Importers and Travelers Must Now Declare Mobile Devices’ IMEI Numbers as Kenya Sets New Rules for Mobile Device Imports

Kenya is introducing new regulations for mobile device imports, a bold move designed to tighten tax compliance and ensure the integrity of the country’s telecommunications sector.

Beginning January 1, 2025, anyone bringing a mobile device into Kenya—whether for sale, assembly, or personal use—will be required to declare each device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number at customs.

This directive, spearheaded by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), is set to reshape the mobile device landscape, adding a new layer of transparency to the country’s import practices.

This new regulation by the CA places specific responsibilities on importers, passengers, and manufacturers. Businesses importing mobile phones into Kenya will need to provide precise information about the number of devices, their model description/specification, and their respective IMEI numbers.

This declaration must be completed in the customs system, enabling authorities to track each device from entry to sale. By mandating this level of detail, KRA aims to curb the influx of unregistered devices that often evade tax and safety standards, thereby strengthening consumer protection.

For travellers, the requirements are similarly straightforward but significant. Passengers carrying mobile devices into Kenya for personal use will need to declare these items, including IMEI numbers, upon arrival at the port of entry. This information, recorded on the F88 passenger declaration form, is designed to simplify monitoring and ensure all devices used in the country meet regulatory standards.

Local manufacturers and assemblers are also not let out in this new directory. Companies assembling mobile devices for Kenya’s local market will need to register on the customs portal and submit IMEI details for each unit produced. These firms will be expected to obtain permits from the CA to confirm that every device aligns with Kenya’s regulatory framework.

As these regulations go into effect, both individuals and companies are encouraged to prepare for a smooth transition. KRA has assured the public that detailed guidance on using the system and accurately capturing IMEI information for various users will be provided in the coming weeks.

The Authority warned that devices not meeting these requirements will be subject to restrictions, including grey-listing, which provides time for compliance, or blacklisting if compliance is not achieved.

This new measures come as Kenya confronts a growing problem with counterfeit mobile devices. Counterfeit devices have become a major concern, with an estimated 30% to 40% of mobile phones in the country being fake according to the CA.

With around 62.9 million active mobile devices by September 2023, this means between 18.87 million and 25.16 million devices lack proper safety standards, warranties, and regulatory oversight. These counterfeit phones often find their way to consumers through informal sales channels like street vendors and online platforms, making them difficult to track or regulate. The informal nature of their sale also allows these devices to bypass tax regulations, depriving the government of potential revenue

The new IMEI requirement represents a strategic effort to address these long-standing challenges within Kenya’s mobile market. By mandating IMEI registration for all devices entering the country, authorities can better combat the spread of counterfeit devices, which often undercut local retailers and pose safety risks for consumers and help government recoup tax revenue that is lost to the practice.