KRA announces new export process starting May 2026
By Cynthia Lodite, April 28, 2026Kenya Revenue Authority has announced the integration of export data from iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System) with VAT returns in iTax, effective May 1, 2026.
In a notice dated Tuesday, April 28, KRA confirmed that the export data captured in the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) will be automatically linked to VAT returns filed through the iTax platform.
The change automatically prefills validated export values for zero-rated supplies in VAT returns, covering exports to foreign countries, Single Customs Territory, EPZs, and SEZs.
“Kenya Revenue Authority notifies taxpayers and the public that, effective May 2026, the VAT return export data in ICMS will be integrated with the declaration of zero-rated supplies in the VAT return in iTax,” KRA stated.
According to KRA, the new process will involve the validated export values being automatically prefilled in the VAT return upon issuance of the relevant export documents by Customs.
Single Customs Territory
Likewise, based on the integration, KRA announced that the reforms apply to exports to the Single Customs Territory, other foreign countries, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
“This means that validated export values will be automatically prefilled in the VAT return upon issuance of the relevant export documents by Customs. The change applies to exports to the Single Customs Territory, other foreign countries, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs),” KRA announced.
At the same time, exporters and their clearing and forwarding agents will now be required to capture the exporter’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) and a valid TIMS or eTIMS zero-rated invoice number when lodging export documents in iCMS.
“To support accurate prefilling, exporters and their clearing and forwarding agents must capture the exporter’s PIN and valid TIMS/eTIMS zero-rated invoice number when lodging export documents in iCMS. Only export values validated in iCMS and linked to the exporter’s PIN and invoice will be allowed in the VAT return,” KRA confirmed.
In addition, exports of taxable services will also be prefilled in iTax based on generated and transmitted TIMS/eTIMS invoices for the relevant tax period.