so i got a brand new laptop bot it online and all...was deliverd here via posta...now theres a silly lady who sits in posta customs section who insisted that i pay 5k for an IDF becoz the item is "expensive" now i thought that computers and acessories are zero rated...why shud i still pay 5k for an IDF? there was a thread on a simip]lar issue some time back and a number given fro some KRA dude to contact...cud someone please assist with said number?

The lady probably works for KRA. All imports whose value exceeds US$500.00 attract an IDF fee at a rate of 2.25% of value but subject to a minimum of kshs 5000, ie if 2.25% is less than kshs 5000 then you will nevertheless pay kshs 5000. They consider whichever is higher.

That is the Customs law

The 5k is for verification. Once they open your parcel like they did with mine the other day, you have to pay 5k. My items were medical stuff worth $420 and are also zero rated. Parcels sent via DHL, UPS etc also attract this fees if they have to be verified. The problem is those KRA guys insisting on opening everything and therefore you have to pay for that. I think we need to get some transparent packaging to avoid this illegal tax.

yes total theft guys...why zero rate an item then?

so they spent 5k to process my import? i did all the work! please tell me how that is not theft...and again why zero rate an item

@Mukiha,
IDF=Import declaration form
The 5k is IDF fee...but on the other hand,when you arrive at say JKIA with a 'fat' suitcase and the customs guys insist that you open it,why are you not then required to fill an IDF form and pay the 5k for it?

Never knew about this IDF thing.
So, what happens if u dont raise the 5k?