The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced tax exemption for Muslims dates during this year’s Ramadhan period.
In a statement on January 31, the Commision granted authorization for the tax-free importation and clearance of dates during the holy month.
“The dates to be considered for exemption must have been imported and cleared between 1st March 2024 and 20th April 2024,” read the statement in part.
The duty-free importation of dates comes with the condition that the importers or clearing agents apply for an exemption processing code on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS).
This code, issued under Section 247(b) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004, exempts 100% of import duties, as well as other taxes, fees, and levies on the date’s consignments.
KRA on Dates Usage
KRA emphasized that the dates must be intended for use during the holy month of Ramadhan, officially announced by the Chief Kadhi and the Government.
Consequently, the Remissions & Exemptions Office will oversee the approval of the processing code and ensure compliance with the exemption conditions.
Importers and clearing agents must submit an application on ICMS, including the necessary importation documents.
Also, the taxman has incorporated a risk management element into the clearance process.
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Consignments of dates shall undergo scanning to identify potential risks, ensuring a secure importation process.
The Remissions & Exemptions Office is tasked with maintaining records indicating the date of importation, quantities imported, and the duties, taxes, fees, and levies exempted.
Once the specified period lapses, these records will be submitted to the Permanent Secretary, National Treasury, with a copy to the Deputy Commissioner Revenue & Regional Coordination.
It is important to note that the duty-free importation of dates will expire on 20th April 2024.
Any imports arriving after this date will attract the full duties, taxes, fees, and levies.
Also Read: KRA Reminds Kenyans on Changes in Tax Filing Process
SUPKEM Reports on Muslim Dates
The exemption came after from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) wrote to KRA expressing the need for tax exemption on dates imported by the Council for free distribution to the Muslim community in Kenya during Ramadhan.
Further, the letter highlighted the tradition of breaking the fast with dates and the increasing demand for donations from overseas.
In response to SUPKEM’s request, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community.
