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:
Be in satisfactory technical condition certified by a control center from the country of origin.
Be in circulation over a period not exceeding 10 years for private vehicles (car and bus with less than ten seats).
Be in circulation over a period not exceeding 7 years for other commercial vehicles other than trucks (buses and vans with over 10 seats).
Be in circulation over a period not exceeding 10 years for trucks.
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:
LOI from the Shipper explaining the reason why amendment is needed.
A letter of authority from Uganda Revenue Authority instructing KRA to proceed with amendment (for Uganda bound shipment)
For consignee change, a sworn affidavit from both the consignees is mandatory.
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.
With reference to the new directive from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) with immediate effect, all containers carrying vehicles must be manifested with the Year of Make for each vehicle.
The year of make for all second hand or reconditioned vehicles should not exceed 8 calendar years. If the year of make is not manifested, the Customs will not approve the manifest. Please note that until the Customs approve the manifest, we will not be able to berth the vessel and continue discharge/loading of the ship. Furthermore, any unit with overage vehicles to Kenya will not be allowed to land in Mombasa and the container will be retained on board to be re-routed to POL. Under such circumstances, any amendment of consignee to in transit will not be allowed by Customs after the manifest declaration.
For Uganda units via Mombassa, there is no age restriction. However, units over 8 years will be allowed, subject to Jevic inspection at the port of loading and may attract 20% additional import duty. For transit to other countries via Mombasa, this directive is also not applied.
For heavy equipment such as caterpillars, backhoes and excavators, this is not applicable.