Import Declaration Form (IDF)
An Import Declaration Form (IDF) is a document required before importing goods into Kenya (and used in similar forms elsewhere in East Africa), in which the importer declares an intended import to the authorities in advance. Lodged through the Kenya TradeNet single window and approved by KRA, the IDF captures details of the shipment (importer, supplier, goods, value, HS codes) and is a prerequisite for clearance.
The IDF is often linked to pre-shipment / pre-export conformity requirements — for many goods, an approved IDF and a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate (with KEBS standards) are needed before the goods can be cleared. An import declaration fee is typically charged based on the IDF value. Obtaining the IDF in advance is a critical early step in Kenyan importing; without it (and the associated approvals), goods cannot be cleared. For importers and forwarders in Kenya and the region, the IDF is a routine but essential part of the import process. It is a key document in East African import clearance.
The IDF is the advance declaration that must be in place before goods can be imported into Kenya — lodged via TradeNet, approved by KRA, and often tied to PVoC conformity. Securing it early is a critical first step in Kenyan importing, since without it (and its approvals) goods cannot clear. It is essential to East African import processes.
What is the IDF for?
To declare an intended import to Kenyan authorities in advance, via TradeNet and approved by KRA, as a prerequisite for clearance.
What is it linked to?
Pre-export conformity — for many goods an approved IDF plus a PVoC certificate and KEBS standards are needed before clearance, with an import declaration fee on the IDF value.