The port of Mombasa has commenced cargo clearance for specific goods destined for Tanzania through the Single Customs Territory (SCT), a move geared towards the full roll out of the system meant to make it easier to clear more goods on transit.

A public notice from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) indicates that importers, exporters and clearing agents of motor vehicles, textile & fabrics and electronics destined to Tanzania will from July 6, 2015 begin clearing the products under the Single Customs Territory.

“Also, only trucks fitted with Electronic Cargo Tracking System shall be allowed to transport cargo clearing under the SCT,” read the KRA notice.

The electronic system, already being used on trial by Uganda and Rwanda, is expected to enhance the port agencies' systems to support exchange of information needed for SCT operations, as well as facilitate easier movement of goods across the region.

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Currently, there is no uniform mechanism for granting systems access to clearing agents and Customs officers from other revenue authorities as required under the SCT system.

“In order to facilitate VAT refunds pertaining to the exports destined to EAC partner states, all exporters/ clearing agents will now be required to declare their exports through the simba system while the importers in the country of destination will continue lodging import entries in the ASYCUDA system. This requirement takes effect immediately,” said KRA in another notice.

EAC partners are also expected train personnel on the use of the Asycuda (Automated System for Customs Data) Customs clearance system.

Kenya uses the Simba Customs software, while Uganda and Rwanda use the Asycuda platform. Tanzania uses the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (Tancis).

The EAC ministers meeting last month in Arusha adopted a six-month roadmap on the full clearance of products under the different customs regimes in readiness for a full rollout of the EAC-SCT in June next year.

A recent Northern Corridor report on the SCT showed that clearance time for cargo destined for Kampala from the Mombasa port has dropped from 18 days to four, and from 21 days to six for cargo destined for Kigali since the SCT was launched last year by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.