Get a customs agent (clearing and forwarding) licence
Kenya Revenue Authority · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Only a registered company can be licensed. Apply to KRA's Commissioner of Customs and Border Control with your company and directors' documents, KIFWA membership and a USD 50 application fee. Once approved, pay the USD 400 annual fee, sign a USD 5,000 CB 11 bond and pay KSh 15,000 for ICMS access.
- Fee
- KSh 15,000ICMS (Integrated Customs Management System) access fee
- Where
- KRA, Commissioner of Customs and Border Control
What you need
- Certificate of registration from the Registrar of Companies (CR12)
- Tax compliance certificates for the company and for all directors
- KRA PIN certificates for the company and all directors
- Copies of all directors' national IDs or passports
- Certificates of good conduct for all directors
- Bank letters showing the company and each director hold accounts
- KIFWA membership certificate for the year you apply
- Valid tenancy agreement, lease or title deed for your office
Steps
- Register your company and join KIFWA (Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association) for the year you apply.
- Collect the documents and apply to KRA's Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, paying the USD 50 application fee.
- Once the Commissioner approves you, pay the USD 400 annual fee and sign a CB 11 security bond of USD 5,000.
- Pay the KSh 15,000 ICMS access fee so you can lodge customs entries in the system.
- Renew every year on Form C20, submitted to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control.
Watch out
- The licence lasts one year and expires on 31 December every year, whenever you got it.
- You need ICMS training to use the system. If you haven't been trained, contact the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA).
- The Commissioner may vet you before issuing the licence, and a licence can later be suspended or cancelled.
Who can apply
- Companies. A customs agent is a company licensed by the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control to clear goods for others.
- The company must have an established office, whose location customs will verify.
Official sources (3)
- How do I Become a Customs Agent? kra.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Customs Agents kra.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Customs Agent Licence Renewal kra.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026