KRA Announces New Mobile Phones Directive Over Tax Compliance
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a new directive to all mobile phone importers, travelers, and local device manufacturers in a renewed effort to improve tax compliance and regulatory integrity in the country.
According to a notice dated Tuesday, November 5, all importers must submit detailed import entries that include accurate quantities, comprehensive model descriptions, and the respective International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for each mobile device beginning January 1, 2025.
“Pursuant to Part B of the Second Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act(EACCMA,2004), on restricted imports, mobile devices require regulatory permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya,” the notice by KRA read in part.
We’re announcing enhanced regulations for mobile devices to strengthen tax compliance, taking effect January 1st, 2025
— Kenya Revenue Authority (@KRACorporate) November 5, 2024
Under these regulations, the following will apply:
1. All importers are required to submit detailed import entries that include accurate quantities,… pic.twitter.com/KEiGK8fPNU
The new regulations require device assemblers and manufacturers to register on the KRA Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market, along with their IMEI numbers.
“Device Assemblers/Manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.”
Any passenger entering Kenya must also declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form, including the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay.
“All stakeholders must obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances and permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya to ensure compliance with local laws,” KRA revealed in the notice.
The move comes after the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) announced new measures to support the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) ongoing efforts to improve tax compliance in Kenya’s mobile device market.
The Kenya Revenue Authority is committed to improving tax compliance on behalf of the Kenyan government and administers a variety of tax laws and regulations, including the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004).
The KRA’s official notice comes a week after the Communications Authority of Kenya announced that mobile phones that do not comply with new tax regulations will not be linked to any mobile operator in the country.
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In a statement, the government mandated that mobile network providers only connect devices to their networks after verifying their tax compliance status against a whitelist database of compliant devices.
PUBLIC NOTICE
— Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) (@CA_Kenya) October 24, 2024
Enhancing Integrity and Tax Compliance of Mobile Devices in Kenya@Mugonyid @marywambui_m @MoICTKenya @KRACorporate pic.twitter.com/SLrxUcariT
“Operators will also be required to provide for the gray-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted,” CA directed on October 24.
The requirements will be implemented on January 1, 2025. The Authority will issue specific guidelines on the system process and how to capture devices and IMEI numbers for various users in due course.
Kenyans with questions about the new directives can contact KRA at callcenter@kra.go.ke, 020 4999 999, or 0711 099 999. Kenyans have also been encouraged to visit any of the KRA’s offices with their questions.
KRA Announces New Mobile Phones Directive Over Tax Compliance
