Customs & Trade Facilitation
Clearance processes, timelines, risk triggers, and practical guidance to reduce delays and costs.
How Customs Clearance Works
The clearance lifecycle in 5 practical steps.
Classification & Valuation
Determine correct HS code and customs value of goods
Origin & Preferences
Establish origin and claim preferential treatment if eligible
Declarations & Pre-Arrival
Submit customs declarations before goods arrive
Risk & Inspection
Customs assesses risk and assigns inspection channel
Release & Payment
Pay duties and obtain release for delivery
Clearance Pathway Builder
Get a step-by-step clearance flow for your specific route.
Customs Systems & Digital Procedures
Know the systems and portals where you need to register.
Kenya Customs
iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System)
Kenya TradeNet
Yes
Yes
Tariffs, Taxes & Charges Explained
Understand what you pay and when.
Import Duty
Tax based on HS code classification and customs value. Rates vary by product and origin.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Applied on (customs value + duty). Usually 15-18% depending on country.
Excise Duty
Additional tax on specific products: alcohol, tobacco, fuel, vehicles.
Levies & Fees
Railway development levy, import declaration fee, port charges, etc.
Why Shipments Get Delayed
Common delay drivers and how to reduce your risk.
HS Code Mismatch
High ImpactPre-verify classification with customs or approved agent
Undervaluation Red Flags
High ImpactMaintain consistent pricing records and arm's length evidence
Missing SPS Certificates
Critical ImpactObtain all certificates before shipping
Incorrect Origin Claims
High ImpactEnsure supplier declarations and COO are consistent
Labeling/Packaging Issues
Medium ImpactCheck destination requirements before production
Restricted Goods
Critical ImpactVerify permits and licenses in advance
Incomplete Manifests
Medium ImpactUse standardized document checklists
Importer Risk Profile
Medium ImpactBuild compliance history, consider AEO status
Border & Port Performance
Typical clearance times and conditions at key locations.
Mombasa Port
Kenya
Busia Border
Kenya/Uganda
Malaba Border
Kenya/Uganda
Tema Port
Ghana
Durban Port
South Africa
Dar es Salaam Port
Tanzania
JKIA
Kenya
Apapa Port
Nigeria
Trade Facilitation Fast Lanes
Options to move your goods faster through customs.
Pre-Arrival Processing
Submit declarations before goods arrive to reduce port time
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
Trusted trader status with reduced inspections and priority processing
Green Channel
Fast lane for compliant traders with clean track record
Express Lane for Perishables
Priority clearance for time-sensitive goods
Inspection Appointments
Schedule inspection to avoid queuing
Electronic Seals & Tracking
Real-time cargo tracking and tamper detection
Compliance Pack & Templates
Customs-specific tools to ensure smooth clearance.
HS Code Classification Worksheet
Systematic approach to product classification
Valuation Evidence Checklist
Documents proving transaction value
Origin Claim Checklist
Evidence pack for preferential origin
Document Consistency Checker
Verify all docs match before submission
Post-Clearance Audit Readiness
Prepare for customs audits
Dispute & Appeal Templates
Letters for challenging customs decisions
Problem-Solving Library
What to do when things go wrong at customs.
Need Customs Help?
Get answers to your customs questions or have your documents reviewed before shipping.