The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has issued an update on the goods that are allowed to exit the port without scanning.
In a statement on November 20, KNCCI said the communication was made to them by KRA following their joint meeting with the Kenya Ports Authority on 6 November 2025.
“We wish to bring to your attention a recent communication from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) following a joint meeting with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) held on 6th November. The agencies have introduced interim measures aimed at easing congestion and improving efficiency at the Port of Mombasa,” read part of the statement.
Key updates for importers and logistics operators include allowing CFS-bound containers and SCT duty-paid containers with valid exit notes to exit the port without waiting for image analysis reports.
KNCCI Update on Containers Allowed to Exit Without Scanning
The Port of Mombasa has recently experienced increased pressure due to high container volumes. According to KNCCI, these new measures have been introduced to ease congestion caused by scanning and improve efficiency at the port of Mombasa.
The following categories of cargo will not undergo the scanning process:
- CFS-bound containers cargo that is being transported to container freight (CFS) for services like consolidation, deconsolidation, and customs clearance, which will be released directly to container freight stations without having to wait for scanning results
- SCT duty-paid containers; they are the shipping containers whose goods have had the applicable customs duties and taxes fully paid for under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework of the East African Community (EAC)
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The move is expected to reduce turnaround time for both importers and logistics companies.
AEOs Under Port of Mombasa Clearance Exemption
In addition to the two categories, the agencies clarified that Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) under port clearance procedures are also exempted from scanning requirements.
Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) are recognized for their high compliance levels and streamlined operations, making them eligible for priority clearance and fewer regulatory checks.
Despite these new measures, KNCCI has highlighted that all other existing port procedures remain fully applicable.
This means importers and logistics operators must continue to adhere to standard customs regulations, documentation processes, and verification protocols, as necessary.
Members have been urged to engage in importation, logistics, warehousing, and transport to familiarize themselves with the new temporary measures and adjust their processes accordingly.
“Members are encouraged to take note of these changes and adjust their operations to ensure smoother cargo flow,” KNCCI noted.
KRA and KPA Introduce New Steps to Speed Up Cargo Clearance for Importers
The following are steps introduced to speed up Cargo clearance for impostors in the Port of Mombasa:
- Transfer of Long-Stay Containerized Cargo
- Cargo destined for Mombasa will be moved to Container Freight Stations (CFSs) for final clearance.
- Cargo for Nairobi and other upcountry destinations will be railed to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD) for clearance.
- Cargo bound for Uganda will be transferred to Naivasha Inland Container Depot (NICD).
- Fee Waivers to Encourage Cargo Evacuation
- KPA and KRA will waive 100% of accrued storage and warehouse rent for 30 days upon receipt of a waiver application.
- Shipping lines are directed to waive container detention and accrued demurrage charges.
- All primary port charges, rail freight, shipping line fees, and statutory taxes remain payable.
- Cargo Auction and Destruction
- KRA will determine cargo eligible for auction and ensure gazettement to allow importer clearance.
- Unclaimed cargo will be auctioned.
- Approved cargo for destruction will be sent to licensed destruction sites.
- Simplified Processing and Exemptions
- Cargo under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) regime will be exempted from RECTS e-seal arming, except for high-risk consignments.
- Importers can nominate a CFS of their choice; otherwise, KPA will allocate consignments.
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- Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) will be implemented by KRA to speed up clearance.
- Multiagency Interventions Outside the Port
- All container interventions by Government Port Agencies (PGAs) will be conducted outside the port and resolved within five days, in line with government directives.
- Medium-Term Measures for Long-Term Efficiency
- The government is aligning policy actions and digitization initiatives to enhance long-term port efficiency and ensure Mombasa remains the preferred port in the region.
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