What is pre-arrival processing?
This refers to the electronic submission of customs entry and other supporting documents to customs and other relevant government agencies to begin document processing prior to the arrival of goods so as to expedite the release of goods upon arrival.
Background
In the past, with the clearance of goods beginning at the time of arrival of the vessels, this was seen to create barriers to trade as a result of long delays therefore increasing trade costs.
Pre-arrival processing allows for advance lodging of import documentation so as to facilitate their prior processing and therefore enable an expedited release upon the arrival of the goods.
To who does it apply?
This applies to all importers that lodge their documentation early. However, we urge the traders to ensure that the documents availed are accurate and a true reflection of the actual goods.
How does pre-arrival processing work?
The process includes the following:
- Submission of manifest by shipping lines not less than 24 hrs before arrival and for airlines immediately after take off from a foreign port (on wheels up).
- The clearing agent then makes a declaration and submits all relevant supporting documents.
- Payment of taxes, duties and levies should then be made once the Customs entry has been lodged.
- The entry is then analyzed for risk through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) and verified by customs and other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).
- The goods may either be selected for immediate release or physical inspection on arrival.
Those selected for immediate release are then scanned and removed, while the goods selected for physical inspection may undergo either partial or 100% verification to ensure compliance and then removed.
Figure 1: Pre-Arrival Processing Flowchart
Benefits of PAP
Benefits are two-fold, to customs and the traders
- Customs
- Allows for prior risk assessment
- Focus the limited resources on high risk cargo
- Efficient border control management
- Improved trade facilitation
- Enhanced supply chain security and revenue collection
- Decongested borders and ports
- Facilitates the implementation of Free Trade Agreements and Multi Recognition Arrangements.
- Traders
- Reduced clearance time
- Reduction in storage and other logistics costs
- Efficient inventory planning and management
- Improved predictability and transparency in supply chain
- Allows for prior risk assessment thus facilitating expedited release reducing delays
- Promotes economic competitiveness and investment
Key players
- Importers/exporters
- Government agencies i.e. Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards among others involved in clearance
- Shipping lines and ship agencies
- Clearing and forwarding agents
- Airline operators
- Transporters
Contacts:
Email address: TFPrearrivalprocessing@kra.go.ke
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