Tax body, URA has given a 30-day ultimatum to importers and owners of uncleared goods in customs warehouses and at Mombasa Port to have them cleared or else they will be auctioned.
In a public notice dated May, 7 URA, quoting Section 42(1) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004, said the goods must be cleared within 30 days from the first date of publication.
URA says owners must pay all outstanding taxes, penalties, storage fees, fines and other charges accrued on the consignments before the 30 days elapse and that goods will be sold on “as is” basis.
According to URA, the auction process will be fully automated, with all auction items, terms of sale and user guidelines accessible through the customs auction portal while online viewing of the auction items will run from June 6 to June 12 and bidding will take place between June 13 19, 2026.
The tax body said vehicles up to 15 cubic metres will attract a charge of USD 250, while vehicles exceeding 15 cubic metres will pay USD 350 and prime movers and trucks will be charged USD 600 while trailers will attract USD 1,000 .
Successful bidders for motor vehicles will additionally be required to pay registration fees in accordance with existing motor vehicle registration rates, URA said.
“URA also informs the general public that importers whose goods have been auctioned are required to submit a formal application to the commissioner customs requesting imbursement of any remaining proceeds from the auction sale. The application must be made within one year from the date of the auction in accordance with the provisions of Section 42(5) of EACCMA 2004.”
