What Is the Daily Storage Fine for a UK Container Stuck in a Customs Warehouse?
When a UK container is stuck in a customs warehouse in Kenya (often a CFS, ICD, or bonded warehouse) due to delayed clearance, unpaid duties, or inspection issues, it starts accumulating daily storage charges rather than a fixed “fine.”
These charges are applied by warehouse operators and are separate from KRA taxes or shipping-line demurrage.
1. Typical daily storage rates in customs warehouses
For containerized UK cargo held in Kenya customs warehouses:
- 20ft container: KES 3,000 – 6,000 per day
- 40ft container: KES 5,000 – 10,000 per day
In some high-cost private facilities or congested CFS yards, charges may be higher depending on space demand and handling requirements.
2. What triggers daily storage charges?
Storage fees begin once:
- Free storage days expire (usually 3–7 days depending on facility)
- KRA clearance is delayed
- Duties or taxes are unpaid
- Inspection is pending (KEBS, KRA, or other agencies)
- Documents are incomplete or under review
- Cargo is moved into bonded or long-stay storage
Once this happens, charges accumulate daily per container or per CBM.
3. Types of charges involved (important distinction)
A UK container stuck in a customs warehouse may attract multiple overlapping costs:
1. Warehouse storage fees
- Paid to CFS / ICD / bonded warehouse operator
- Charged per container per day
2. KRA-related delays (indirect cost impact)
- No direct storage “fine” from KRA
- But delays increase exposure to storage charges
3. Shipping line demurrage (if container is still under carrier control)
- Separate from warehouse charges
- Charged per container per day
4. Why costs increase quickly
Storage fees escalate because:
- Containers occupy limited warehouse space
- Customs delays increase handling time
- Long-stay cargo requires extra monitoring
- Re-handling or repositioning may be required
- Congestion at Mombasa or Nairobi ICDs
Even a short delay beyond free time can become expensive.
5. Example cost scenario
If a 40ft UK container is delayed in a warehouse:
- Daily storage: KES 8,000
- Delay: 10 days
👉 Total storage cost = KES 80,000 (excluding demurrage and taxes)
This is why clearance speed is critical.
6. How to avoid warehouse storage fines
To reduce costs:
- Ensure complete documentation before arrival
- Pre-lodge KRA entries early
- Pay duties immediately after assessment
- Respond quickly to inspection requests
- Use experienced clearing agents
- Track free storage expiry dates closely
Final Summary
The daily storage cost for a UK container stuck in a customs warehouse in Kenya typically ranges between:
- KES 3,000 – 10,000 per container per day, depending on container size and facility
Charges accumulate daily once free storage expires and can significantly increase total import costs if clearance is delayed.
For more information or a detailed explanation, please call or WhatsApp Abdi Haji at +44 7487 554202