NAIROBI, Kenya – In a new directive aimed at strengthening tax compliance and tracking mobile device integrity, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that all importers and travelers entering Kenya must declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their mobile devices.
This measure, aligned with the Communication Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recent guidelines, is expected to curb tax evasion and improve the security of devices in the country.
According to KRA, starting January 1, 2025, importers of mobile devices will be required to provide detailed entries at customs, listing accurate quantities, model descriptions, specifications, and IMEI numbers for each device.
Local assemblers, retailers, wholesalers, and mobile network operators must also upload the IMEI numbers of assembled or imported mobile devices to the KRA portal.
This requirement ensures that each device is logged for compliance monitoring under KRA’s supervision.
Travelers will also need to declare the IMEI numbers of their devices upon entry into Kenya. This information is to be submitted on the F88 passenger declaration form at the port of entry.
“KRA aims to enhance device tracking and curb the influx of non-compliant mobile devices into the local market. This initiative is part of broader efforts to protect local businesses, maintain tax integrity, and improve national security,” the notice read.
Device assemblers and manufacturers are required to register on the KRA customs portal, submitting reports on all devices made for local distribution along with their IMEI numbers.
KRA emphasized that importers and assemblers must also secure necessary regulatory approvals from the CA before devices are cleared for the Kenyan market.
KRA has stated that detailed instructions on uploading IMEI numbers and complying with the customs system will be provided before the January deadline.
The initiative falls under part B of the second schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), which restricts imports that do not meet regional compliance standards.
This measure, aligned with the Communication Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recent guidelines, is expected to curb tax evasion and improve the security of devices in the country.
According to KRA, starting January 1, 2025, importers of mobile devices will be required to provide detailed entries at customs, listing accurate quantities, model descriptions, specifications, and IMEI numbers for each device.
Local assemblers, retailers, wholesalers, and mobile network operators must also upload the IMEI numbers of assembled or imported mobile devices to the KRA portal.
This requirement ensures that each device is logged for compliance monitoring under KRA’s supervision.
Travelers will also need to declare the IMEI numbers of their devices upon entry into Kenya. This information is to be submitted on the F88 passenger declaration form at the port of entry.
“KRA aims to enhance device tracking and curb the influx of non-compliant mobile devices into the local market. This initiative is part of broader efforts to protect local businesses, maintain tax integrity, and improve national security,” the notice read.
Device assemblers and manufacturers are required to register on the KRA customs portal, submitting reports on all devices made for local distribution along with their IMEI numbers.
KRA emphasized that importers and assemblers must also secure necessary regulatory approvals from the CA before devices are cleared for the Kenyan market.
KRA has stated that detailed instructions on uploading IMEI numbers and complying with the customs system will be provided before the January deadline.
The initiative falls under part B of the second schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), which restricts imports that do not meet regional compliance standards.
