The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that customs agents must renew their licenses for 2027 by October 31, 2026. According to a public notice dated September 21, 2026, the licenses will expire on December 31, 2026, except for three-year Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) licenses. The renewal process is outlined in Section 145 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and Regulation 149-152 of the East African Community Customs Management Regulation, 2010.
To apply for renewal, customs agents must submit their applications through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) platform, http://icms.kra.go.ke. The applications must be accompanied by several documents, including a duly filled form C20, a current Certificate of Registration (CR12/CR13), a valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the company, a Certificate of Bond and Debt clearance, a copy of the previous C21 (License), and a KIFWA Clearance Certificate for the year of application.
The KRA notice also mentions that the renewal process is mandatory for all licensed customs agents. The authority has emphasized the importance of adhering to the deadline, as failure to renew licenses may result in disruptions to customs operations. The KRA has provided guidelines and support to ensure a smooth renewal process, and agents are encouraged to seek assistance if needed.
In a related development, the KRA has approved 15 vendors to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services for goods under customs control. The vendors will operate under the multi-vendor user-owned framework of the Regional Electronic Cargo Monitoring System (RECTS). This move aims to enhance service delivery, support port decongestion initiatives, and democratize access to electronic seals.
The electronic seals presently owned by the KRA under RECTS will be gradually phased out by October 26, 2026. Thereafter, electronic monitoring and tracking of goods under customs control will be undertaken exclusively by means of devices supplied by the approved vendors. The framework will be based on private commercial agreements between the approved vendors and users.
The KRA has transitioned to a Multi-Vendor, User-Owned Seals model for both dry cargo (e-seals) and wet cargo (e-fuel) electronic seals. This model is intended to support the port decongestion initiatives and democratize access to the seals. The list of approved vendors can be obtained from the KRA website or by contacting the Cargo Monitoring Unit.
The renewal of customs agents licenses and the implementation of the new electronic monitoring and tracking system are part of the KRA's efforts to enhance efficiency and compliance in customs operations. The authority has urged customs agents to comply with the regulations and deadlines to avoid disruptions to their operations. The KRA will continue to provide support and guidance throughout the renewal process.
Key points
- Customs agents must renew their licenses by October 31, 2026, to avoid disruptions to their operations.
- The KRA has approved 15 vendors to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services for goods under customs control.
- The new electronic monitoring and tracking system will be implemented under the multi-vendor user-owned framework of RECTS.
