Kenya Revenue Authority has implemented a significant change to its Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), moving to a framework in which approved private vendors supply the electronic seals used to monitor goods under customs control.
From 26 October, existing KRA-owned electronic seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles ceased operating under the previous arrangements. Users must instead obtain compliant devices through approved suppliers.
New electronic seal arrangements
Under the revised framework, operators can select from approved vendors and enter into commercial agreements for electronic tracking equipment.
KRA-owned electronic fuel seals used for wet cargo are being phased out progressively. The changes introduce new procurement and supplier-management considerations for companies moving goods through affected customs-controlled transport operations.
Impact on logistics operators
Freight forwarders and hauliers handling Kenyan cargo will need to ensure that the electronic seals used on relevant consignments meet the revised requirements.
Operators should check their current equipment arrangements, confirm approved supplier availability and establish responsibility for equipment costs and deployment. The change illustrates how customs compliance increasingly depends on approved digital tracking technology as well as conventional shipment documentation.
