Kenya import duty and de minimis
Duty by category plus the charge stack that applies on top: 16% VAT, IDF (2.5% of CIF), RDL (2% of CIF). Use it to sanity-check a clearing agent's quote.
Indicative, not a quote. Duty and FX values are estimates and must be verified against live customs and FX data before you commit funds.
| Category | Duty | Effective | HS hint | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Parts | 25% | ~50% | HS 8708 | Calculate → |
| Bags | 35% | ~61% | HS 4202 | Calculate → |
| Beauty & Cosmetics | 25% | ~50% | HS 3303 / 3304 | Calculate → |
| Clothing | 25% | ~50% | HS 61 / 62 | Calculate → |
| Electronics | 10% | ~32% | HS 8517 / 8518 / 9102 | Calculate → |
| Hair Products | 25% | ~50% | HS 6703 / 6704 | Calculate → |
| Kitchenware | 25% | ~50% | HS 7323 / 3924 | Calculate → |
| Phone Accessories | 10% | ~32% | HS 8517 / 8504 | Calculate → |
| Shoes | 25% | ~50% | HS 64 | Calculate → |
| Toys | 35% | ~61% | HS 9503 | Calculate → |
Duty bands and VAT verified vs Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act (Kenya Law) + KRA + PwC on 21 June 2026; the exact per-HS line varies — confirm with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) before you pay. source ↗
Indicative EAC CET band for Kenya. Verify exact HS via KRA. Sourced 2026-06-07.
De minimis, in plain terms
No confirmed commercial de minimis; KRA assesses duty, IDF, RDL and 16% VAT on the consignment. Verify with a clearing agent.
How is import duty calculated in Kenya?
KRA assess the EAC CET duty band on the CIF value, add the 2.5% Import Declaration Fee and the 2% Railway Development Levy (both on CIF), and charge 16% VAT on the duty-and-levy-inclusive value. Because IDF and RDL enter the VAT base, the effective rate on a 25% CET item lands well above 25% once VAT compounds on top.
How much duty will you pay on Electronics?
For a typical Electronics order (300 units, ¥32,250 of goods), the duty sits in the 10% band (~KSh68,465) and VAT (16%) ~KSh120,498, for a landed cost of ~KSh935,268. Switch category in the table above for its band. Indicative figures, sampled 2026-06-07; not a quote.
What is the de-minimis and can you use it?
No confirmed commercial de minimis; KRA assesses duty, IDF, RDL and 16% VAT on the consignment. Verify with a clearing agent.
How do importers overpay (and how to avoid it)?
Using only informal FX channels for the RMB leg and never comparing the spread against a B2B provider.
Are these the official rates?
The duty and VAT structure here is correct, but the exact per-HS rate is indicative and customs valuation can differ from your purchase price. Verify the exact line with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and a clearing agent before paying. Indicative figures, sampled 2026-06-07; not a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty in Kenya?
Duty depends on the product's HS code. On top of duty you pay 16% VAT, IDF (2.5% of CIF), RDL (2% of CIF). The figures here are indicative; confirm with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
What is the de minimis in Kenya?
No confirmed commercial de minimis; KRA assesses duty, IDF, RDL and 16% VAT on the consignment. Verify with a clearing agent.
How is VAT applied?
VAT of 16% is applied on the duty-inclusive base. Our calculator applies it on that base.
Are these official duty rates?
The tariff bands are correct but we could not certify every exact HS line against the official Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) schedule. Treat per-category rates as indicative and verify before committing funds. Sourced 2026-06-07.
Last updated: 2026-06-07.
Wanjiru covers the Kenya–China trade route end to end: EAC Common External Tariff bands, the IDF and Railway Development Levy that sit on every CIF value, and the payment rails (from M-Pesa funding to B2B settlement) that move shillings to yuan. She writes for Nairobi's import traders who need the real all-in cost.