The Kenya Revenue Authority targets to clear at least 70 per cent of imports under the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity cargo clearing system effected in January.
“Compliant clients will have their cargo from the ship, to the track, to their destination. The process will be non-discriminating. It will depend on your record,” commissioner for customs Julius Musyoki told port stakeholders at a meeting in Mombasa on Friday. The system, spearheaded by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, enables the customs department to conduct pre-arrival clearance at the ports of export.
The pre-arrival system requires traders abroad to present all cargo destined for export to inspection companies.
The exporters is also required to avail the invoice for the cargo to the appointed inspection firm to confirm the value.
The pre-arrival system requires traders abroad to present all cargo destined for export to inspection companies.
The exporters is also required to avail the invoice for the cargo to the appointed inspection firm to confirm the value.
Carriers must also ensure a Certificate of Conformity issued by Kebs appointed inspection agents is produced, prior to loading, as evidence of quality inspection.
The new measure is part of the governments efforts to curb sub-standard goods and tax leakages.
Kebs has contracted four inspection companies- Messrs Bureau Veritas, China Certification and Inspection Group, Intertek International, and Société Générale de Surveillance, to undertake PVoC activities.
Kebs managing director Charles Ongwae said the law on conformity safeguards Kenyans from sub-standard goods.
Pre-arrival clearance will also help cut costs on storage charges both at the port and Container Freight Stations, according to KRA.
Under the arrangement, Kenya Ports Authority is given advance notice to release cargo directly to importers, upon vessel arrival.
Source: The Star

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