What is the document scanning fee applied by KRA for a UK cargo entry?
There is no officially fixed or separately published “document scanning fee” charged by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as a standard line item for UK cargo or any import entry.
In Kenya’s customs system (KenTrade + KRA iCMS), document handling is largely digital and included within the customs processing framework, so charges are not itemized as a standalone “scanning fee” in official tariff schedules.
1. What people often mistake as a “scanning fee”
In practice, what importers refer to as “document scanning fees” usually falls under one of these:
A. KenTrade system charges (user access fees)
- KenTrade operates the National Single Window System
- It may charge system access or transaction-related fees, depending on user category and subscription model
- These are not per-document scanning charges, but platform usage fees (kentrade.go.ke)
B. Clearing agent documentation charges (most common)
What is usually called “scanning fee” is actually charged by:
- Licensed customs clearing agents
- CFS (Container Freight Stations) or handling depots
- Courier or logistics providers
These cover:
- Uploading documents into KenTrade/KRA systems
- Printing, verification, and submission of entries
- Administrative processing of shipping documents
👉 This is a private service fee, not a KRA tax
C. Port or terminal document handling charges
At Mombasa Port or inland depots, you may also see:
- Manifest handling fees
- Documentation processing charges
- Terminal administrative fees
These are applied by port operators or logistics facilities, not KRA directly
2. What KRA actually charges for documentation
For a UK import entry, KRA primarily charges:
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.5% of CIF value (Kenya Revenue Authority)
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 1.5% of CIF value
- Import duty (varies by HS code)
- VAT (16%)
None of these are labeled as “document scanning fees.”
3. Why the confusion exists
The term “scanning fee” is commonly used informally because:
- Import documents are scanned/uploaded into KenTrade/KRA electronic systems
- Clearing agents bundle small administrative tasks into one fee
- Different agents label service charges differently
So importers often see it as a separate line item even though it is not an official KRA tariff
4. Typical real-world cost range (informal)
While not official, clearing agents may charge:
- Small parcels: KES 500 – 2,000
- Commercial entries: KES 2,000 – 10,000+
- Complex containers: higher depending on documentation volume
This varies widely by agent and cargo complexity.
5. Bottom line
There is no formal KRA “document scanning fee” for UK cargo entries. What is often called a scanning fee is actually:
- Clearing agent documentation handling charges, or
- KenTrade system-related fees, or
- Port/terminal administrative charges
KRA itself only applies statutory taxes like IDF, RDL, import duty, and VAT.
For structured UK–Kenya cargo clearance, transparent fee breakdowns, and compliant documentation handling, UK World Cargo Ltd works with licensed clearing agents to ensure all charges are properly itemized and no hidden or unnecessary fees are incurred.
For more information or a detailed explanation, please call or WhatsApp Abdi Haji at +44 7487 554202