Silverio Omari
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that all importers of mobile devices and travelers must declare their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers at customs.
This requirement follows a public notice from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) aimed at enhancing the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices. The CA stated that local assemblers, importers, retailers, wholesalers, and mobile network operators are obligated to upload the IMEI numbers of all assembled or imported mobile devices to the KRA portal for effective tax compliance monitoring.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, KRA detailed that all mobile device importers must provide comprehensive import entries that include accurate quantities, model descriptions or specifications, and corresponding IMEI numbers within the customs system.
Travelers entering Kenya will also be required to declare their mobile devices and the respective IMEI numbers intended for use during their stay, using the F88 passenger declaration form at the port of entry.
KRA emphasized that device assemblers and manufacturers must register on the customs portal and submit reports detailing all devices assembled for the local market along with their respective IMEI numbers. Additionally, importers and mobile device assemblers must secure necessary regulatory clearances and permits from the CA.
These requirements will come into effect on January 1, 2025. KRA will provide specific guidelines on the system processes and how to capture IMEI numbers for different users in due course.
In line with part B of the second schedule of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), mobile devices are subject to regulations from the Communication Authority of Kenya.
For more information, affected parties are encouraged to contact KRA via email at callcenter@kra.go.ke.
The Kenya Revenue Authority is responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of the Government of Kenya and administers various tax laws and regulations, including the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) of 2004.
Dj Vnyash
