The Kenya Revenue Authority has initiated the renewal process for customs agents and facilities licences for 2027. A public notice issued on September 21, 2026, states that all current customs licences will expire on December 31, 2026, except for three-year Authorised Economic Operators licences. The authority has set an October 31, 2026, deadline for submissions, which must be made through the Integrated Customs Management System platform.
The renewal process introduces significant changes, particularly for Transit Shed operators. They will be required to pay a licence fee equivalent to KSh 1.2 million, approximately US$ 10,000, per licence for a three-year period from 2027 to 2029. This new fee is part of the requirements for Transit Shed operators, who must also provide extensive supporting documents, including a valid 2024 to 2026 licence, a security bond, and a company registration certificate.
Licensed Customs Agents renewing for 2027 must submit Form C20, along with a current CR12 or CR13, a valid Tax Compliance Certificate, and a Certificate of Bond and Debt Clearance. They will also need to provide a copy of their previous C21 licence and a KIFWA Clearance Certificate. These provisions are based on Section 145 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and Regulations 149 to 152 of the accompanying EAC Customs Management Regulations, 2010.
Operators of bonded warehouses, manufacturers under bonded facilities, and transit godowns face equally detailed compliance requirements. They must provide director-level Tax Compliance Certificates and audited annual accounts for 2025. The KRA has cautioned that submitting the required documents does not guarantee approval, as applicants will still undergo further vetting.
The KRA has provided contact information for customs agents and operators seeking clarification. Customs agents can reach the licensing office at Tel: 0709016616/7 or via email at [email protected]. Operators of Bonded Warehouses, MUBs, and Transit Sheds can contact the KRA Contact Centre at Tel: 020 4 999 999, 0711 099 099, or 0709013067, or write to [email protected].
With the October 31 deadline approaching, operators are advised to begin assembling their documentation without delay. The KRA has also issued a warning over a fraudulent recruitment letter demanding a KSh 4,500 M-Pesa payment. The authority reminded job seekers that it does not charge fees at any stage of its hiring process.
The KRA's notices were issued by the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control. The authority encourages operators to verify the authenticity of job adverts and avoid recruitment scams. The renewal process aims to ensure compliance with customs regulations and facilitate smooth operations for licensed agents and facilities.
Key points
- The KRA has introduced a KSh 1.2 million fee for Transit Shed operators as part of the 2027 customs licence renewal process.
- The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2026, and operators must submit their applications through the Integrated Customs Management System platform.
- The KRA has cautioned that submitting required documents does not guarantee approval, as applicants will still undergo further vetting.
