Custom Clearance In Kenya
Sahan Cargo and Clearing limited we are dedicated to ensure that our clients have it easy when it comes to custom clearance of their goods and that’s why we ensure that they know what documentation is required to ease the process when importing or exporting goods in and out of Kenya.
What are the documents required in clearance of Exported goods?
To clear any exported goods requires the engagement of a licensed customs clearing agent. When engaging with your preferred clearing agent ensure you always provide exportation documents including but not limited to:
- A valid Commercial Invoice;
- Certificate of origin
- Permit/License for restricted goods
- Personal or Taxpayer Identification Number (PIN certificate)
- Purchase Orders/Contracts
- Packing List
- The customs clearing agent is then allowed to declare the goods you are exporting in the customs system (Create an entry).
Goods Clearance Process
- Entry Declaration and Processing
Sahan Cargo agent will make a customs declaration (entry), in accordance to the provisions of Section 73 of the East Africa Community Customs Management Act 2004. Customs Shall Process all compliant declaration.
- Stuffing, Verification and Release
The agent will provide the original entry and supporting documents to the customs discharge/loading station for processing (witness of Stuffing/verification may be done at the station or any other approved stuffing area).
- Exit
Upon stuffing/Verification, all compliant declarations are cleared and released. Upon exit through the border, or port, a certificate of export is issued.
What are the documents required in clearance of imported goods?
To clear any imported goods in Kenya such as a car, machinery or general merchandise requires the engagement of a licensed customs clearing agent which we at Sahan Cargo and clearing provide to our clients. When engaging with any of Sahan clearing agent ensure you always provide importation documents including but not limited to:
- A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the PVoC agent for regulated products;
- An import standards mark (ISM) when applicable;
- Valid Commercial Invoice from the exporting firm
- Valid pro forma invoices from the exporting firm.
- Bill of Lading (sea cargo)/Airway Bill (air cargo)
- Certificate of origin
- Freight invoice for sea cargo
- Logbook and its translation if it is not in English (motor vehicle)
- Permit/License for restricted goods
- Personal or Taxpayer Identification Number (PIN certificate)
- Exemption letter (in case goods are exempted)
- Purchase Orders or Contracts
- Certificate of Roadworthiness for Motor Vehicles
- Packing List
- Letter of Credit (if available)
Sahan Cargo agent is then allowed to declare the goods you are importing in the customs system.
- IDF Lodgments & Processing
The importer on obtaining the pro-forma invoice shall engage a licensed clearing agent to lodge an import declaration form. The importer should then send the IDF to the Supplier for Pre-shipment inspection.
- Entry Declaration, Payment of Taxes and Processing
The appointed clearing agent should make a customs declaration and provide the importer with a payment slip. The importer makes the payment to the bank and issues the agent with the official bank slips. Customs Shall Process all compliant declarations.
- Verification and Other Enforcement Measures
The agent should present the physical file at the customs station where the goods are domiciled where physical verification is conducted.
- Clearance and Release
Upon verification, all compliant declarations are cleared and released.
We at Sahan Cargo believe in making it as easy as possible for our clients in importation of their goods and do our level best to ensure we take care of the processes and documentation with the custom agents.