Many importers shipping cargo from the United Kingdom to Kenya are surprised to discover that they can be charged both port storage fees and shipping line demurrage at the same time. Although these charges are often confused, they are separate fees imposed by different organizations for different reasons. Understanding the difference can help importers avoid…
Yes. In many cases, an importer can still recover a UK shipment after it has been listed for public auction in Kenya, provided action is taken before the auction is completed and all customs requirements are satisfied. Once cargo is identified as abandoned, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) typically issues a public notice giving the…
When cargo shipped from the United Kingdom remains uncleared in Kenya for an extended period, it may eventually be classified as abandoned and become eligible for disposal through a public customs auction conducted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The auction process is governed by the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and is…
When a container shipped from the United Kingdom arrives at the Port of Mombasa, importers are expected to complete customs clearance and remove the cargo within the allowed free storage period. If the container remains at the port for more than 21 days, significant storage charges, demurrage fees, and operational complications can arise. The longer…
Importers shipping containers from the United Kingdom to Kenya often focus on freight costs, customs duties, and taxes, but one of the most expensive unexpected charges can be container demurrage. Demurrage is charged by the shipping line when a container remains at the port beyond the free days granted after arrival. These charges can accumulate…
One of the most important questions for importers shipping containers from the United Kingdom to Kenya is how long cargo can remain at the Port of Mombasa before storage charges begin to accrue. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) provides a limited free storage period for containers after arrival. Once this period expires, daily storage charges…
Baby clothes imported from the United Kingdom can be imported into Kenya, but they may be subject to conformity assessment and testing requirements under the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) framework. Because infant and children’s products are considered sensitive consumer goods, KEBS may require testing where there are concerns about product safety, chemical content, labeling,…
Mandatory Documentation for Importing Cosmetics from the UK to Kenya Cosmetics imported from the United Kingdom into Kenya must comply with customs, standards, labeling, and regulatory requirements before they can be legally sold, distributed, or used commercially. Importers should ensure all required documentation is prepared before shipment to avoid customs delays, storage charges, or regulatory…
Commercial beauty creams can be legally imported from London to Kenya, but products containing prohibited levels of hydroquinone, mercury, steroids, hormonal preparations, or other restricted substances may be banned from importation, sale, or distribution. Importers of cosmetics should carefully verify product ingredients before shipping to Kenya because Kenyan regulators actively monitor and prohibit certain skin-lightening…
Businesses importing commercial sound systems from the United Kingdom often ask whether approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) is required before the equipment can be imported, sold, or used in Kenya. The answer depends on the technical features of the sound system. Standard audio equipment generally does not require CAK type approval. However,…