announced in a statement dated July 9, is anchored in the revised Tax Procedures Act (CAP 469B, Section 44A), introduced under the Finance Act 2025. The requirement is aimed at verifying the source of all imported goods and ensuring proper application of tariffs and tracking systems.
“KRA notifies all importers, customs agents, and stakeholders that under the amended law, every consignment must be supported by a Certificate of Origin issued by an authorized body in the country of export,” the authority stated.
According to KRA, this certificate must provide comprehensive details including the names and addresses of the exporter and importer, the originating port, a detailed description of the cargo, its quantity, and the countries of both origin and destination.
Only certificates issued by recognized export authorities will be accepted, and these must be submitted at the port of entry.
The KRA has warned that failure to comply will result in immediate consequences. Goods arriving without the required documents will not be cleared and could be seized permanently by the government.
To help businesses adjust, the authority has granted a transitional period ending on September 30, 2025. Importers are urged to use this window to update their documentation processes and liaise with suppliers to secure valid certificates in advance.
“This grace period is intended to help ease the transition and ensure all stakeholders align with the new compliance standards,” the KRA emphasized.
The announcement signals a tougher stance by the revenue authority in tightening trade compliance and closing loopholes often used to misdeclare goods or evade tariffs. Importers are advised to act swiftly and avoid last-minute rushes that could disrupt supply chains.
Kenya Cracks Down on Imports: New Rule Requires Proof of Origin for All Goods
