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Introduction
On 30 June 2026, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat published EAC Gazette No. 16 of 2026, implementing decisions of the EAC Council of Ministers (the Council) under the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 (EACCMA) and the EAC Common External Tariff (the EAC CET).
With effect from 1 July 2026, the Gazette has introduced country-specific stays of application of the EAC CET, duty remissions on specified raw materials and industrial inputs, amendments to the customs duty exemptions under the Fifth Schedule to the EACCMA, and related administrative measures.
The 2026 Gazette continues a trend of Partner States using stay of application and duty remissions to implement national industrial policies alongside regional tariff harmonisation. The measures balance domestic objectives of protecting local industries, reducing manufacturing costs and encouraging investment, with EAC Customs Union commitments.
15 July 26
Other Insights:
Kenya
1. Stay of Application of EAC CET Rates on Certain Items
Kenya secured a significant number of country-specific stay of application of the EAC CET rates, reflecting its continued use of tariff policy to support domestic manufacturing and strategic industries. The approved measures span manufacturing, construction, agriculture, electronics and transport. Notable measures include an increase in import duty on mobile phones from 0% to 25%, a 45% duty on imported furniture (now classified as a sensitive product), and higher duties on ceramic tiles, road tractors and trailers, television sets, and selected processed agricultural products. Targeted incentives for strategic sectors are also preserved, including a 0% duty on goods imported for approved Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects and preferential tariff treatment for selected industrial and renewable energy inputs.
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Should you have any questions on this legal alert, please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Ngumy, Kenneth Njuguna, Dennis Chiruba and Cindy Mochere.
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Contributors:
1. Lectisiah Gachara – Trainee Lawyer | ALN Kenya
3. Precious Nkatha – Intern | ALN Kenya
2. Sasha Msangi – Trainee Lawyer | ALN Tanzania
4. Stanley Omondi – Intern | ALN Kenya