KRA INTRODUCES NEW REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICE IMPORTS AND TRAVELERS.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced new customs regulations aimed at
improving tax adherence and regulatory integrity for mobile devices entering the country.
In a notice issued on November 4, KRA targeted importers, travellers, and local device
manufacturers, setting forth specific actions required under the East African Community
Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004).
This move is part of the government’s ongoing initiative to improve the monitoring and
regulation of mobile devices in Kenya, in collaboration with the Communications Authority
of Kenya (CA).
As per the new directive, all mobile device importers will now be required to follow certain
customs procedures to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the importation
process. Importers must submit detailed records for every mobile device brought into the
country, including accurate quantities, clear model descriptions, and essential IMEI
(International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers.
KRA’s statement highlighted that “All importers of mobile devices will be required to
provide detailed import declarations, including precise quantities, correct model
specifications, and their corresponding IMEI numbers within the Customs system.”
Impact on Travelers As part of the tightening of controls, KRA also announced that
passengers arriving in Kenya must declare specific details of their mobile devices at entry
points. Travelers will now be required to disclose the IMEI numbers of their devices as part
of their passenger declaration on the F88 form.
New Guidelines for Local Manufacturers In addition, local manufacturers and assemblers
of mobile devices are now subject to new requirements. KRA has instructed device
assemblers and manufacturers producing mobile devices for the local market to register on
the Customs portal. They must also submit a detailed report of all devices assembled,
including the IMEI numbers for each device.
“Assemblers and manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and provide a
comprehensive report of all locally assembled devices along with their corresponding IMEI
numbers,” KRA stated.
Other Directives Further, manufacturers and assemblers must secure the necessary
regulatory clearances and permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) before
they can sell their devices in the market.
KRA emphasized that these new regulations will come into effect in January 2025, with
additional guidelines on system processes and IMEI number recording to be provided in due
course.
This announcement follows the recent declaration by the Communications Authority of
Kenya, which revealed that mobile phones not meeting the new tax compliance requirements
would be barred from connecting to local mobile networks. The CA also directed mobile
operators to verify the tax compliance status of devices via a whitelist database before
granting network access.

BY SEAL ASSOCIATES