KRA, KNCCI announce new import duty rules
By Emmanuel Rono, July 28, 2026Importers have been urged to clear their cargo before August 20, 2026, after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) agreed on new import duty measures that will raise the benchmark value for consolidated cargo.
In a joint notice on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, KNCCI said the current benchmark of Ksh2.5 million will remain in force until August 20, 2026, while a new benchmark of Ksh3.2 million will take effect from August 21, 2026.
“The discussions were constructive and both parties agreed on a number of resolutions to ensure predictability, fairness and a supportive business environment,” the notice stated.
The agreement also provides relief to traders whose cargo incurred storage charges after the benchmark directive issued on July 9, 2026.
KNCCI said all such storage charges will be waived.
“To guarantee predictability in business, the price will be locked for a period of two years,” the notice added.
Importers who believe their goods should attract lower taxes will be allowed to seek verification and valuation, while Customs will continue consultations on benchmarks for other low-value goods.
KNCCI urged traders to act quickly, saying: “Please take advantage of the retained benchmark rate and storage waiver to clear all cargo currently at the ports of entry before 20 August 2026.”
The chamber further emphasised that everyone must pay their fair share of taxes to support the country as the new framework seeks to balance tax collection with trade facilitation.
The chamber said the new framework is intended to promote a fair, predictable and competitive business environment while strengthening compliance and revenue collection.
Addressing the consolidation import dispute
The benchmark dispute has been building for weeks after KRA introduced a minimum customs value for consolidated imports, a move aimed at curbing undervaluation and tax leakage.
Consolidated cargo is widely used by thousands of small traders who import goods through shared containers, especially via the Port of Mombasa and the Nairobi Inland Container Depot.
The July 9, 2026 directive triggered complaints from importers and clearing agents, who said the benchmark raised the taxable value of many consignments, leading to higher duties and additional storage charges as cargo remained uncleared.