KRA to block clearance of imports without valid digital marine cargo insurance starting November 1

KRA to block clearance of imports without valid digital marine cargo insurance starting November 1 - Containers at the port of Mombasa. (Photo: Kenya Ports Authority)

KRA said all consignments entering Kenya must be covered by valid Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) policies issued exclusively by insurers licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will block imported consignments from customs clearance from November 1, 2026, if they lack valid digital marine cargo insurance, under a new enforcement directive.

In a public notice dated October 22, KRA said all consignments entering Kenya must be covered by valid Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) policies issued exclusively by insurers licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).

The authority, working in collaboration with the IRA, said importers and clearing agents must ensure insurance certificates are processed through the Digital MCI System and successfully transmitted to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before lodging customs declarations.

“To proceed with Customs clearance, the insurance certificate must be processed through the Digital MCI System and successfully transmitted to the iCMS platform before lodging a declaration,” KRA said.

The authority warned that consignments without the required documentation would not be cleared, urging stakeholders to comply with the new requirements before the enforcement date.

“Consignments failing to meet these requirements will be blocked from clearance and stakeholders are urged to ensure full compliance to prevent trade disruptions,” KRA said.

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The directive means importers and clearing agents must ensure marine cargo insurance policies are valid and that the corresponding certificates have been processed and transmitted through the designated digital systems before submitting customs declarations.

The November 1 deadline gives importers and clearing agents time to familiarise themselves with the requirements and ensure their documentation is in order before the new enforcement measures take effect.

“Importers and clearing agents must ensure that all incoming consignments into Kenya are covered by a valid MCI policy issued exclusively by an IRA - licensed insurer,” KRA said.

KRA said the enforcement follows previous notices on mandatory marine cargo insurance and advised stakeholders to comply to avoid delays in clearing imported goods.

Importers and clearing agents seeking further information can consult the Insurance Regulatory Authority's website for guidance on the enforcement of local marine cargo insurance for imports.