Importing goods into Kenya can be profitable — but it can also become expensive, stressful, and slow if mistakes are made during the clearing process.

Most clearance problems don’t happen because of bad luck.
They happen because of avoidable errors made before or during customs clearance.

In this article, we cover:

• The most common clearing mistakes importers make in Kenya
• Practical ways to avoid them
• How professional clearing agents help importers stay compliant and clear faster

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Why Small Clearing Mistakes Become Big Problems

Kenya’s customs system is highly structured and risk-based.
Once an error is detected, the system responds with:

• Verification
• Reassessment
• Delays
• Penalties

Even a small mistake can delay cargo by days or weeks.

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Mistake #1: Using the Wrong HS Code

HS codes determine:

• Import duty rate
• VAT applicability
• Whether permits are required

Using the wrong HS code is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

Example:

An item declared under a 0% duty HS code is later reclassified to 25% duty.

Result:

• Reassessment issued
• Additional taxes demanded
• Clearance delayed by 3–5 days
• Possible penalties

✅ Correct HS classification before shipment prevents this entirely.

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Mistake #2: Not Applying the Required Permits

Many importers are oblivious of the permits required for their imported cargo. Most products require permits such as KEBS, PPB, ACA etc.

Permits depend on:

• Product type
• Material composition
• Intended use

Example:

Pharmaceutical products require permit approval from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and yet many importers don’t know of this.

❌ Missing required permits stops clearance completely

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Mistake #3: Accepting Flat-Rate Clearing Charges Without Breakdown

Most shipping companies charge:

• A flat CBM or weight-based fee
• One lump-sum amount for “everything”

This approach ignores:

• Different duty percentages per item
• Permit applicability
• Product risk level

Why this is risky:

• You may overpay on low-duty items
• Hidden charges appear later
• You lose cost visibility

At Clearon Logistics, we calculate charges based on the actual shipment, not assumptions.

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Mistake #4: Under-Declaring Cargo Value

Under-declaration is often done to “reduce duty” — but it usually backfires.

Customs compares:

• Invoice value
• Market value
• Historical data

Result:

• Cargo flagged for verification
• Reassessment issued
• Possible penalties

⏳ Clearance delayed 7–10 days or more

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Mistake #5: Submitting Poor or Generic Invoices

Invoices that say:

• “General goods”
• “Spare parts”
• “Machinery”

…are red flags.

Customs requires:

• Clear product descriptions
• Accurate quantities
• Correct values

Generic invoices almost always trigger verification.

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Mistake #6: Late Document Submission

Waiting until cargo arrives to organize documents causes:

• Storage charges
• Demurrage
• Rushed errors

Professional clearance begins before arrival, not after.

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How Clearon Logistics Helps Importers Avoid These Mistakes

At Clearon Logistics, our role is not just to clear cargo — it’s to protect importers from costly errors.

We help by:

• Reviewing documents before submission
• Confirming HS codes early
• Identifying the necessary permits
• Explaining every charge clearly
• Guiding clients step by step until cargo release

This approach saves time, money, and stress.

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Final Thoughts: Mistakes Are Costly — Guidance Is Cheaper

Most clearing problems in Kenya are preventable.

Understanding the process — or working with professionals who do — makes all the difference.

If you’re importing goods and want:

• Transparent pricing
• Faster clearance
• No unnecessary permits
• No surprise charges

👉 Clearon Logistics is ready to guide you from quotation to cargo release. Request a quote today and experience professionalism.