Kenya Revenue Authority has notified all importers of mobile devices and travellers to declare their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers at the customs office.
This comes after the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a public notice on enhancing the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices.
CA said all local assemblers, importers, retailers and wholesalers as well as mobile network operators must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of each assembled or imported mobile device to the KRA portal to facilitate the tax compliance monitoring.
KRA in a notice on Tuesday said all importers of mobile devices will be required to submit detailed import entries for all mobile devices with accurate quantities, proper model descriptions or specifications, and their respective IMEI numbers in the customs system.
Passengers entering the territory of Kenya will have to declare the details and the respective IMEI numbers for their mobile devices intended for use during their stay in the country at the port of entry on the F88 passenger declaration form.
KRA said that device assemblers and manufacturers must register on the customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.
KRA also emphasized that importers and mobile device assemblers must obtain necessary regulatory clearances and permits from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA).
These requirements will take effect on January 1, 2025.
KRA said specific guidelines on the system process and how to capture the devices and their IMEI numbers for different users will be shared in due course.
Pursuant to part B of the second schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) on restricted imports, mobile devices must adhere to regulatory from the Communication Authorities of Kenya.
"For more details regarding this information, affected persons are required to email KRA on their official email; [email protected]," KRA said.
Kenya Revenue Authority is mandated to collect revenue on behalf of the government of Kenya, among the tax laws and regulations it administers, Kenya Revenue Authority also administers the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004.