KRA issues update on new tax targeting travelers’ personal items after uproar
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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) says it is reviewing the new tax on travelers’ personal and household items valued at Ksh75,000 (USD500) or more
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) says it is reviewing the new tax on travelers’ personal and household items valued at Ksh75,000 (USD500) or more.
In a statement on Thursday, November 2, KRA said it will give a communication on the review in due course.
In a detailed explanation, the authority clarified that all used personal items are exempt from customs duty no matter the amount.
“As per the law affecting all East African Countries, goods of up to the value of USD 500 for each traveler are exempted from import tax, in so far as the baggage is accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer. However, KRA is in the process of reviewing this regulation to a higher limit and this shall be communicated to the public in due course,” read the statement in part.
KRA noted that scanning of traveler’s baggage at the airport is done to ensure correct declarations for purposes of taxation and to screen out prohibited and restricted goods for the safety of all Kenyans.
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“Items flagged out after the first line x-ray/non-intrusive scanning process will undergo a physical inspection by the Customs Officer,” KRA stated.
The authority further noted that passengers are required to declare the specified items in the Passenger Declaration Form (F88), prior to arrival in Kenya, and present it to a Customs Official at the point of entry.
“However, a passenger has a right to query the assessed customs duty and may seek an explanation from the Customs Officer,” KRA added.
The Authority further indicated that it was in the process of upscaling the use of technology to enhance non-intrusive inspection of luggage at all points of entry.
This comes after the authority was blasted by Kenyans online over the new tax. Kenyans also complained about alleged poor handling of arrivals at the JKIA, long queues, and exploitation.
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