EAC Common External Tariff — What You'll Pay
The East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff (CET) applies to all imports into Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Key rates for Indian agro commodities:
| Commodity | HS Code | EAC CET Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (milled) | 1006.30 | 75% | Highest protection |
| Rice (parboiled) | 1006.20 | 75% | Same as milled |
| Toor Dal | 0713.60 | 25% | Plus VAT 16% in Kenya |
| Sugar (S-30) | 1701.99 | 100% | Most restricted |
| Maize | 1005.90 | 50–100% | Subject to seasonal variation |
| Turmeric | 0910.30 | 25% | |
| Cumin seeds | 0909.21 | 25% |
KEBS PVoC Certificate — Mandatory for Kenya
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requires a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate for all food imports. This is conducted by KEBS-appointed inspection bodies in India: SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek. The exporter must arrange this inspection BEFORE loading, at the exporter's or buyer's cost (typically $250–$400 per container).
Products that fail PVoC inspection are barred from Kenya — getting this right before shipment is far cheaper than the alternative (return freight + customs penalties).
Mombasa Port: Dwell Times & Reality
Mombasa is East Africa's largest port, handling ~90% of Kenya's container traffic. Average dwell times have improved from 8–10 days (2022–23) to 5–7 days in 2025-26 following KPA efficiency investments. However, containers without cleared documents, missing PVoC, or failed SGS inspection face 15–30 day delays and steep demurrage.
Landed Cost Calculation (Rice Example)
Assume 20-foot FCL of 20 MT IR-64 Parboiled Rice:
- FOB JNPT: $340/MT × 20 MT = $6,800
- Ocean freight to Mombasa: $900–$1,200
- CIF Value: approx $8,100
- Import Duty (75%): $6,075
- VAT (16%): $2,268
- Port handling + clearing: ~$400–$600
- Total Landed Cost: ~$16,900 (~$845/MT)
Payment Terms for East Africa
The most common payment term for Indian exporters shipping to East Africa is 30% advance TT + 70% against scan copy of Bill of Lading. LC at sight is also widely used for larger transactions. Pure TT on arrival terms carry significant risk — avoid for first transactions.