Clearing and forwarding means getting cargo through customs and moving it to its destination. In Kenya, most sea imports arrive through the Port of Mombasa, with air cargo through Nairobi airports and road cargo through the land borders.
The basic steps
- Pre-arrival. Your agent receives the shipping documents and prepares the customs entry before the cargo lands.
- Declaration. The entry is lodged electronically with the customs authority, with the goods classified under the correct tariff code and a declared value.
- Assessment and payment. Duties and taxes are calculated, and payment is made before release.
- Verification. Customs may inspect or scan the cargo. Clean paperwork makes this quicker.
- Release and transport. Once cleared, the cargo is collected from the port or terminal and delivered to its destination.
What a clearing agent actually does
A good agent does more than lodge a form. They check documents before arrival, confirm the tariff classification, identify permits or approvals your goods need, track storage and demurrage deadlines, and coordinate transport so the truck is waiting when the cargo is released.
Documents you typically need
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin, where relevant
- Import permits or conformity certificates for regulated goods
- Your tax registration details
See the full list in documents required to clear goods in Kenya.
Rules change. Customs procedures, systems and rates are updated regularly. Always confirm current requirements with your clearing agent before you ship.
Common causes of delay
- Missing or inconsistent documents, such as an invoice that does not match the packing list
- Wrong tariff classification or an under-declared value
- Regulated goods arriving without the required approvals
- Missed free storage days, which lead to port charges (see how to avoid demurrage)
How to choose a clearing agent
- Are they properly licensed, and will they show you evidence?
- Do they show their fee separately from duties and charges?
- How and how often will they update you?
- Can they also handle storage and transport, so you do not coordinate three suppliers?
Frequently asked questions
How long does customs clearance take in Kenya?
It depends on the goods, the completeness of documents, whether the cargo is selected for verification and how quickly duties are paid. Clean, complete paperwork submitted before arrival is the biggest factor you control.
Do I need a clearing agent to import into Kenya?
Most importers use a licensed agent because customs entries, classification and port procedures are specialised. An agent also helps you avoid costly mistakes.
What is the difference between clearing and forwarding?
Clearing is the customs process: entries, duties and release. Forwarding is arranging the movement of cargo: booking freight, handling documents and delivering it onward.