THE Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is introducing an integrated Customs Management System at the three main international airports, in a bid to prevent non-payment of custom tax and accelerate air cargo clearance procedures. The new system that will be up and running from May 10 targets airlines, shipping lines/agents, importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding, agents, ground handlers, consolidators, couriers, and any other parties involved in cargo clearance.

The system will be available at the main import and export hubs for traders, namely Jomo Kenyatta international airport (JKIA), Moi international airport, and Eldoret international airport, which has become increasingly popular with cargo flights seeking to avoid long waits at JKIA in Nairobi.

KRA will henceforth require submission of air cargo clearance documentation through the system including import declaration forms, air manifests, security bonds, air cargo declarations and exemptions as it does away with hard copy documentation.

The revenue lost to import mis-declaration was KES77.3 billion (US$761,8 million), with goods into the country being over-valued in order to shift money abroad or undervalued to evade VAT taxes.

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