Import Duty Calculator for Goods From China to Kenya

Updated 20 October 2026

Buying stock from China on Alibaba, 1688 or a supplier in Guangzhou? This calculator estimates the taxes the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will charge when your goods land, so you know the real cost before you pay the supplier. It works out the customs value, import duty, excise duty, 16% VAT, the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL), then adds them to give your landed cost in KSh.

How to Use the Import Duty Calculator

Enter the goods price from your supplier’s invoice in US dollars, then the freight and insurance you are paying to get the goods to Kenya. Type the exchange rate; KRA uses its own customs exchange rate, which is close to the Central Bank of Kenya rate, so check the day’s figure. Choose the duty rate for your product’s HS code. Under the East African Community Common External Tariff most goods fall into 0%, 10%, 25% or 35%, and the tool starts at 25% because many finished consumer goods sit there. Add an excise rate only if your product attracts excise duty.

How to Calculate Import Duty in Kenya

KRA charges taxes on the customs value, which is the CIF value: cost plus insurance plus freight, converted to shillings. Import duty is the CIF value times the duty rate. Excise duty, where it applies, is charged on CIF plus import duty. VAT at 16% is charged on CIF plus import duty plus excise. The IDF is 2.5% of the customs value, and the RDL is 2% of the customs value.

Example: phone accessories invoiced at USD 1,000 with USD 200 freight and USD 20 insurance, at an exchange rate of KSh 129, give a CIF of KSh 157,380. At 25% duty that is KSh 39,345 in duty, KSh 31,476 in VAT, KSh 3,934.50 IDF (raised to the KSh 5,000 minimum) and KSh 3,147.60 RDL, a total of about KSh 78,969 in taxes. Your landed cost before clearing charges is about KSh 236,349.

What This Tool Does Not Include

Clearing agent fees, port or airport handling, storage, local delivery and courier service charges are not taxes, so they are left out. Goods from China do not qualify for the EAC Simplified Trade Regime, which only covers goods made within the EAC. The correct duty rate depends on the exact HS code, and KRA’s assessment is final, so treat this as a planning figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the duty rate for my product?

Look up the HS code in the EAC Common External Tariff, or ask your clearing agent. Similar items can sit in different bands.

Is there a minimum IDF?

The Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act sets a minimum IDF of KSh 5,000. Untick the box if your agent tells you it does not apply to your consignment.

Can I claim back the VAT?

A VAT-registered business can usually claim import VAT as input tax. Our KRA small business tax tools story covers related changes.

What about cars?

Vehicles use depreciation and excise rules, so use our KRA car import duty calculator.

Sources

• KRA, How are Customs Duties assessed (kra.go.ke): duties assessed on customs value under EACCMA 2004, the VAT Act 2013 and the Excise Act 2015.
• EAC Common External Tariff duty bands (0%, 10%, 25%, 35%).
• Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act: IDF 2.5% of customs value with a KSh 5,000 minimum, RDL 2% (restored by the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024).
• KRA MSME information pack on the Simplified Trade Regime (kratv.kra.go.ke).

Related Tools and Guides

• All free Business Radar tools
• KRA car import duty calculator
• Fuel cost calculator

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