The Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) has issued a new directive requiring all importers to provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) for goods entering the country In a statement on July 9, KRA said that the directive took effect on July 1, 2025, stating that every imported item must come with a COO issued by a recognized authority in the country of export.
KRA said that the mandatory requirement is in line with the amended Tax Procedures Act (CAP 469B, Section 44A) under the Finance Act 2025, which is meant to help the government verify where imported goods come from. "Kenya Revenue Authority wishes to notify all importers, customs clearing agents and members of the public that in compliance with Section 44A of the Tax Procedure Act, CAP, 469B (as amended by the Finance Act, 2025)," the statement reads in part.
Imported oil docking at the Port of Mombasa on April 13, 2023.
Photo Ministry of Energy "It is mandatory for all consignments imported into Kenya to be accompanied by the Certificate of Origin issued by a competent authority from the country, effective July 1, 2025." It added that the certificate must be issued by a competent authority from the country of export and presented at the point of entry.
