This is further to the earlier notice on revision of THC, KPA tariff 2025 has been
published and into effect since 22/Dec.
Hence system is already fetching revised THC since then.
Containers destined and manifested for inland Embakasi ICD in Nairobi (KEEMB) will
maintain the previous thc level i.e. no increase.
Thank you.
Africa Trade Management.
Please be advised that subsequent to the advisory and broadcast of 18th August 2025, notifying on
the revised Kenya Port Authority (KPA) tariff implementation; the same has been halted and
cancelled on the result of court action from claimants in Kenya.
As such, the THC and tariff will revert to the previous levels for Mombasa.
Thank you.
Africa Trade Management
Dear Valued Customers
Kenya Ports Authority has published a new tariff w.e.f 15th September 2025. Accordingly, we have
adjusted the discharging and loading terminal handling charges (THC) in par with the KPA tariff.
Thank you.
Management.
Blue Funnel Limited.
Dear Valued Customers
Please be advised that the Kenya Port Authority (KPA) has published a revised tariff book for
all containers landing or loading, effective from the 15th September 2025 onwards.
The new THC has been updated in our system accordingly.
Containers destined and manifested for inland Embakasi ICD in Nairobi (KEEMB) will maintain the
previous thc level i.e. no increase.
Thank you.
Africa Trade Management
“The Finance Act 2025, assented into law on 26th June 2025, introduces a new paragraph under Section 35(1)(u) of the Income Tax Act (Cap 470), which states:
“(u) gains or profits which are chargeable to tax under section 9(1) derived from the business of a ship owner or charterer”
This amendment brings shipping income earned by non-resident shipping companies from cargo or passengers embarked in Kenya into the withholding tax (WHT) regime, thereby placing a WHT obligation on Kenyan customers making freight (shipping) payments for exports from Kenya and Detention and Demurrage (DnD) charges to such non-resident shipping companies”
Effective immediately, a Withholding Tax of 2.5% is applicable on demurrage fees payable to our company. In line with this requirement, we kindly request:-
•Customers to withhold tax when making payments to EMIRATES SHIPPING LINE, irrespective of the bank account used; and
•No WHT should be withheld against Blue Funnel Ltd, as it is not the recipient of the shipping income nor the service provider.
Attach a copy of the Withholding Tax Certificate issued by KRA for the amount deducted and the net payment (demurrage amount less WHT) should then be remitted to our local bank account as usual.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued partnership. Should you require any clarification or a detailed guideline, please do not hesitate to contact our finance team on finance@blue-funnel.com
Thank you.
Management.
Blue Funnel Limited.
Effective 1st July 2025, all consignments imported into Kenya must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by a competent authority in the exporting country. To support a smooth transition, a limited window until 1st September 2025 has been provided to facilitate compliance and allow importers time to secure the required documents.
The COO must have,
Please educate shippers about this new requirement by Kenya Revenue Authority for all Kenya shipments (not applicable for in-transit cargo)
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives.
Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.
Blue Funnel Limited – Kenya
As agents for Emirates Shipping Line
We would like to reiterate the mandatory regulations levied by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on manifests as shared by us 26 October 2021. Request your co-operation by giving timely and complete Shipping Instruction to us for manifest submission via iCMS.
Highlights of iCMS Specific Requirements:
1. Effective date of iCMS: For imports discharged on / after 22nd October 2021
2. Applied to: Sea manifest of Import / Export / Through bill of lading (TBL) and In Transit via Mombasa
3. Manifest submission: through iCMS at least 48 hours before vessel arrival for import.
4. Consignment with vehicles: Shipper must include Chassis No, Engine No, Weight, CBM, HS codes and detailed breakdown per container on BL Body.
Example:
TOTAL 6 PACKAGES
MAHINDRA HAULMASTER 4WD TRACTOR FOR AGRICULTURE PURPOSE
HS CODE: 87012090
1×40 DRYU9886905
| PIN / Chassis No. | Engine No. | Weight (kg) | CBM | HS Code |
| MDZRB4GGJM6H50106 | NME5WEE0007 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
| MDZRB4GGHM6J50125 | NME5WEE0005 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
| MDZRB4GGAM6J50140 | NME5WEE0003 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
1×40 FCIU8739954
| PIN / Chassis No. | Engine No. | Weight (kg) | CBM | HS Code |
| MDZRB4GGVM6G50008 | NMD5WEE0004 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
| MDZRB4GGCM6G50010 | NMD5WEE0002 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
| MDZRB4GGAM6H50028 | NME5WEE0003 | 10,113 | 15.00 | 87012090 |
5. General cargo shipment: predominant HS code per container is a must.
6. 10-digit HS code is mandatory. If only 6 or 8 digits are identified, please add zero (0) to the end to make it exactly 10-digit for iCMS.
7. HS code is mandatory for manifest but optional on BL Body for general cargo. Please specify in the Shipping Instructions if HS code is expected on BL Body.
8. Part Lot BLs (i.e. Multiple BLs for single container): Restricted with immediate e ect for Kenya Import and In transit due to KPA regulation.
9. DG Class / UNNO on BL Body: mandatory on BL Body for iCMS
Please coordinate with your counterparts for full adherence. Any failure may cause loading / discharge problem and customs penalty which will be on cargo owner’s account.
Please contact our local agencies if any assistance is required. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
To avoid serious damage to road infrastructure due to excessive loading, Kenya Roads Authority has directed Importers, transporters, Kenya Ports Authority and shipping lines to abide by the standard weight limitations on containers.
Therefore, with effect from 16th September 2013 (discharge date), the maximum allowable weight should not exceed 34MT (including the container tare weight) and or should be within the stipulated weight on the container CSC plate. This is applicable for standard 20’/40’ GP/RF/HQ units only. Any OOG or overweight units on FR/OT will be allowed upon prior approval from Kenya Ports Authority.
Authorities will take strict action should they find any container exceeding the stipulated weight limit. Any costs associated with this would be passed over to the shipper.
Thanking you in advance for your understanding and support.
Please take note of the circular from OGEFREM for your immediate reference on Importation of Vehicles to DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Effective immediately, please ensure below criteria before placing bookings for Vehicles to DRC via Mombasa. The supporting documents such as vehicle logbook will have to be scanned by the ESL Origin o ice to the ESL Destination Office prior Loading. Vehicles imported to Democratic Republic of Congo must:
Related documents must be submitted in original copies at customs. Any used vehicle that does not meet the above requirements will be re-exported or destroyed at the expense of the shipper or cargo owner.
Please be informed that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has given the following instructions for import manifest amendments. With immediate e ect, any amendment to the CONSIGNEE and DESTINATION (especially for In-Transit cargo) will require:
Please ensure that you provide accurate Consignee and Destination details in your Shipping Instructions to avoid this time-consuming procedure.
For your guidance, our Kenya office needs to prepare import manifest 5 days before vessel arrival and your co-operation is much needed to meet this timeline.
Thank you for your continued and partnership.