Kenya’s main seaport, Mombasa port, handles most of the country’s imports, making efficient clearance essential for traders.

Applying for a customs entry at the Port of Mombasa is a structured process overseen by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Here’s how importers can navigate it smoothly.

Mombasa port importers must gather a complete set of paperwork before cargo arrives.

Essential documents include a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, Import Declaration Form (IDF), and the importer’s KRA PIN certificate.

Certificates of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards and permits for restricted goods may also be required.

Only KRA-licensed clearing and forwarding agents can lodge customs entries.

The agent submits the C63 declaration through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) and uploads all supporting documents.

Importers at Mombasa port first pay the Import Declaration Fee, which is 2.5 percent of the customs value or a minimum of USD 50.

After the entry is lodged, KRA assesses the shipment and issues a Payment Registration Number (PRN).

Duties such as import duty, VAT, and the Railway Development Levy (if applicable) are paid electronically through the iTax platform or M-Pesa Paybill 572572.

in or register on eCitizen: Go to the eCitizen portal (ag.ecitizen.go.ke) and sign in with your credentials. If you don’t have one, register with your Kenyan ID number.

This reference is what you’ll use to make the actual payment at Mombasa port.

It includes details like your container number or manifest number.

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