Cargo Clearance Rules: KRA Excludes Smartphones, Foodstuffs and Used Clothes From KSh 2M ConsolidationCargo Clearance Rules: KRA Excludes Smartphones, Foodstuffs and Used Clothes From KSh 2M Consolidation
Key Highlights
- KRA says foodstuffs, smartphones, smartwatches, used clothes and shoes, televisions and ready-made garments are excluded from the KSh 2M ($15,400) consolidated cargo clearance framework.
- Cables, fabrics, cosmetics, new shoes, motorcycle spare parts and phone accessories may qualify if together they stay within 5% of total cargo volume.
- The notice of 5 November follows President William Ruto's September order to lower the benchmark from KSh 2.5M ($19,200) after trader complaints.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has listed goods excluded from the KSh 2M ($15,400) consolidated cargo clearance framework, shutting out foodstuffs, smartphones and smartwatches, used clothes and shoes, televisions and ready-made garments.
The notice, issued on 5 November 2026, matters to small importers who pool goods in one container, because items on the list can no longer clear under the framework.
What KRA excluded
The authority identified 30 categories of excluded goods. In its notice, KRA said the listed items are excluded from consolidated cargo clearance for consignments under the KSh 2M ($15,400) framework.
Reports name foodstuffs, smartphones and smartwatches, used clothes and shoes, televisions, ready-made garments, fabrics, cosmetics and beauty products, new shoes, sanitary ware, motorcycle spare parts, cables, carpets, household linen, musical instruments and entertainment equipment.
The full numbered list of 30 categories was not available in the sources Mwenendo reviewed, and some items appear in both the excluded and conditional groups. Importers should check the notice on the Kenya Revenue Authority website for the exact wording.
Conditions for some goods
Some categories can still qualify. Cables, ready-made clothes, fabrics, cosmetics, new shoes, motorcycle spare parts, computer accessories and mobile phone accessories may be cleared if they meet set conditions. KRA said the combined volume of items 12 to 30 on the exclusion list must not exceed 5% of total cargo volume, measured in cubic metres.
All items must be fully declared on the invoice, the entry and the importers' list, with the description and quantity of each. KRA will apply relevant unit values when setting customs value before approving goods under the framework.
How the rule came about
In September 2026, President William Ruto directed KRA to lower the consolidated cargo benchmark from KSh 2.5M ($19,200) to KSh 2M ($15,400) after trader complaints. He also asked the authority to identify high-value goods that should not qualify. The notice follows months of disagreement between KRA and small-scale traders over the cost and valuation of consolidated cargo.
The effective date of the exclusions was not stated in the sources reviewed, so traders should confirm when the list takes effect before shipping.
As Mwenendo earlier reported, KRA made digital marine cargo insurance compulsory for importers from 1 November. Mwenendo earlier reported on how KRA's cargo seal switch moved tracking to private vendors.
In Summary
- Who issued the notice?
- The Kenya Revenue Authority.
- What changed?
- 30 categories of goods are excluded or capped under the KSh 2M ($15,400) consolidated cargo framework.
- When was it issued?
- 5 November 2026.
- Who is affected?
- Importers who consolidate cargo into Kenya, mainly small traders.
- Why now?
- President Ruto directed the authority in September to identify high-value goods that should not qualify.
- How can some goods qualify?
- Conditional items must stay within 5% of total cargo volume and be fully declared.