Kenya Pharmaceutical Import Cost Estimator
Enter the CIF value of your consignment and adjust each rate to estimate the duties, levies, VAT, and clearing add-ons on top of CIF, and the total indicative landed cost. Built for pharmaceutical importers and distributors in Kenya.
Cost, insurance, and freight to the port of entry.
Many finished pharmaceutical goods enter Kenya at 0% import duty. Confirm the tariff line for your product.
Charged on CIF, subject to a minimum of KES 5,000.
Many registered medicines are VAT-exempt or zero-rated. Set 0% where that applies to your product.
Adds an indicative Pre-Export Verification of Conformity fee. Default is 0.6% of CIF, at least KES 30,000. Edit the amount below if you have a firm quote.
Optional flat fee from your clearing agent.
Estimated landed cost
Total indicative landed cost
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Enter a CIF value and estimate to see the breakdown.
VAT here is charged on the customs value plus duty, IDF, and RDL. Every rate above is user-adjustable and indicative only.
Disclaimer: Every rate in this tool is user-adjustable and indicative only. It is a planning aid, not a customs assessment. Many finished pharmaceuticals are import-duty-free and VAT-exempt or zero-rated in Kenya, so switch those rates to 0 where they apply. Always confirm the payable duties and levies with KRA and your clearing agent before you remit.
Pharmaceutical import cost in Kenya: FAQ
Are pharmaceuticals subject to import duty in Kenya?
Many finished pharmaceutical products enter Kenya at a 0% import-duty rate under the tariff, while some inputs and non-medicine goods carry 10% or 25%. The correct rate depends on the exact tariff line, so start at 0 for registered finished medicines and confirm the classification with KRA or your clearing agent.
What are the IDF and RDL?
The Import Declaration Fee (IDF) is a charge on the CIF value of imports, subject to a minimum amount. The Railway Development Levy (RDL) is a separate levy also charged on CIF. Both are set by law and can change, so the tool lets you adjust each rate to the current figure.
Do medicines pay VAT in Kenya?
Many registered medicines are VAT-exempt or zero-rated in Kenya, which means no VAT is added at import. Others are standard-rated at 16%. Set the VAT field to 0% for exempt or zero-rated products, or 16% for standard-rated goods, and confirm the status of your specific product.
Is this the exact amount I will pay?
No. This is an indicative estimate built from rates you enter yourself. The payable amount is determined by KRA on the customs entry and by your clearing agent's actual charges. Use the figure to budget, then confirm the final duties and levies before you remit.
Planning a pharmaceutical import into Kenya?
We help importers and distributors register products, secure import permits, and clear consignments through PPB, KEBS, and KRA so your landed-cost plan holds up in practice.