The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a new directive requiring the declaration of all mobile devices and their unique IMEI numbers at Kenya’s points of entry.

Starting 1st January 2025, the mandate will affect importers, travellers, and local device manufacturers, aligning with the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recent push to enhance tax compliance and integrity in mobile device imports.

The KRA clarified that the new regulation applies to three main categories: importers, passengers, and device assemblers or manufacturers.

“All Importers of Mobile Devices will be required to submit detailed import entries for all mobile devices with accurate quantities, proper model descriptions/specifications, and their respective IMEI numbers in the Customs system,” read the notice, emphasising the need for precise documentation within the Customs system.

For passengers, the policy requires declaring any mobile devices they bring into Kenya by listing the IMEI numbers on the F88 passenger declaration form at the port of entry.

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Local device manufacturers and assemblers must also comply, with KRA requiring them to register on the Customs portal and submit a report listing all IMEI numbers for devices assembled in Kenya.

Additionally, manufacturers must obtain clearance from the CA to ensure that their devices meet regulatory standards.

The KRA underlined that, “Device Assemblers/Manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers,” in an effort to bring domestically assembled devices into the regulatory fold.

This requirement, KRA explained, falls under Part B of the Second Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004), which categorises mobile devices as restricted imports that require regulatory authorisation from the CA.

The KRA reiterated that these declarations are vital for tracking the importation and movement of mobile devices in Kenya to ensure tax compliance and integrity in the mobile phone market.

The KRA and CA plan to release detailed guidelines for the new declaration system in the coming weeks, outlining procedures to assist importers, travellers, and manufacturers in accurately capturing device details within the Customs system.

The KRA’s notice affirmed that this regulatory shift will be fully implemented by January 2025, marking a new phase in Kenya’s efforts to regulate and monitor mobile device imports.