Comprehensive Guide to Import Documentation for Cargo Through the Port of Mombasa

Before your cargo leaves the country of origin, it undergoes inspection for pre-shipment verification of conformity to standards (PVoC). If the consignment meets quality standards, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued by the appointed inspection body.

While awaiting the arrival of your cargo, apply for an Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This document is crucial for importing commercial consignments into Kenya.

The shipping agent submits the ship’s bay plan (badly) to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the cargo manifest to KRA for approval and assignment of a manifest number. The manifest is then transmitted to KENTRADE and partner states revenue authorities.

The clearing and forwarding agent obtains the manifest number from the shipping agent and launches an import entry into the KRA or partner states revenue authority system for electronic approval. You will then be notified to pay import duties and taxes.

Surrender the bill of lading in exchange for the delivery order, which is electronically transmitted to KPA by the shipping agent. The cargo is then verified by KRA and relevant authorities for compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Your agent submits a pickup order to KPA and pays all charges for services rendered at the port. A truck enters the port, picks up the position slip at the entry gates, and proceeds to the cargo yard for loading.

The gate pass is issued, and the cargo exits the port, proceeding on its journey to the final destination.