Customs agents, bonded warehouse operators and other businesses involved in handling goods under customs control have until October 31, 2026, to apply for renewal of their licences for 2027.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said the affected licences expire on December 31, 2026, and applications must be submitted through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS).
The deadline covers licensed customs agents, bonded warehouses, Manufacture Under Bond (MUB) facilities, transit godowns and transit shed operators.
KRA outlines documents required
For bonded warehouses, MUB facilities and transit godowns, operators must submit their valid 2026 licences, security bonds, current company CR12, title or valid lease documents and tax compliance certificates for both the company and its directors.
Applicants must also provide their 2025 audited accounts and a completed Form C18, signed and stamped by the operator and a customs officer.
KRA said renewal will only be granted after it is satisfied that the applicant has no outstanding transactions or unresolved issues with any department of the authority.
Submitting all the required documents does not automatically guarantee renewal, as applicants will still undergo further vetting.
Customs agents face separate renewal requirements
Licensed customs agents must also apply through the iCMS platform by October 31.
Their applications must include a completed Form C20, the current 2026 CR12 or CR13, a valid company Tax Compliance Certificate, a Certificate of Bond and Debt Clearance, the previous C21 licence and a KIFWA Clearance Certificate for the year of application.
The requirements apply to all licensed customs agents, except holders of three-year Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) licences whose validity extends beyond the annual renewal cycle.
Transit shed licences to cover three years
Transit shed operators are being asked to apply for licences covering the 2027–2029 period.
KRA requires applicants to provide their 2024–2026 licences, security bond, company registration certificate, valid title or lease documents and the Gazette Notice authorising operation as a transit shed.
They must also submit current CR12 and tax compliance certificates for the company and its directors, 2025 audited accounts and a completed Form C18.
Successful applicants will be required to pay a licence fee equivalent to US$10,000 in Kenya shillings.
Businesses urged to begin preparations early
The renewal exercise places compliance at the centre of continued operations for businesses handling imported and transit goods.
KRA’s requirements mean operators need to ensure their tax records, customs transactions, company registration documents, security bonds and financial accounts are up to date before submitting applications.
The authority has also warned that meeting the documentary requirements alone will not guarantee approval because applications remain subject to further vetting.
With the October 31 deadline approaching, customs operators have a limited window to complete their applications and resolve any outstanding issues before their current licences expire at the end of December.
