Kenya Revenue Authority: Importers Must Declare IMEI Numbers on Mobile Devices

• The Kenya Revenue Authority requires importers to declare mobile devices incorporating IMEI numbers at the point of entry.
• Importers must provide detailed information about each device, including its IMEI number, make, model, and country of origin.
• Compliance officers should adjust their clients' customs clearance processes to account for the new requirement.
• Failure to declare goods accurately may result in penalties, fines, or detention of shipments.

The KRA has specified that all mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other wireless communication devices, must be declared separately from their packaging or containers.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a public notice requiring importers to declare mobile devices incorporating International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers at the point of entry into the country. This new requirement is aimed at enhancing revenue collection and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. The KRA has specified that all mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other wireless communication devices, must be declared separately from their packaging or containers. Importers are required to provide detailed information about each device, including its IMEI number, make, model, and country of origin.

The KRA's public notice is in line with the Customs Management Act, 2019, which empowers the Authority to regulate the importation of goods into Kenya. The Act requires importers to declare all goods, including mobile devices, accurately and truthfully. The KRA has also issued various regulations and guidelines governing the importation of mobile devices, which are available on their website. Importers must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and fines.

The new requirement for declaring mobile devices incorporating IMEI numbers at importation has significant implications for compliance officers, customs clearance processes, and existing procedures. Importers who fail to declare their goods accurately may face penalties, fines, or even have their shipments detained. Compliance officers must be aware of this new requirement and adjust their clients' customs clearance processes accordingly to avoid any disruptions or delays. The KRA's move is also expected to enhance revenue collection and promote compliance with existing regulations.

Compliance officers should watch for the new requirement to declare mobile devices incorporating IMEI numbers at importation, which may impact their clients' customs clearance processes and require adjustments to existing procedures.

Source: Original reporting via Kenya Revenue Authority public notices