How do I pay KRA duties for my UK cargo online?

If your cargo has arrived in Kenya from the UK and customs duties have been assessed, you can normally pay the charges online through the KRA payment system after a payment slip has been generated. Customs duties are typically paid using an Electronic Payment Slip generated through KRA systems, and payment can be made through mobile money, designated banks, or other approved payment channels. (zd.kra.go.ke)

UK World Cargo assists customers with shipping from the UK to Kenya and can help you understand the customs clearance and duty payment process.

Step 1: Ensure Your Customs Entry Has Been Processed

Before payment can be made, your shipment must first be declared and assessed by customs. This process usually involves:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Import Declaration Form (IDF)
• KRA PIN
• Any required permits

Once customs has completed the assessment, the applicable taxes and levies are calculated. (Kenya Revenue Authority)

Step 2: Obtain the Electronic Payment Slip

After assessment, an Electronic Payment Slip (sometimes called an e-slip) is generated showing:

• Import Duty
• VAT
• Railway Development Levy (RDL)
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF)
• Excise Duty (if applicable)
• Total amount payable

KRA states that customs duties are paid after generation of an Electronic Payment Slip. (zd.kra.go.ke)

Step 3: Make Payment Online

You can generally pay using:

M-Pesa

After obtaining the Payment Registration Number (PRN) or reference number from the payment slip, you can use M-Pesa Pay Bill to complete the payment. The PRN is used as the account/reference number for the transaction. (paybillke)

Mobile Banking

KRA confirms that customs duties can be paid through mobile banking platforms once the electronic payment slip has been generated. (zd.kra.go.ke)

Designated Banks

You can also pay through KRA-appointed banks using the payment slip generated from the customs system. (zd.kra.go.ke)

Step 4: Keep Payment Confirmation

After payment:

• Save the payment receipt
• Save the transaction reference number
• Share proof of payment with your clearing agent if required

Customs clearance can then proceed once payment has been confirmed in the system.

Can I Pay Duties Myself?

Yes, if you have access to the relevant payment information and assessment documents. However, many importers rely on their clearing agent to coordinate the process because customs declarations and assessments are often handled through customs systems by licensed agents. KRA notes that clearing agents are generally mandated to process importation documents and assist with clearance. (Kenya Revenue Authority)

What Happens After Payment?

Once customs duties and taxes have been paid:

1. Payment is confirmed in the customs system.
2. Customs clearance can be finalized.
3. Cargo release procedures continue.
4. The container, pallet, or parcel can be collected or delivered.

The exact release process depends on whether the shipment arrived through:

• Mombasa Port
• Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD)
• JKIA
• Another entry point

Common Charges Paid to KRA

When importing from the UK, the payment slip may include:

• Import Duty
• VAT
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF)
• Railway Development Levy (RDL)
• Excise Duty where applicable

The final amount depends on the HS Code, customs value, and type of goods being imported. (Kenya Revenue Authority)

Tips to Avoid Delays

To ensure smooth duty payment:

• Verify your KRA PIN details.
• Check that invoices are accurate.
• Confirm the customs valuation.
• Pay promptly after assessment.
• Keep all receipts and payment confirmations.

Delays in payment can lead to storage charges, demurrage, and slower cargo release.

Why Choose UK World Cargo?

UK World Cargo provides comprehensive shipping services from the United Kingdom to Kenya, including:

• UK warehouse address services
• Parcel consolidation
• Air freight shipping
• Sea freight shipping
• Container shipping
• Cargo tracking
• Customs clearance support
• Door-to-door delivery

Their team can guide customers through documentation requirements, customs procedures, and duty payment processes to help avoid delays.

Final Thoughts

Paying KRA duties for UK cargo online typically involves obtaining an Electronic Payment Slip after customs assessment, then paying through approved channels such as M-Pesa, mobile banking, or designated banks. The payment covers applicable taxes such as Import Duty, VAT, IDF, RDL, and any Excise Duty. Once payment is confirmed, customs clearance can proceed and the cargo can be released. Working with an experienced freight forwarder such as UK World Cargo can help simplify the process and reduce the risk of delays.

For more information or a detailed explanation, please call or WhatsApp

Abdi Haji at +44 7487 554202.