KRA Announces New Rules for Kenyans Importing Goods in Shared Shipments

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a new requirement affecting Kenyans who import goods through shared shipments, introducing additional documentation that traders must provide when bringing goods into the country.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the tax authority said importers whose goods are transported together as consolidated cargo will be required to provide their personal and tax identification details.

The new directive targets cargo consolidators who transport goods belonging to different traders in a single shipment. Under the arrangement, consolidators will be required to submit the names, KRA Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), national identity card numbers and telephone numbers of individual importers.

Importers must also provide descriptions and declared values of the goods they are bringing into the country.

According to KRA, the requirement is intended to facilitate the issuance of electronic tax invoices through the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). This will enable eligible VAT-registered importers to claim input VAT on imported goods, subject to existing tax laws and regulations.

The authority has directed cargo consolidators, customs agents and importers handling consolidated shipments to comply with the new requirements.

KRA says the measure is part of broader efforts to improve transparency in the importation process, strengthen accountability and promote fair competition among businesses operating in Kenya.

The announcement means traders who regularly purchase goods from overseas and combine their consignments with those of other importers will need to ensure that their details and shipment information are accurately recorded.

Importers may therefore need to coordinate closely with their cargo consolidators and clearing agents to avoid documentation problems during the clearance process.

The latest directive adds to KRA’s ongoing changes affecting imported goods as the authority seeks to improve tax compliance and customs administration.

Kenyans involved in importing merchandise have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure that the necessary information is provided when their goods are shipped into the country.

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