KRA Declares October 1 Deadline for Mandatory Certificate of Origin on Imports

KRA Declares October 1 Deadline for Mandatory Certificate of Origin on Imports

Importers across Kenya are bracing for a major shift. Starting October 1, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will enforce a compulsory Certificate of Origin (COO) requirement for all incoming goods—except in specific exempted cases.

“No COO, No Clearance,” KRA Warns Importers

In a statement released on September 23, KRA confirmed the new directive aligns with Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, CAP. 469B. Although the law took effect on July 1, importers were granted a grace period ending September 30.

“Importers are reminded that, with effect from October 1, 2025, all consignments must fully comply,” KRA stated. “Only a few exceptional cases will benefit from provisional measures,” the notice added.

This move aims to tighten customs compliance, enhance traceability, and curb tax evasion.

Alternatives Available—But Must Be Verified

KRA clarified that if a COO is unavailable, several official export documents may be accepted. These include:

• An Origin Declaration with origin details
• An Export Permit or License from the exporting country
• A Customs Export Declaration
• A Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) from Kenya Bureau of Standards agents

However, all alternatives must be verified and approved by Customs before clearance.

Exemptions Offer Relief to Select Importers

Not all goods will require a COO. KRA listed exemptions under the Fifth Schedule of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004. These include:

• Goods imported by privileged persons and institutions
• Used goods, including motor vehicles
• Personal baggage and effects
• Postal parcels and mailbags
• Human remains
• Temporary imports under Section 117 of EACCMA
• Medicaments under a doctor’s prescription
• Courier packages below the weight and value threshold in Regulation 119(3)

“We’ve adopted exemptions to ease compliance for low-risk and humanitarian imports,” KRA noted.

Importers Urged to Prepare as Deadline Looms

With the deadline fast approaching, importers are rushing to secure the required documentation. Many fear delays, penalties, or seizure of goods if they fail to comply.

“We urge all importers to act now,” KRA emphasized. “Any challenges will be addressed case-by-case within the legal framework,” the statement concluded.

As October 1 nears, the pressure mounts. Will importers meet the new demands—or face costly consequences?

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KRA Declares October 1 Deadline for Mandatory Certificate of Origin on Import