Frequently Asked Questions

We offer both air freight and sea freight services from China to Kenya:

• Air Freight: Weekly flights from Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen. Transit time: 3-5 days. Ideal for urgent shipments under 500kg at $12.5 per kg.
• Sea Freight (FCL): Full container loads (20ft/40ft) departing weekly. Transit: 25-30 days. Best for large shipments at KES 65000.
• Sea Freight (LCL): Less than container load. Weekly consolidations. Cost-effective for smaller shipments.

All services include customs clearance at Kenyan ports.

Shipping times from Dubai to Kenya vary by method:

• Air Freight: 2-3 days (door-to-door)
• Sea Freight (FCL): 14-18 days to Mombasa port AT KES 75000
• Sea Freight (LCL): 16-20 days

These are average transit times. Actual delivery may vary based on customs clearance, weather, and other factors.

Yes, we offer complete door-to-door delivery services across Kenya. Our service includes:

• Pickup from origin (China, Dubai, India, Turkey, etc.)
• International freight transport
• Customs clearance at Kenyan ports
• Local transportation to your destination
• Final delivery and offloading

We serve all major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and surrounding areas.

Yes, we specialize in handling oversized and heavy cargo. Our capabilities include:

• Machinery and industrial equipment
• Construction materials
• Vehicles and automotive parts
• Heavy generators and turbines
• Specialized packaging and crating

For oversized shipments, we coordinate with specialized carriers and obtain necessary permits. Contact us for a customized solution.

The required documents for customs clearance in Kenya include:

• Commercial Invoice - Original signed invoice showing value
• Packing List - Detailed list of all items in shipment
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill - Transport document
• Certificate of Origin - For preferential duty rates
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) - From Kenya Revenue Authority
• Permits/Licenses - For restricted goods (if applicable)
• Insurance Certificate

Our team will guide you through all documentation requirements specific to your goods.

Customs clearance times vary based on several factors:

• Standard clearance: 2-5 working days for normal goods
• Express clearance: 24-48 hours (additional fees apply)
• Delayed clearance: Can take 7-14 days for restricted goods or if documents are incomplete

Factors affecting clearance time:

• Completeness and accuracy of documents
• Type of goods (restricted items take longer)
• Value declaration accuracy
• Customs workload at time of clearance

Kenya has specific restrictions on certain imports:

Prohibited Items (Cannot be imported):

• Counterfeit goods
• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic materials
• Hazardous waste
• Certain weapons and ammunition

Restricted Items (Require special permits):

• Pharmaceuticals (require Pharmacy & Poisons Board permit)
• Food products (require KEBS certification)
• Agricultural products (require KEPHIS permit)
• Telecommunications equipment (require CAK approval)
• Used clothing (require special license)
• Used vehicles over 8 years old

Contact us for specific guidance on your goods.

Shipping costs depend on several factors:

• Shipping method: Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight
• Weight/volume: Charges are based on actual weight or volumetric weight (whichever is higher)
• Origin & destination: Specific locations affect rates
• Cargo type: Special handling requirements may increase costs
• Additional services: Insurance, packaging, special documentation

Sample Rates (Approximate):

• Air freight: $12.5 per kg from China to Nairobi
• Sea freight (LCL): $80-$150 per cubic meter
• Sea freight (FCL): KES 65000 per 20ft container

Get a free custom quote for accurate pricing.

Kenya applies several taxes on imports:

• Import Duty: 0%-25% depending on product category (most goods: 10%-25%)
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% on CIF value + import duty
• Excise Duty: Applies to specific goods (alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, etc.)
• Railway Development Levy: 2% of CIF value
• Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.25% of CIF value (max KES 75,000)

Calculation Example: For goods valued at $10,000 with 10% import duty:

• Import Duty: $1,000 (10% of $10,000)
• VAT: $1,760 (16% of $11,000)
• Railway Levy: $200 (2% of $10,000)
• IDF: $225 (2.25% of $10,000)
• Total approximate taxes: $3,185

We provide detailed tax calculations with your quote.

Yes, we offer comprehensive cargo insurance for all shipments. Our insurance covers:

• Total loss during transit
• Partial damage or pilferage
• Theft
• Natural disasters
• Accidents during handling

Insurance Rates: Typically 0.3%-0.5% of cargo value, depending on risk factors.

Recommendation: We strongly recommend insurance for all shipments, especially valuable or fragile goods.

Insurance can be arranged through us or you may provide your own policy. We'll need the insurance certificate before shipment.

Our shipping process involves these steps:

1. Consultation: We discuss your needs and provide a quote
2. Booking: You accept the quote and we book space with carriers
3. Collection: We arrange pickup from your supplier (if needed)
4. Shipping: Goods transported to origin port/airport
5. Documentation: We prepare all shipping and customs documents
6. International Transit: Goods shipped to Kenya
7. Customs Clearance: We clear goods upon arrival in Kenya
8. Local Delivery: Final transport to your destination
9. Completion: Delivery confirmation and documentation handover

We provide regular updates at each stage and a dedicated contact person throughout the process.

Yes, an Import Declaration Form (IDF) is mandatory for all commercial imports to Kenya.

How to obtain an IDF:

1. Register on the Kenya TradeNet System (www.kenyatradenet.go.ke)
2. Apply for the IDF online with details of your shipment
3. Pay the IDF fee (2.25% of CIF value, max KES 75,000)
4. Receive the IDF certificate electronically

Our Service: We can handle the IDF application on your behalf as part of our customs clearance service. We'll need:

• Your company details (if registered in Kenya)
• Copy of your KRA PIN certificate
• Commercial invoice from supplier
• Other shipment details

The IDF must be obtained before goods arrive in Kenya to avoid delays.

Yes, we facilitate supplier payments as part of our comprehensive service. Here's how it works:

1. You provide supplier details and agreed prices
2. We verify the supplier (optional but recommended)
3. You transfer payment to our designated account
4. We make payment to your supplier in local currency
5. We receive and verify goods on your behalf
6. Proceed with shipping to Kenya

Benefits:

• Single point of contact for entire process
• Reduced foreign exchange risks
• Quality verification before shipping
• Simplified payment process
• Better negotiation leverage with suppliers

Fees: We charge a small service fee (typically 1%-2% of transaction value). Contact us for details.