KRA Warns of Imminent Auction for Uncollected Goods at Customs Depot

The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced that goods left at the Customs Warehouse will be sold if not collected within 30 days. The auction will occur in June 2025, targeting a diverse range of items, from food to medical supplies and vehicles. Importers often face challenges like unpaid duties or transport delays, leading to these goods’ abandonment.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a stern warning to owners of goods stored at the Customs Warehouse Keeper located at the Inland Container Depot. They have stated that items left uncollected for more than 30 days will be considered abandoned and sold off. This notice, publicized on April 25, indicates that these goods, valued in billions of shillings, will face imminent sale via public auction if not retrieved in the specified time frame.

In particular, the official communication references the section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act from 2004, indicating that unless goods are entered and removed within thirty days, they will be auctioned. The auction is scheduled for June 16 to June 20, 2025, and notable items include a range of products from fibre optic cables and long grain white rice to vehicles and medical supplies, all awaiting collection.

The list of goods at risk includes 36 kg of fibre optic cables, 1,000 kg of long grain white rice, and a variety of medical and veterinary supplies. Additionally, items such as wheelchairs, electronics, garments, and even solar panels are among the products that could potentially be sold to the highest bidder.

The notice, penned by George Aduwi, Chief Manager of the Inland Container Depot, advises prospective buyers can view the items on specific dates in early June. Goods often remain at container depots when importers neglect to pay the required customs duties. Sometimes, transport delays or logistical issues exacerbate this situation, causing significant backlogs at the facility.

In summary, the KRA’s notice serves as a crucial reminder to importers regarding their responsibilities in managing their goods. The upcoming public auction poses both an opportunity for buyers and a warning for those who have goods languishing in the depot. Timely collection is essential to avoid the loss of significant assets, not to mention the valuation running into billions of shillings. The coming weeks will be pivotal for those affected as the auction dates approach.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke