HS Code Lookup for Kenya: Find the Right Code, Avoid Revaluation
21 August 2026 · By Heights Cargo · Customs & Clearance
HS Code Lookup Guide for Kenya Imports
The Harmonized System (HS) code is the numeric classification that determines your import duty rate in Kenya. Get it right, and your landed cost is predictable. Get it wrong, and you may face unexpected duty bills, clearance delays, or KRA penalties.
This guide explains how to look up HS codes, common codes for popular import categories, how to verify your code, and how Heights Cargo helps confirm HS codes before you ship.
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What Is an HS Code?
The Harmonized System is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. Administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it is used by over 200 countries, including Kenya.
Kenya uses an 8-digit national subheading based on the international 6-digit HS code. The 8-digit code determines your specific duty rate under the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET).
Example:
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2-digit | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| 4-digit | 8517 | Telephone sets, including smartphones |
| 6-digit | 851712 | Smartphones |
| 8-digit (Kenya) | 85171200 | Smartphones (specific Kenyan classification) |
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How to Look Up HS Codes
Official Sources
| Source | Website | Use |
|---|---|---|
| KEBS | kebs.org | Kenyan standards and HS code references |
| KRA | kra.go.ke | Official EAC CET schedule and duty rates |
| WCO | wcoomd.org | International HS code database |
| TradeMap | trademap.org | HS codes by product and country |
Practical Steps
- Start with your supplier's product description — be specific (e.g., "men's cotton T-shirt" not "clothes")
- Search the WCO HS database or ask your clearing agent
- Confirm with KRA's CET schedule for the specific 8-digit code
- Verify with your freight forwarder — they know the codes that work in practice
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Common HS Codes for Kenyan Imports
Electronics
| Product | HS Code (8-digit) | Typical Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phones | 85171200 | 0–10% |
| Laptop computers | 84713000 | 0% |
| Tablet computers | 84713000 | 0% |
| LED TVs | 85287200 | 10–25% |
| Bluetooth headphones | 85183000 | 10–25% |
| Power banks | 85076000 | 10–25% |
| Phone chargers | 85044000 | 10–25% |
| USB cables | 85443000 | 10–25% |
Textiles and Clothing
| Product | HS Code (8-digit) | Typical Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Men's cotton T-shirts | 61091000 | 25–35% |
| Women's cotton dresses | 61046200 | 25–35% |
| Synthetic fabric | 54071000 | 10–25% |
| Bed linen | 63021000 | 25–35% |
| Shoe uppers | 64061000 | 10–25% |
| Sports shoes | 64041900 | 10–25% |
Auto Parts
| Product | HS Code (8-digit) | Typical Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads | 87083000 | 10–25% |
| Oil filters | 84212300 | 10–25% |
| Spark plugs | 85111000 | 10–25% |
| Tyres (new) | 40112000 | 25% |
| Car batteries | 85071000 | 10–25% |
| Suspension parts | 87088000 | 10–25% |
Food and Beverages
| Product | HS Code (8-digit) | Typical Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Processed tea | 09024000 | 0–10% |
| Coffee (roasted) | 09012100 | 0–10% |
| Packaged snacks | 19049000 | 25–35% |
| Bottled water | 22019000 | 25–35% |
| Fruit juices | 20098900 | 25–35% |
| Confectionery | 17049000 | 25–35% |
Household and Furniture
| Product | HS Code (8-digit) | Typical Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden furniture | 94036000 | 20–25% |
| Plastic furniture | 94039000 | 10–25% |
| Metal furniture | 94033000 | 10–25% |
| Kitchenware (plastic) | 39241000 | 10–25% |
| Glassware | 70131000 | 10–25% |
| Ceramic tiles | 69089000 | 10–25% |
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How to Verify Your HS Code
- Check against KRA's official CET schedule — duty rates are published annually
- Ask your clearing agent — they work with these codes daily
- Confirm with your supplier — they should know the export HS code
- Test with a calculation — use the KRA SIM calculator to estimate duty
Heights Cargo verification: When you send us your packing list, we cross-check your HS codes against our database and flag any that look unusual or that have changed recently.
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Common HS Code Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using supplier's description instead of official HS code | Wrong duty rate |
| Using an outdated code (CET changes yearly) | Overpay or underpay |
| Generic code for a specific product | KRA may reassess at higher rate |
| Missing the 8th digit | Inaccurate duty calculation |
| Using another country's interpretation | Different duty rate in Kenya |
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HS Code and Duty Calculation
Once you have the correct HS code, use this formula:
Customs Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate (from HS code)
Where Customs Value = Invoice price + freight + insurance to the port of entry.
Heights Cargo's rate calculator gives you the freight estimate. For duty, you need the HS code and the KRA CET rate.
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How Heights Cargo Helps With HS Codes
- We confirm HS codes on your packing list before you book
- We flag any products that require PVoC or permits
- We provide duty estimates based on the KRA CET schedule
- We pre-check documents to avoid KRA reassessments
Get your HS code verified: Send your supplier invoice and product photos on WhatsApp (+254 769 955 505) or email inquiry@heightscargo.com.