Duty reduction, tariff classification and compliance support
With 15+ years of experience in East African customs regulations, Kenya Tradex helps businesses classify goods correctly, review duty exposure, apply preferential origin rules, prepare documentation and respond to customs queries before they become expensive delays or penalties.
15+
Years Experience
100%
Compliance Focus
7
Countries Served
24/7
Client Support
- Tariff Classification & HS Code Advisory – Correct classification to avoid penalties and overpayment
- Duty Drawback & Remission Applications – Recover duties on re-exported goods
- VAT Suspension & Exemption Guidance – Legal cash flow relief for qualifying imports
- Rules of Origin for EAC Preferential Rates – Maximize duty savings under EAC protocols
- Post-Clearance Audit Support – Prepare for and respond to KRA audits
- Customs Bond Management – Transit bonds, warehousing bonds, and duty deferment
- Import/Export Licensing & Documentation – Complete compliance packages including IDF, Form C, and Certificates of Origin
Who Benefits from Our Customs Consultancy?
Manufacturers
Importers & Exporters
Freight Forwarders
Trading Companies
- Manufacturers – Raw material import optimization and duty remission
- Importers & Exporters – End-to-end customs compliance and cost reduction
- Freight Forwarders & Clearing Agents – Technical backup for complex classifications
- Trading Companies – EAC market entry and trade route optimization
EAC Common External Tariff (CET) Duty Rates
The East African Community applies a common tariff structure for imports from outside the EAC. Below are the standard duty rates by product category:
| Category | Duty Rate | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | 0% | Unprocessed agricultural products, minerals, crude oil |
| Semi-processed Goods | 10% | Basic chemicals, processed agricultural products |
| Intermediate Goods | 10% - 25% | Components, parts, industrial supplies |
| Finished Consumer Goods | 25% - 35% | Electronics, household items, clothing |
| EAC-origin Goods | 0% (with valid Certificate of Origin) | Goods manufactured within EAC partner states |
Additional charges: VAT (16%), IDF fee (3.5% of CIF), and RDL (2% of CIF). Contact us for product-specific duty rates.
Common Customs Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect HS Code Classification – Can lead to overpayment (if higher duty rate) or penalties (if underpaid). Solution: Engage customs experts to verify classifications before shipment.
- Missing EAC Certificate of Origin – Paying 25-35% duty instead of 0% on EAC-origin goods. Solution: Obtain valid Certificates of Origin from authorized bodies.
- Incomplete Commercial Invoices – Leads to clearance delays and potential penalties. Solution: Ensure invoices include full product descriptions, unit values, and total CIF value.
- Not Claiming Duty Drawback – Leaving money on the table when re-exporting goods. Solution: Apply for duty drawback within 12 months of export.
- Poor Documentation for Post-Clearance Audits – Risk of penalties if records are incomplete. Solution: Maintain organized import/export records for at least 5 years.
EAC Countries We Serve
- Kenya: KRA customs procedures, import duties, VAT, and compliance
- Uganda: URA customs clearance and transit bond management
- Rwanda: RRA trade regulations and EAC preferential rates
- Burundi: OBR customs procedures and transit coordination
- DRC: DGDA customs clearance and transit bond expertise
- South Sudan: SSRA customs and overland transit solutions
- Tanzania: TRA customs procedures for cross-border trade
How the customs consultancy process works
- Step 1: Initial assessment of your customs compliance status
- Step 2: Detailed analysis of tariff classification and duty exposure
- Step 3: Identification of duty savings opportunities (drawback, exemptions, rules of origin)
- Step 4: Documentation preparation and submission to KRA (IDF, Form C, Certificate of Origin)
- Step 5: Ongoing compliance monitoring and audit support
Customs consultancy questions
- What is customs consultancy and why do I need it?
Customs consultancy helps businesses navigate complex import/export regulations, minimize duties legally, avoid penalties, and ensure compliance with KRA and EAC customs laws. Kenya Tradex provides expert advisory to reduce costs and clearance delays. - How can I reduce import duties legally in Kenya?
You can reduce import duties through proper tariff classification, utilizing EAC rules of origin for preferential rates, applying for duty drawback on re-exports, and securing VAT suspensions or exemptions. Kenya Tradex guides you through all these legal mechanisms. - What is a post-clearance audit and how can you help?
A post-clearance audit is when KRA reviews past import declarations for compliance. Kenya Tradex helps you prepare documentation, respond to audit queries, correct errors, and minimize potential penalties or additional duty assessments. - What documents are required for customs clearance in Kenya?
Key documents include Import Declaration Form (IDF), Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (for EAC preferential rates), and Form C. Kenya Tradex handles all documentation for seamless clearance. - How much does customs consultancy cost in Kenya?
Customs consultancy fees vary based on the scope of work. Kenya Tradex offers flexible engagement models: hourly advisory, project-based fixed fees, or retainer agreements for ongoing compliance. Contact us for a tailored quote based on your specific needs. - How long does customs clearance take at Mombasa port?
Customs clearance at Mombasa port typically takes 24-72 hours depending on cargo type, documentation completeness, and inspection requirements. Our consultancy helps ensure documentation is correct upfront to avoid delays.