Import Duty Calculator for Goods Kenya 2026

How goods are taxed at the border

When goods enter Kenya from outside the East African Community, they are subject to customs charges. These are calculated on the customs value of the goods, which is normally the transaction value plus the cost of freight and insurance to Kenya. This combined figure is called CIF (cost, insurance and freight). The charges are then added in a set order.

The charges

The calculator works out, in order:

1. Import duty. A percentage of the CIF value, set by the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET). The rate depends on the product's classification. As a rule, raw materials and capital goods are charged at 0%, intermediate goods at 10% and finished goods at 25%, with higher rates for sensitive items.
2. Excise duty. Charged on certain products, in addition to duty. You enter the rate if one applies.
3. VAT. At 16% on the CIF value plus import duty plus excise.
4. Import Declaration Fee (IDF). A percentage of CIF, with a minimum, which is shown in the "rates used" table.
5. Railway Development Levy (RDL). A percentage of CIF.

Finding the right duty rate

The duty rate depends on the HS code (Harmonised System code) of the goods. The code classifies a product by type and material. The tariff lists a rate for each code, and some products have extra conditions. This calculator does not search the tariff for you. Find your code and its rate in the tariff on KRA's site or ask your clearing agent, then either pick the band that matches or type the rate in the box provided. There is also a box to store the HS code, which is useful when you compare quotations.

Getting the code right matters: using the wrong code can lead to underpayment, penalties or delays, while a correct code can lower the cost, for example where a product qualifies for 0%.

A worked example

Goods valued at KES 100,000 with KES 10,000 of freight are charged on a CIF value of KES 110,000. In the finished goods band, the total taxes are KES 56,700.00.

Goods from the EAC and COMESA

Goods that originate in EAC partner states and carry a valid certificate of origin enter duty-free. Goods from COMESA members can have reduced duty under the trade agreement. The calculator does not apply those preferences, so enter 0% if your goods qualify and you hold the certificate.

Duty remission and exemptions

Some goods are exempt or qualify for remission, for example certain inputs for manufacturers in special zones, goods for registered charities and some personal effects. These are granted under the law or through an application, not automatically.

Records and valuation

Customs can question the declared value, particularly if it is low compared with similar goods. Keep the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and proof of payment. The clearing agent files the entry on your behalf through KRA's system, and you can ask for the assessment before the goods arrive.

About the estimate

The duty bands, IDF and RDL are held as editable rates and are marked unverified until checked against the current tariff and finance legislation. This calculator gives an estimate for information only. KRA's assessment at clearing is final.

Choosing a clearing agent

A good clearing agent can lower your costs by classifying goods correctly, applying any available preference and avoiding storage charges. Ask for a written quotation that separates government taxes from the agent's own fees, ask how long clearance usually takes for your type of goods, and ask for references. Check that the agent is licensed and has the correct customs registration. Provide complete documents before the goods arrive, including the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, since missing papers are the usual cause of delays.

Guides, tools and templates for this topic

Read next: How much does it cost to import a car to Kenya? Duty, VAT and fees explained, VAT for small businesses in Kenya: when to register and what to charge, How to keep business records for KRA: what to save and for how long

Related calculators: Landed Cost Calculator, Excise Duty Calculator, Returning Resident Duty-Free Allowance Checker

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