The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recently stepped up its enforcement efforts and implemented stricter measures at various entry points to strengthen revenue collection, close existing loopholes, and prevent the entry of prohibited items.
These measures include the use of advanced technology and thorough physical inspections to screen and authenticate baggage and imported goods.
However, there has been public criticism of the perceived excursiveness of these measures, with concerns raised about potential harassment and resulting inconvenience to individuals arriving in or departing from Kenya.
On Tuesday, KRA gave a list of what people should declare upon arrival at the airport. Among those that the taxman wants to be declared are items inherited from abroad. One will need to present a certificate of grant or will.
Purchases from duty-free shops are also to be declared upon arrival.
The directive covers various categories of items, including those purchased abroad, inherited, acquired in duty-free shops, gifts, or intended for business use.
List of Items Requiring Declaration:
Items you bought at duty-free shops on the ship, or on the plane e.g. Spirits, including liquors exceeding one litre or wine exceeding two litres.
Perfumes and toiletries exceeding in total one litre; The perfume should be more than a quarter (250ml). Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff exceeding 250 grams in.
Items that were taken abroad for repairs or alterations must be declared when brought back.
Even if the repairs or alterations were performed free of charge.
Gifts and Business-related items or merchandise must also be declared.
Moreover, any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent must be declared upon arrival.
KRA emphasises that travelers should state the actual amount paid for each item in US currency, including taxes. In cases of gifts or items not personally purchased, an estimated fair retail value in the country of receipt should be provided.
Additionally, some items purchased and are part of the baggage exceeding Sh75,000 ($500) are to be declared.
“Except goods that are the property of and accompanying the passenger. Goods for personal and household use of the passenger. Goods of such kinds and in such quantities as the proper officer may allow,” KRA said.
All goods importation which is for the time being regulated under EACCMA, 2004 or by any written law for the time being in force in the East African Community Partner State are also to be declared.
“It is an offense under the EACCMA 2004 to give false information to a Customs Officer,” the taxman warned.
All passengers arriving in the country are supposed to make declarations using the prescribed Passenger Declaration Form (s) (Form F88).
