Importers, exporters and transporters moving goods under customs control through Kenya will need to use electronic tracking seals supplied by approved private vendors after October 26.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said it will gradually phase out the seals it currently owns under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) by that date. It has approved 15 vendors to provide tracking services under a multi-vendor, user-owned model.
The change applies to electronic seals for dry cargo and fuel cargo. Users will be able to choose any approved vendor and arrange the service through a private commercial agreement. KRA has not specified the charges users can expect under those agreements.
RECTS monitors export and transit cargo moving through Kenya. Electronic seals fitted to cargo allow its movement to be tracked while it remains under customs control. The system is integrated with customs systems across the East African Community.
KRA said the new model intends to improve access to seals and support efforts to reduce congestion at the port. Seal shortages have previously disrupted cargo clearance, according to the authority.
The transition will affect importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, transporters and bonded warehouse operators. KRA said the list of approved vendors is available on its website or from the Cargo Monitoring Unit.
