The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has set a deadline of October 31 for customs agents to renew their licences for 2027. In a public notice issued on September 21, the authority stated that licences will expire on December 31, 2026, except for three-year Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) licences. The renewal process is mandatory for all licensed customs agents seeking to continue their operations.
To renew their licences, customs agents must submit their applications through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) platform. The applications must be accompanied by several documents, including a duly filled Form C20, a current 2026 Certificate of Registration, and a valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the company.
The KRA has outlined specific requirements for licence renewal, including a Certificate of Bond and Debt Clearance, a copy of the previous C21 licence, and a Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) Clearance Certificate for the year of application. These requirements are provided for under Section 145 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 and Regulations 149 to 152 of the East African Community Customs Management Regulations, 2010.
The authority has urged customs agents to comply with the renewal deadline to ensure continuity of their licences. KRA has advised affected agents to submit complete applications through the iCMS platform before the October 31 deadline. The renewal process comes as customs agents prepare for the next licensing period.
The KRA has provided channels for agents requiring clarification or facilitation on the renewal process. Agents can contact the Licensing Office on 0709016616 or 0709016617, or seek assistance through the email address [email protected] . The authority reiterated that the renewal application applies to all licensed customs agents, with the exception of holders of the three-year AEO licences.
The licence renewal process requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with registration, tax and bond-related obligations. The KRA has emphasized the importance of timely renewal to avoid disruptions in customs operations. The authority has been working to enhance trade facilitation and compliance with customs regulations.
The deadline for licence renewal comes ahead of the expiry of current licences at the end of 2026. The KRA has encouraged customs agents to take proactive steps to renew their licences and ensure continuity of their operations. KEY_POINT: The Kenya Revenue Authority has set a deadline of October 31 for customs agents to renew their licences for 2027. KEY_POINT: Licence renewal requires submission of applications through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) platform. KEY_POINT: The renewal process applies to all licensed customs agents, except for holders of three-year Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) licences.
