The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced new regulations for importing mobile devices, effective 1 January 2025.
Under these rules, all importers must submit detailed import entries, including quantities, full model descriptions, and the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for each device.
The tax collector claims these steps will boost transparency and accountability in the mobile device import process.
In an earlier announcement a few days ago, KRA said that his data would be part of a new compliance database to track each device and prevent illegal or “grey market” phones from bypassing tax requirements.
Mobile network operators will also check each device’s tax status and only allow compliant devices to connect to their networks.
Local device assemblers and manufacturers must also register on the KRA Customs portal and submit regular reports listing all devices assembled for the domestic market, along with their respective IMEI numbers.
Travellers entering Kenya must declare mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form, providing IMEI numbers for any device they intend to use during their stay.
KRA says stakeholders must obtain necessary permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to comply with the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004), which classifies mobile devices as restricted imports.
These regulations align with recent initiatives by the CA to support KRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tax compliance and protect the integrity of Kenya’s mobile device market.
