Entry Port
Mombasa Container Port
Customs Authority
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) — Customs & Border Control
HS Codes
8714.10 (motorcycle parts & accessories) +
Transit Time
18–22 days ocean transit (Mumbai to Mombasa)
Step-by-Step Process
How to Import from India to Kenya
Choose a Verified Indian Exporter
Verify your Indian supplier has a valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and GST registration. Request a company profile, export references, and product samples if possible. CrestMAX is IEC-registered, based in Ludhiana (India's spare parts capital), and has experience shipping to Kenya and East Africa. We provide all verification documents on request.
Confirm Parts, HS Codes, and Quantities
Most Boda Boda and tuk tuk spare parts fall under HS 8714.10 (motorcycle accessories and parts) or HS 8714.99. Confirm HS codes with your KRA-registered clearing agent before ordering — wrong HS codes cause examination and potential duty uplift at Mombasa. CrestMAX provides correct HS codes on all commercial invoices.
Get Proforma Invoice and Agree on Incoterms
Request a proforma invoice from your Indian supplier. Choose FOB Mumbai (you arrange freight) or CIF Mombasa (supplier includes freight and insurance to Mombasa). Most Kenyan importers prefer CIF for simplicity. CrestMAX offers both. Payment is typically 30% advance, 70% against BL copy, or 100% advance for smaller orders.
File Import Declaration Form (IDF) via KRA iCMS
Your clearing agent files the IDF electronically through KRA's iCMS portal before the goods arrive. Required information: supplier details, invoice value, HS codes, gross weight, and BL number. KRA assesses the IDF and assigns a risk profile (green, yellow, or red channel) which determines whether the shipment will be physically examined at Mombasa.
Shipping from India to Kenya
Ocean transit from Mumbai (JNPT) to Mombasa is 18–22 days. Shipping lines on this corridor include MSC, CMA-CGM, Evergreen, and PIL. Your shipping line or freight forwarder issues the Bill of Lading. CrestMAX provides all export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, BL (telex release), certificate of origin, and packing declaration.
Customs Clearance at Mombasa
Your KRA-licensed clearing agent handles examination (if triggered), duty payment, and release at Mombasa Container Terminal (KPA). Kenya operates a risk-based examination system: most pre-cleared shipments move quickly. Duty is paid electronically via KRA iTax. Typical clearance time: 2–5 days for green-channel shipments. After clearance, goods can be trucked to Nairobi (8–10 hours) or upcountry.
Documents Checklist
Required Documents for Kenya
Commercial Invoice
From CrestMAX. Must show part names, HS codes, quantities, unit prices, total CIF value, and country of origin (India).
Packing List
Detailed per-carton breakdown of contents, gross/net weights, and dimensions.
Bill of Lading
Issued by shipping line at Mumbai/JNPT. Original or Telex Release for cargo collection at Mombasa.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by exporting country's chamber of commerce (India). CrestMAX provides a certificate of origin stamped by Ludhiana Chamber of Commerce.
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Filed electronically through KRA's iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System) before goods arrive. Your clearing agent handles this.
Pre-Arrival Declaration
Required by KRA 7 days before vessel arrival at Mombasa for containerised cargo.
HS Codes
8714.10 (motorcycle parts & accessories) / 8714.99 (other cycle parts) / 8708 (motor vehicle parts for 3-wheelers over 50cc)
Import Duty Structure
Kenya applies 25% import duty + 16% VAT + 1.5% Import Declaration Fee (IDF) + 3.5% Railway Development Levy (RDL), all on CIF value. EAC Certificate of Origin may qualify for East African Community preferential tariff if Kenya has a bilateral arrangement — confirm with KRA. Total effective rate is typically 45–50% of CIF value.
Port Tips
Mombasa Container Port — What to Know
Mombasa Container Port (KPA) is East Africa's most efficient major port. Pre-arrival declaration filing 7 days before vessel arrival is mandatory. Ensure your clearing agent is KRA-registered and experienced with auto spare parts classifications — misclassification between HS 8714 (motorcycle parts) and HS 8708 (motor vehicle parts) affects duty rates. Cleared goods can be trucked to Nairobi same day or held at port bonded warehouse if you need more time.
FAQ
Importing Spare Parts to Kenya — Questions
What is the import duty on spare parts in Kenya?
Kenya applies 25% import duty + 16% VAT + 1.5% IDF + 3.5% RDL on CIF value. Total effective cost is typically 45–50% added to your CIF price. Budget for this when calculating your landed cost.
How long does shipping from India to Kenya take?
Ocean transit from Mumbai to Mombasa is 18–22 days. Add 2–5 days for KRA customs clearance (green channel) or 5–10 days if your shipment is selected for physical examination.
Can Kenyan importers buy for redistribution to Uganda or Tanzania?
Yes — Mombasa is a regional hub. Many of our Kenyan buyers distribute parts to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. We can structure documentation to support transit cargo. Goods destined for Uganda transit via the Northern Corridor (Mombasa–Malaba–Kampala).
Does CrestMAX provide a certificate of origin for Kenya?
Yes — we provide a certificate of origin stamped by the Ludhiana Chamber of Commerce. This is accepted by KRA and is required for customs declaration.
What is the minimum order for shipping to Kenya?
We work with wholesale buyers. Minimum is typically one LCL shipment (1–3 CBM) or one 20-foot FCL container for larger orders. Contact us with your parts list for pricing.
Also Read
Ready to Source from India?
CrestMAX handles the India side — you handle Kenyacustoms. Send us your parts list and we'll respond within 24 hours.
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