KRA Clears the Air: No Personal Luggage Tax Speculation
Thursday, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) dispelled rumors that the agency was intending to impose taxes on personal luggage valued at Ksh75,000 (approximately $500) or more.
The authority clarified in a Thursday morning explanation that all used personal objects are exempt from customs duty, regardless of value.
However, the tax collector explained that according to East African tax regulations, travelers are exempt from paying import tax on up to Ksh75,000 (USD500) worth of products as long as their luggage is accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer.
In the same breath, the authority issued additional clarifications on the customs duty tax imposed on products imported into the country.
The authority provided the example of imported products that are subject to customs duty and whose owners are required to declare their price.
Consequently, the duty due (if any) will be based on the actual purchase price declared by the passenger or traveler.
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In addition, all passengers must declare the specified articles on the Passenger Declaration Form (F88) before they arrive in Kenya and present it to a customs official at the point of entry.
Passengers may question the assessed customs duty and request an explanation from the customs officer in command.
“Scanning of a traveler’s baggage is done to ensure correct declarations for purposes of taxation and to screen out prohibited and restricted goods for the safety of all Kenyans,” read the statement in part.
“Items flagged out after the first line x-ray or non-intrusive scanning process will undergo a physical inspection by the Customs Officer.”
The Authority also indicated that it was in the process of expanding the use of technology to enhance non-intrusive baggage inspection at all entry points.
Before this, Kenyans had voiced concern over the fees imposed on international visitors arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
KRA Clears the Air: No Personal Luggage Tax Speculation
