KRA Warns Importers: Uncollected Goods to be Auctioned Soon

The KRA has warned that goods at the Inland Container Depot will be auctioned if not collected within 30 days. Owners must act quickly to avoid losing billions worth of items, including medical supplies and vehicles. The auction, set for June 16-20, follows a Gazette Notice issued on April 25.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a stark warning to owners of goods currently sitting in the Customs Warehouse Keeper at the Inland Container Depot. If items are not collected within the next 30 days, they will be deemed abandoned and put up for public auction. The alert is serious, emphasizing that these goods total in value to billions of shillings.

According to a Gazette Notice published on April 25, the authority specified that unless the goods are entered and removed from the depot by the deadline, which falls on May 25, they will be publicly auctioned from June 16 to June 20. The auction will occur online, a detail that many owners might find valuable to know.

A wide array of items is at risk, including but not limited to fibre optic cables, long grain white rice, and medical supplies like Ivermectin injections. The list also encompasses used personal goods, wheelchairs, vehicles, and various household items, making it evident that the potential loss affects many sectors of commerce and domestic life.

Moreover, additional goods earmarked for liquidation include electronic devices, clothing, pet supplies, and building materials such as tiles and ceramic products. This extensive catalog illustrates the significant diversity in the items that the KRA is prepared to auction off.

The notice itself, signed by George Aduwi, Chief Manager of the Inland Container Depot, stresses adherence to the provisions outlined in the East African Community Customs Management Act. It is indicative of a growing concern regarding the backlog of goods at customs facilities, mostly caused by unpaid duties or logistical hurdles.

Importers frequently struggle with customs fees and taxes, which can lead to goods being held indefinitely until payments are settled. With transportation often a challenge, it is common for recipients to experience delays in moving their products from the depot. Those interested in bidding for these goods can preview them at designated locations on June 1 and June 12, 2025.

In summary, the KRA’s deadline looms for owners of goods left at the Inland Container Depot. With a substantial amount in potential losses, it is crucial for impacted parties to act quickly to retrieve their items. Reasons for non-collection largely hinge on unresolved customs duties and transport issues, highlighting ongoing challenges within the importation process.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke