Dj Vnyash
Tourists and Kenyans bringing mobile devices for personal use will not be impacted by the new mobile phone registration directive announced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). According to a statement from KRA, the new system will not affect individuals traveling with mobile devices in their personal luggage. Additionally, travelers will be allowed to bring in items valued up to $2,000 (Ksh 258,000) for personal use without incurring duty fees.
For foreign visitors, including tourists using international roaming numbers, no declaration will be required for their devices. However, those who buy local SIM cards will have a process in place to ensure their devices comply with local network regulations.
Sponsored: GIM ESTATES Ltd
KRA’s new directive, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025, is part of an initiative aimed at expanding the tax base. KRA is working alongside the Communications Authority (CA) to implement a Mobile Device Declaration System under its Enterprise API Integration (EAPI) project. This system will ensure proper tax declaration, payment, and verification of mobile devices imported or assembled within Kenya by tracking IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers.
While the initiative is not expected to directly increase the cost of importing phones, it will make sure that all imported devices comply with tax laws. Importers, manufacturers, and travelers will need to declare their devices using unique IMEI numbers, which will be recorded in the tax database to ensure compliance and promote fair tax practices. This system aims to create a level playing field for businesses, enhance revenue collection, and reduce tax evasion.
To comply, all individual and bulk importers, clearing agents, and local device assemblers must submit IMEI numbers of mobile devices for validation and whitelisting before distribution. Retail distributors must update their device inventories to reflect the IMEI status by January 1, 2025. Before purchasing a phone, consumers will be required to check the IMEI status to ensure it is not blocked from the network.
Kenyan residents returning from abroad will need to declare the IMEI numbers of any mobile devices they bring into the country on the F88 passenger declaration form. Taxes may be payable depending on the declaration.
KRA emphasized that this initiative follows consultations with key industry players and is designed to help protect consumers from counterfeit devices, which will be flagged during the IMEI declaration process. Devices found to be counterfeit will be handed over to the relevant authorities. Importers and assemblers who fail to comply with the new regulations will face severe penalties, including the withholding of devices until taxes are paid.
The regulations will apply to devices imported or assembled in Kenya starting from November 1, 2024.
