Deadline looms for transporters to adopt tracking system

Goods await clearance at a border.Cargo transporters have up to the end of January to adopt the electronic cargo tracking system that is meant to curb dumping of goods on transit and increase revenue collection. Photo/FILE 

In Summary

• KRA said the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is the principal system for monitoring the movement of cargo into and within the Single Customs Territory (SCT) as well as all exports.
• The move affects transporters, shipping agents, and clearing and forwarding agents.

By Nation Correspondent
More by this Author

Cargo transporters have up to the end of January to adopt the electronic cargo tracking system that is meant to curb dumping of goods on transit and increase revenue collection.

The revenue collector, Kenya Revenue Authority, said Monday those that will comply with the requirement by the end of January will enjoy several benefits, including priority loading and waiver of Transit Good Licences (TGL) fees at Mombasa port.

“All stakeholders involved in the conveyance of goods within the Single Customs Territory (SCT) are therefore required to comply with the requirements of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).

After January 31, 2014, movement of all cargo on transfer to other partner states or exports shall be monitored under the ECTS.”

KRA said the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is the principal system for monitoring the movement of cargo into and within the Single Customs Territory (SCT) as well as all exports.

FEES WAIVER

It means that those who will not have adopted the electronic monitoring system will find it hard to operate.

The move affects transporters, shipping agents, and clearing and forwarding agents.

KRA said the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is the principal system for monitoring the movement of cargo into and within the Single Customs Territory (SCT) as well as all exports.

Vehicles fitted with ECTS will get waiver of TGL fees and be able to carry goods on transfer to other partner states as well as goods movement within Kenya, subject to approval.

They will also get priority loading at all Customs loading zones and move without customs escort through the northern corridor.

Those already using the electronic tracking system were advised to seek extension of transit goods licences where their ECTS installation plan extends beyond December 31.

A World Bank report released in 2010 advised East African member states to introduce an electronic cargo tracking system that would eliminate the need for escort vehicles for cargo on transit.

It said this would further cut on the time trucks used on roads and increase revenue collection.