Passengers entering Kenya starting January 1, 2025, will be required to declare and register their mobile devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers at the port of entry as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) seeks to improve monitoring of imported devices while ensuring tax compliance.
Importers will also be required to submit detailed import entries for all mobile devices with accurate quantities, proper model specifications as well as IMEI numbers in the Customs system at the point of entry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 5, KRA said the move is part of its Enterprise API Integration (EAPI) project aimed at ensuring proper tax declaration, payment, and verification for mobile devices imported into or assembled in Kenya.
“The Public is therefore notified of this requirement, which will be implemented effective 1st January, 2025. Specific guidelines on the system process and how to capture the devices and IMEI numbers for different users will be shared in due course.
“For accompanying baggage, we will allow a mobile device for personal use. However, the quantities must not appear to be for trade purposes. All items in the accompanied baggage, including mobile phones, should not exceed $2,000,” KRA said.
Under the new directive, device assemblers and manufacturers must also register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.
“Passengers entering the territory of Kenya will declare the details and the respective IMEI numbers for their mobile devices intended for use, during the stay in the country at the Port of entry on the F88 passenger declaration form,” KRA added.
These new regulations, however, will not apply to foreigners visiting Kenya temporarily. Kenyans returning from abroad with mobile phones valued at below Sh257,994 ($2,000) will also be exempt from taxation.
