Moving overseas is a thrilling experience, but it also demands extensive preparation, paperwork, and research! If you are considering or planning a move to the African nation of Kenya, read on for detailed customs information and helpful tips on the necessary documents and enforced regulations for importing goods into the country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Kenya, there are
many important documents required to enter the country and establish permanent residency. When planning your
international move, it is a good idea to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you with the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Kenya, you will need:
- Original passport (if issued within last two years, former passport also required)
- Residence visa
- Work permit
- Insurance certificate
- PIN certificate (issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority)
- Original Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Comprehensive valued inventory (three copies, signed by owner)
- Power of attorney -(giving authority for Destination Agent to receive shipment)
- Bank release
- Form C-18 declaration (signed by customer)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Kenya permanently, the regulations for importing personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) are:
- You must be present for customs clearance
- Shipments are subject to inspection
- Used household goods and personal effects are duty free if:
- You owned and used the goods for at least one year
- The goods are imported within three months of the issue of your work permit
- The goods will not be sold, lent or disposed of during your time in Kenya
- Necessary documents must be expressed mailed to your Destination Agent no less than 15 days prior to your arrival to arrange for your duty free certificate
- Goods can be moved into a customs bonded warehouse until you arrive in Kenya owner (storage should not exceed one year)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Kenya, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
- Explosives, ammunition and weapons including tear gas and silencers
- Pornography and subversive materials
- Political literature
- Gambling machines
- Currency, securities and counterfeit currency
- Animal traps, animal skins, game trophies, tusks, ivory and horns
- Precious stones and metals
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Kenyan customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms, air soft guns and plastic toy guns (firearms certificate issued by Kenya Firearms Bureau required)
- Plants, seeds, bulbs, fresh fruits and vegetables (permit from Ministry of Agriculture required)
- Birds, bird eggs, and related materials (Sanitary Import Permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Services required for birds from countries affected by the bird flu)
- Computers (subject to tax and duties)
- Alcohol (limited to one bottle duty free)
- Tobacco (limited to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or a half pound of loose tobacco)
- Electronics and appliances (invoices/receipts and serial numbers required)
- New items (subject to tax and duties, import permit may be required)
- Fabrics (subject to tax and duties)
- Perfume (limited to one pint)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle to Kenya, you'll need the help of experienced international vehicle shippers with sufficient knowledge of
overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations. To import your vehicle into Kenya, you must meet these conditions:
- Returning citizens with original two- year work permit abroad and those moving to Kenya are permitted to import one vehicle duty free
- The vehicle must have been owned by customer for at least one year for duty free import
- If the vehicle is older than one year, there is no tax provided (vehicle must be registered in the name of the customer importing)
- Vehicles imported duty free may not be sold for a period of one year
- All shippers must pay motor vehicle processing fees
- All documentation must be sent to agent at least one month prior to vehicle's arrival to reduce the possibility of storage charges
- Vehicles must be imported within 90 days after shipper's arrival in Kenya
- Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited
- Vehicles older than eight years are prohibited
The following documents are required to import your vehicle to Kenya:
- Import Declaration form
- Clean report finding and vehicle log book (in English)
- C 15 Form and PIN certificate
- Original Bill of Lading (must state chassis and engine numbers, weight, make and model)
- Original title and registration (in customer's name, with state chassis and engine
serial numbers and engine capacity)
- Authority to import vehicle
- Certificate of Road Worthiness (provided by the owner to the Kenya Bureau of Standards)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo you will want to ensure he or she clears customs without trouble. The requirements for importing your furry friend into Kenya include:
- Vaccination certificate required (including rabies vaccination given between one year and one month prior to import)
- Health certificate required (issued by licensed veterinarian)
- Import permit required (Should be applied for at least 30 days prior to importation)
- Documents are required prior to import (issued at point of origin)
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex venture, which is why it is crucial to hire trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any overseas moving company,be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can properly aid you in the complicated customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable and experienced international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to safely transport your belongings to Kenya.
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