Customs (Management and Tariff) Act

Jurisdiction: Tanzania
Citation: Chapter 403
Date: 30 November 2019
Language: English
Type: Legislation
Download: Download PDF (1.0 MB)

Tanzania

Customs (Management and Tariff) Act

Chapter 403

Commenced
[This is the version of this document at 30 November 2019.]
[Note: This Act has been thoroughly revised and consolidated under the supervision of the Attorney General's Office, in compliance with the Laws Revision Act No. 7 of 1994, the Revised Laws and Annual Revision Act (Chapter 356 (R.L.)), and the Interpretation of Laws and General Clauses Act No. 30 of 1972. This version is up-to-date as at 31st July 2002.]

[Ords Nos. 2 of 1952; 10 of 1955; 3 of 1958; 5 of 1960; Acts Nos. 14 of 1961; 2 of 1962; 2 of 1963; 12 of 1964; 1 of 1966; 10 of 1967; 12 of 1969; 13 of 1969; 10 of 1970; 13 of 1976; 13 of 1989; 16 of 1994; 13 of 1996; 25 of 1997; 27 of 1997; 2 of 1998; 8 of 1998; 12 of 1999; 15 of 1999; 11 of 2000; 15 of 2000; 14 of 2001; 10 of 2002; 18 of 2002; 1 of 2008; 2 of 2014; EAC. Cap. 27; E.A.C.L.N. 49/1954; 84/1961; 1/1967; 64/1970]An Act to provide for the management and administration of customs, transfer tax and related matters.

Part I – Preliminary provisions

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Customs (Management and Tariff) Act.

2. Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—"agent" in relation to an aircraft, vehicle or vessel, includes any person who notifies the proper officer in writing that he intends to act as the agent and who, or on whose behalf any person authorised by him, signs any document required or authorised by this Act to be signed by an agent:Provided that, the owner of any aircraft, vehicle or vessel, if resident or represented in the United Republic, shall either himself or through his representative be deemed to be the agent for all the purposes of this Act if no such agent is appointed;"aircraft" includes every description of craft used in aerial navigation;"appropriate legislation" means any legislation imposing any rate of duty on the importation into or exportation from of any goods;"approved place of loading" and "approved place of unloading" means any quay, jetty, wharf, or other place, including any part of a Customs airport, appointed by the Authority by notice in the Gazette to be a place where goods may be unloaded or loaded;"Board or Tribunal" means the Tax Revenue Appeals Board or the Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal established under the Tax Revenue Appeals Act;[Cap. 408]"boarding station" means any place appointed by the Commissioner-General by notice in the arriving at or departing from any port or place to bring to for the boarding by or the disembarkation of officers;"bonded warehouse" means any warehouse licensed by the Commissioner-General for the deposit of dutiable goods on which import duty has not been paid and which have been entered to be warehoused;"by authority" means by the authority of the Commissioner-General or of any officer doing his duty in the matter in relation to which the expression is used;"cargo" includes all goods imported or exported in any aircraft, vehicle or vessel other than such goods as are required as stores for consumption or use by or for that aircraft, vehicle or vessel, its crew and passengers, and the bona fide personal baggage of such crew and passengers;"Commissioner-General" means the person having charge of the Customs and Excise Department;"Customs" or "the Customs" means the Customs and Excise Department;"Customs area" means any place appointed by the Commissioner-General by notice in writing under his hand for the deposit of goods subjected to Customs control;"Customs laws" includes this Act and any enactment relating to the Customs or to the importation, exportation, or carriage coastwise, of any goods, and any subsidiary legislation made under the authority of this Act or any such enactment;"Customs revenue" means any amounts collectable by the Customs in accordance with the provisions of the Customs laws;"Customs warehouse" means any place approved by the Commissioner-General for the deposit of un entered, unexamined, detained, or seized, goods for the security thereof or of the duties due thereon;"days" does not include Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays;"drawback" means a refund of all or part of any import duty paid in respect of goods exported or used in a manner or for a purpose prescribed as a condition for granting drawback;"dutiable goods" means any goods chargeable with duty;"duty" includes any cess, levy, imposition, transfer tax, tax, imposed by any law;"export" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means to take or cause to be taken out of the United Republic;[Cap. 4 s. 8]"foreign port" means any place beyond the limits of the United Republic;"goods" includes all kinds of articles, wares, merchandise, and livestock, and, where any such goods are sold under this Act, the proceeds of such sale;"goods under drawback" means any goods in relation to which a claim for drawback has been or is to be made;"Government warehouse" means any place provided by the Government of Tanzania, and approved by the Commissioner-General for the deposit of dutiable goods on which duty has not been paid and which have been entered to be warehoused;"import" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means to bring or cause to be brought into United Republic from a foreign country;"import duty" means any duty (including any fiscal entry or suspended fiscal entry) imposed by this Act or a Customs (Dumping and Subsidies: Rates) Act of Tanzania;"master" includes any person for the time being having or taking charge or command of any aircraft or vessel;"Minister" means the Minister responsible for finance;"name" includes the registered mark of an aircraft;"officer" includes any person, other than a labourer, employed in the service of the Customs, or for the time being performing duties in relation to the Customs;"owner" in respect of—(a)an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle, includes every person acting as agent for the owner, or who receives freight or other charges payable in respect of, or who is in possession or control of, the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle;[Cap. 365](b)goods, includes any person (other than an officer acting in his official capacity) being or holding himself out to be the owner, importer, exporter, consignee, agent, or the person in possession of, or beneficially interested in, or having control of, or power of disposition over, the goods;"package" includes every means by which goods for conveyance may be cased, covered, enclosed, contained or packed;"port" means any place, whether on the coast or elsewhere, appointed by the Authority by notice in the Gazette, subject to any limitations specified in such notice, to be a port for the purpose of the Customs laws; and, in relation to aircraft, a port means a Customs airport;"postal article" includes any letter, postcard, newspaper, book, document, pamphlet, pattern, sample, packet, small packet, parcel, package, or other article whatsoever, in cause of transmission by post;"Post Office" has the meaning ascribed to it by the Tanzania Posts Corporation Act;[Cap. 303]"prohibited goods" means any goods the importation, exportation, or carriage coastwise of which is prohibited under the provisions of the Customs laws;"proper officer" means any officer whose right or duty it is to require the performance of, or to perform, the act referred to;"refiner" means the holder of a licence granted in respect of a refinery;"refinery" means a bonded warehouse licensed by the Commissioner-General for the treatment of oils;"regulations" means any regulations made under this Act;"restricted goods" means any goods the importation, exportation, transfer, or carriage coastwise of which is prohibited, save in accordance with any conditions regulating such importation, exportation, transfer or carriage coastwise, and any goods the importation, exportation, transfer, or carriage coastwise of which is in any way regulated by or under the Customs laws;"smuggling" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means the importation, exportation, or carriage coastwise or the transfer or removal, of goods with intent to defraud the Customs revenue, or to evade any prohibition of, restriction on, regulation or condition as to, such importation, exportation, carriage coastwise, transfer, or removal, of any goods;"sufferance wharf" means any place, other than an approved place of loading or unloading, at which the Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as he may either generally or in any particular case impose, allow any goods to be loaded or unloaded;"tons register" means the tons of a ship’s net tonnage as ascertained and registered according to the tonnage regulations of the Merchant Shipping Act, or in the case of a ship which is not registered under that Act, ascertained in like manner as if it were to be so registered;[Cap. 165]"transfer" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means the movement of goods from Tanzania directly or indirectly to another country, but shall not include goods in transit, goods for transhipment or goods for warehousing in a bonded warehouse;"transhipment" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means the transfer, either directly or indirectly, of any goods from an aircraft, vehicle or vessel, arriving in Tanzania from a foreign place, to an aircraft, vehicle or vessel, departing to a foreign destination;"transit" with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means the movement of goods imported from a foreign place through the country, to a foreign destination;"transit shed" means any building, appointed by the Commissioner-General by notice in writing under his hand, for the goods subject to Customs control;"uncustomed goods" includes dutiable goods on which the full duties have not been paid, and any goods, whether dutiable or not, which are imported, exported or transferred or in any way dealt with contrary to the provisions of the Customs laws;"vehicle" includes every description of conveyance for the transport by land of human beings or goods;"voyage" includes flight by aircraft;"warehoused" means deposited in a Government or bonded warehouse with the authority of the person in charge of such warehouse;"warehouse keeper" means the holder of a licence granted in respect of a bonded warehouse;"wharf owner" includes any owner or any occupier of any approved place of loading or unloading or of any sufferance wharf.

(2)For the purposes of this Act—

(a)goods shall be deemed to be entered when the entry, made and signed by the owner in the prescribed manner, is accepted and signed by the proper officer and when any duty due or deposit required under this Act in respect of the goods has been paid, or security has been given for compliance with this Act;

(b)the time of importation of any goods shall be deemed to be the time at which such goods come within the boundaries of Tanzania;

(c)the time of exportation of any goods shall be deemed to be the time at which the aircraft or vessel departs from its final position, anchorage, or berth, at the port within Tanzania where such goods are shipped for exportation:Provided that, in the case of goods exported overland the time of exportation shall be deemed to be the time at which such goods pass across the boundaries of Tanzania;

(d)where any aircraft or vessel arrives in Tanzania from any foreign port, then, in relation to each port or place within Tanzania where such aircraft or vessel may arrive, such aircraft or vessel shall be deemed to have arrived from a foreign port;

(e)where any aircraft or vessel proposes to depart from Tanzania to any foreign port, then, in relation to each port or place within Tanzania from which such aircraft or vessel may depart, such aircraft or vessel shall be deemed to be departing therefrom to a foreign port;

(f)any reference to Tanzania shall be deemed to include a reference to Tanzania Zanzibar, Tanzania Mainland and the territorial waters thereof;

(g)where under this Act any power is conferred on, or any duty imposed on, the Commissioner-General, then, subject to any express directions by the Commissioner-General to the contrary consistent with the provisions of this Act, such power may be exercised by, or such duty may be performed by, the Deputy Commissioner-General, a Commissioner or a Chief Collector;

(h)every act, matter, or thing, required or authorised by this Act to be done or performed by, with, to, or before, the Commissioner-General, if done or performed by, with, to, or before, any officer appointed by the Commissioner-General for such purpose, shall be deemed to be done or performed by, with, to, or before, the Commissioner-General;

(i)every person employed on any duty or service relating to the Customs by order, or with the concurrence of the Commissioner-General shall be deemed to be the proper officer for that duty or service; and every act required by law at any time to be done by, with, to, or before, any particular officer nominated for such purpose, if done by, with, to, or before, any person appointed by the Commissioner-General, to act for such particular officer, shall be deemed to be done by, with, to, or before, such particular officer.[Acts Nos. 2 of 1963; 1 of 1966; 12 of 1976; 9 of 1977; 19 of 1977; 12 of 1981; 16 of 1983; 19 of 1985; 9 of 1988; 18 of 1981; 14 of 1992; 15 of 2000 s. 39; 10 of 2002 s. 18; E.A.C L.N. 84 of 1961; 1 of 1967; G.N. No. 122 of 1967]

Part II – Administration

3. Provisions relating to staff

(1)Subject to any law relating to the appointment of officers and their terms and conditions of service in Tanzania, the Authority may appoint a Commissioner-General of Customs, a Deputy Commissioner-General, Chief Collectors and such other officers as may be necessary for the due administration of this Act and the efficient working of the Customs and Excise Department.[E.A.C L.N. 84 of 1961; 1 of 1967; Cap. 4 s. 8]

(2)The Commissioner-General of Customs so appointed shall, subject to the control of the Authority and to the provisions of this Act, be responsible for the control and management of the Customs and for the collection of, and accounting for, Customs revenue and shall be known as the Commissioner-General of Customs and Excise.

(3)Every officer shall for the purposes of the Penal Code be deemed to be a person employed in the public service of Tanzania.[Cap. 16]

(4)The Commissioner-General may authorise any officer to exercise any of the powers conferred by this Act upon the Commissioner-General subject to such limitations as the Commissioner-General may think fit.

(5)Every officer shall be liable to serve in any place within the country and shall perform such duties as may be required of him by the Commissioner-General.

(6)[Omitted][Act No. 2 of 1963]

4. Customs seal and flag

(1)There shall be a seal of the Customs which shall be officially and judicially noticed.

(2)There shall be a flag of the Customs which shall distinguish vessels employed in the service of the Customs from other vessels.

5. Officer to have powers of police officer

For the purpose of carrying out this Act, every officer shall, in the performance of his duty, have all the powers, rights, privileges, and protection, of a police officer.

6. Hours of attendance

(1)The working days and hours of general attendance of officers shall be such as may be prescribed.

(2)Where any person desires the attendance of any officer at a time outside the hours of general attendance, then such person shall make request therefor on the prescribed form to the proper officer at the port or place where such attendance is desired; and, subject to any regulations and to the payment of the prescribed fees, the grant of such request shall not-

(a)in the case of any person arriving in, or departing from Tanzania overland or by inland waters, be refused by the proper officer;

(b)in any other case, be unreasonably refused by the proper officer.

(3)Where any person desires the attendance of any officer at any premises or place at which customs business is not normally carried on, then such person shall make request therefore on the prescribed form to the proper officer and, subject to any regulations and to the payment of the prescribed fees, the grant of such request shall be in the discretion of the proper officer.[Act No. 12 of 1964]

7. Offences by or in relation to officers

(1)Any officer who—

(a)directly or indirectly asks for, or takes, in connection with any of his duties any payment or other reward whatsoever whether pecuniary or otherwise, or any promise or security for any such payment or reward not being a payment or reward which he is lawfully entitled to claim or receive; or

(b)enters into or acquiesces in any agreement to do, abstain from doing, permit, conceal, or connive at, any act or thing whereby the Customs revenue is or may be defrauded, or which is contrary to the provisions of the Customs laws or the proper execution of his duty; or

(c)discloses, except for the purposes of this Act or when required to do so as a witness in any court or with the approval of the Authority, any information acquired by him in the performance of his duties relating to any person, firm, or business of any kind,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

(2)Any person who—

(a)directly or indirectly offers or gives to any officer any payment or reward whatsoever, whether pecuniary or otherwise, or any promise or security for any such payment or reward; or

(b)proposes or enters into any agreement with any officer, in order to induce him to do, abstain from doing, permit, conceal, or connive at, any act or thing whereby the Customs revenue is or may be defrauded, or which is contrary to the provisions of the Customs laws or the proper execution of the duty of such officer,

commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.[Cap. 4 a. 8][Acts Nos. 12 of 1989 s. 3; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

8. Appointment of ports, etc.

(1)The Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint and fix the limits of—

(a)ports;

(b)Customs airports;

(c)places of loading and unloading within ports.

(2)Ports, Customs airports, and places of loading and unloading, may be appointed for specified limited purposes.

9. Appointment of Customs areas, etc.

(1)The Commissioner-General may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint—

(a)boarding stations;

(b)Customs areas;

(c)sufferance wharves;

(d)places for the landing and embarkation of persons;

(e)places for the examination of goods (including baggage);

(f)roads or routes within Tanzania over which goods in transit, or goods transferred shall be conveyed;

(g)entrances and exits, whether general or special, to and from any Customs area or Customs airport within Tanzania;

(h)transit sheds.

(2)Any appointment made under subsection (1) may be subject to such conditions (including the provision of suitable accommodation for officers) as the Commissioner-General may think fit; and the Commissioner-General may, in any particular case and subject to such conditions as he may think fit, permit any boarding station, area, wharf, place, road, route, entrance, or exit, to be used as if it had been so appointed and in any such case this Act shall apply thereto as if it had been so appointed.[Ord. No. 5 of 1960]

10. Accommodation on wharves

(1)Every wharf owner shall provide, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General—

(a)suitable office accommodation on his wharf or sufferance wharf for the exclusive use of the officer employed at the wharf; and

(b)such shed accommodation for the protection of goods as the Commissioner-General may in writing declare to be requisite.

(2)Where any wharf owner contravenes any of the provisions of this section then—

(a)the appointment of a place of loading or unloading or a sufferance wharf may be withheld until the required accommodation is provided to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General; and

(b)any existing appointment may be revoked.

11. Offences in respect of Customs areas, etc.

(1)No person or vehicle shall enter or leave any Customs area or Customs airport, and no goods, whether dutiable or not, shall be brought into or out of any such area or airport, except through an entrance or exit appointed in accordance with section 9.

(2)No person shall enter any part of a Customs area or Customs airport when forbidden by any officer, nor remain in such area or airport, or any part thereof, when requested to leave such area or airport, or part thereof, by any officer.

(3)Any person or vehicle entering or leaving any Customs area or Customs airport, and all goods which are being brought into or out of such area or airport, may be detained by any officer for the purposes of search or examination.

(4)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

12. Customs control of goods.

(1)The following goods shall be subject to Customs control—

(a)all imported goods, including goods imported through the Post Office, from the time of importation until delivery for home consumption or until exportation, whichever first happens;

(b)all goods under drawback from the time of the claim for drawback until exportation;

(c)all goods subject to any export duty from the time when the goods are brought to any port or place for exportation, until exportation;

(d)all goods subject to any restriction on exportation from the time the goods are brought to any port or place for exportation, until exportation;

(e)all goods which are with the permission of the proper officer stored in a Customs area pending exportation;

(f)all goods on board of any aircraft or vessel whilst within any port or place in Tanzania;

(g)all goods which have been declared for or are intended for transfer to another country.

(2)Where any goods are subject to Customs control, then—

(a)any officer may at any time examine such goods;

(b)except by authority or in accordance with this Act, no person shall interfere in any way with such goods.

(3)Where any goods are subject to Customs control, then the Commissioner-General may permit the owner of such goods to abandon them to the Customs; and on such abandonment such goods may, at the expense of the owner thereof, be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Commissioner-General may direct and the duty thereon shall be remitted or refunded, as the case may be.

(4)Any person who contravenes subsection (2)(b) commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Ord. No. 10 of 1955; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

13. Liability for loss through negligence of officer etc.

Where any loss or damage is occasioned to any goods subject to Customs control through the wilful or negligent act of an officer, then an action shall lie against the Commissioner-General or such officer in respect thereof.

Part III – Importation

Prohibited and restricted imports

14. ***

[Omitted][Cap. 4 s. 7(a); Cap. 4 s. 8]

15. ***

[Omitted][Cap. 4 s. 7(a); Cap. 4 s. 8]

16. ***

[Omitted, etc.][Cap. 4 s. 7(a)]

Arrival and report of aircraft and vessels

17. Procedure on arrival

(1)Save as provided in section 24, the master of every aircraft or vessel arriving in Tanzania—

(a)shall not, except where so allowed by the proper officer in any special circumstances, cause or permit such aircraft or vessel to land, touch at, or enter, any place in the country other than a port;

(b)shall, on arriving at any such port or place, come as quickly as the conditions of the port or place admit up to the proper place of mooring or unloading without touching at any other place;

(c)shall, in proceeding to such proper place, bring to at the station appointed for the boarding of aircraft or vessels;

(d)shall not, after arriving at such proper place, depart therefrom except directly to some other approved place of mooring or unloading, or directly to some other port or place within the country, or directly on any voyage to a foreign port, in accordance with this Act;

(e)shall not, after any such departure on any voyage to a foreign port, bring to within Tanzania except in accordance with this Act, or with the permission of the proper officer, or for some cause which the master explains to the satisfaction of such proper officer.

(2)Any master who contravenes this section commits an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

18. Place of mooring, etc.

The proper officer may, unless other provision is lawfully made, direct at what particular part of any port or other place any aircraft or vessel shall moor or discharge its cargo.

19. Restriction on boarding vessels before proper officer

(1)No person, except the port pilot, the health officer, or any other public office in the exercise of his duties and duly authorised, shall, save with the permission of the proper officer, board any vessel before the proper officer.

(2)Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

20. Report

(1)The master or agent of every aircraft or vessel, whether laden or in ballast, shall (except where otherwise provided in any regulations) within twenty-four hours after arrival from a foreign port at any port, or other place especially allowed by the proper officer, make report of such aircraft or vessel, and of its cargo and stores, and of any package for which there is no bill of lading, to the proper officer on the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner.

(2)Every such report shall show separately any goods which are in transit, any goods for transhipment, any goods which are to remain on board for other ports outside the country, and any goods for re-exportation on the same aircraft or vessel.

(3)In the case of a vessel of less than two hundred and fifty tons register, such report shall, except where otherwise allowed by the proper officer, be made before bulk is broken.

(4)The proper officer may permit the master or agent of any aircraft or vessel to amend any obvious error in the report, or to supply any omission, which in the opinion of the proper officer results from accident or inadvertence, by furnishing an amended or supplementary report in the prescribed manner.

(5)Any master or agent of any aircraft or vessel who—

(a)fails to make report in accordance with this section;

(b)makes a report of which any of the particulars contained therein is false;

(c)except with the knowledge and consent of the proper officer, causes or permits bulk to be broken contrary to this section; or

(d)except with the knowledge and consent of the proper officer, at any time after arrival causes or permits any goods to be staved, destroyed, or thrown overboard, or any packages to be opened,

shall, unless such contravention is explained to the satisfaction of the proper officer, commits an offence and any goods in respect of which an offence contrary to paragraphs (a), (b), or (d), of this subsection has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

21. Master to answer questions, etc.

(1)The master or agent of every aircraft or vessel shall—

(a)answer fully and immediately all such questions relating to the aircraft or vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers, as may be put to him by the proper officer;

(b)produce all such books and documents in his custody or control relating to the aircraft or vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers, as the proper officer may require;

(c)before any person (unless permitted to do so by the proper officer) disembarks, deliver to the officer who boards such aircraft or vessel on arrival at any port or place, a correct list in the prescribed form containing separately the names of the passengers disembarking and of those remaining on board such aircraft or vessel, and also, if required by such officer, the names of the master and of each officer and member of the crew;

(d)if required, deliver to the proper officer at the time of making report to clearance, if any, of such aircraft or vessel from the port from which such aircraft or vessel has arrived.

(2)Any master or agent who contravenes this section commits an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

22. Goods in transit shed, deemed in aircraft or vessel, etc

Goods which have been unloaded and landed into a transit shed or a Customs area shall be deemed to be still in the importing aircraft or vessel until they are delivered from such transit shed; and so long as they remain therein the owners or agents of the aircraft or vessel shall continue to be responsible as if such goods had not been removed from such aircraft or vessel.

23. Goods reported to be unloaded

Where any goods reported for discharge at a port, or place specially allowed by the proper officer, are not duly unloaded and deposited in a transit shed or a Customs area, then the master or agent of the aircraft or vessel shall pay the duty thereon unless he explains, to the satisfaction of the proper officer, the failure to unload and deposit such goods.

24. Master of wreck, to report, etc.

(1)When any aircraft or vessel is lost or wrecked or is compelled to land or bring to, within the country owing to accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause, the master or agent of such aircraft or vessel shall, with all reasonable speed, make reports of such aircraft or vessel and of its cargo and stores to the nearest officer or administrative officer.

(2)Where any aircraft or vessel is found abandoned within the country, then, unless the master or agent thereof satisfies the Commissioner-General that all the provisions of this Act in relation to such aircraft or vessel and its cargo and stores have been complied with, such aircraft or vessel and its cargo and stores shall be liable to forfeiture.

(3)Any master or agent who contravenes subsection (1) commits of an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

Arrival overland

25. Vehicles arriving overland

(1)The person in charge of every vehicle, whether or not such vehicle is conveying goods and whether or not such goods (if any) are dutiable, arriving overland at a frontier of the neighbouring country from a place outside the country shall not, except where otherwise permitted by the proper officer, cause or allow the vehicle to enter the country at any place other than at a port appointed under section 8, and shall before unloading or disposing of the vehicle or of any goods therein—

(a)report his arrival to the officer stationed at the frontier port at which he entered the country;

(b)furnish on the prescribed form such information as may be required concerning the vehicle or any such goods;

(c)make and subscribe a declaration as to the truth of all particulars contained in such form;

(d)fully and immediately answer all relevant questions put to him by the proper officer;

(e)produce all consignment notes or other relevant documents demanded of him by the proper officer;

(f)save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, make due entry of the vehicle and of any such goods.

(2)No vehicle or goods to which this section applies shall be removed from the Customs area until after due entry thereof has been and or until permission for removal has been granted by the proper officer.

(3)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Ord. No. 2 of 1963; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

26. Arrival overland otherwise than by vehicle

(1)Every person (other than the person in charge of any vehicle) arriving overland in the country from a foreign place, if he has any goods in his possession, shall, before in any way disposing of any such goods—

(a)report his arrival to the officer stationed at the customs house nearest to the point at which he crossed the frontier;

(b)furnish on the prescribed form such information as may be required concerning any such goods;

(c)make and subscribe a declaration as to the truth of all particulars contained in such form;

(d)fully and immediately answer all relevant questions put to him by the proper officer;

(e)produce all consignment notes or other relevant documents demanded of him by the proper officer;

(f)save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, make due entry of any such goods.

(2)No goods to which this section applies shall be removed from the customs area until after due entry thereof has been made or until permission for removal has been granted by the proper officer.

(3)The Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as may be specified, exempt any person or class of persons from the provisions of this section.

(4)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8][E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

Unloading and removal of cargo

27. Unloading, etc.

(1)Subject to this Act, save with the written permission of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose—

(a)no goods shall be unloaded from any aircraft or vessel arriving from a foreign port unless such goods have first been duly entered;

(b)no goods shall be unloaded or removed from any aircraft or vessel arriving from a foreign port on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays at any time whatsoever, or on any other day except between the hours of six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening;[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(c)no goods shall be unloaded from any aircraft or vessel arriving from a foreign port except at an approved place of unloading or at a sufferance wharf:Provided that—

(i)goods may be unloaded from any such aircraft or vessel into another vessel in order to be landed; and in any such case such goods shall be taken directly to and landed without delay at an approved place of unloading or at a sufferance wharf;

(ii)with the permission of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose, goods reported for reexportation by another aircraft or vessel may be unloaded into any other aircraft or vessel pending re-exportation;

(d)all goods which have been unloaded or landed shall be conveyed to a Customs area and, if the proper officer so requires, shall be deposited in a transit shed or in a Customs warehouse:Provided that, such goods as the proper officer may consider to be unsuited for storage in a transit shed or a Customs warehouse shall be deposited in such other place as the proper officer may direct, and thereupon such other place shall, for the purpose of such deposit, be deemed to be a transit shed;

(e)no goods shall be removed from any part of a customs area or from a transit shed or a customs warehouse unless such goods have first been duly reported and entered and authority for their removal or delivery has been given by the proper officer:Provided that, the proper officer may, if he considers it necessary, direct the agent of any aircraft or vessel from which goods have been landed into any transit shed or customs warehouse to remove such goods to some other place (which other place shall, for such purpose, be deemed to be a transit shed) selected by such proper officer and, if the agent fails to remove the goods when called upon, the proper officer may have them removed at the risk and expense of such agent;

(f)all goods entered for warehousing shall be removed by the importer by such routes, in such manner, and within such time, as the proper officer may direct to the warehouse for which they were entered and shall be delivered into the custody of the person in charge of the warehouse:Provided that, if the proper officer so requires, the owner shall first enter into a bond for the due warehousing of the goods.

(2)Any person who contravenes this section, or any of the conditions which may have been imposed by, or any of the directions which may have been given by, the proper officer commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

Entry, examination, and delivery

28. Entry of cargo

(1)Save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, the whole of the cargo of any aircraft or vessel which is unloaded or to be unloaded shall be entered by the owners within such period after the commencement of discharge as may be prescribed, or such further period as may be allowed by the proper officer, either for—

(a)home consumption;

(b)warehousing;

(c)transhipment; or

(d)transit.

(2)Where any entry is delivered to the proper officer, the owner shall furnish therewith full particulars supported by documentary evidence of the goods referred to in the entry.

(3)Entries for goods to be unloaded may be delivered to the proper officer for checking before the arrival at the port of discharge of the aircraft or vessel in which such goods are imported; and in any such case the Commissioner-General may in his discretion permit any goods to be entered before the arrival of such aircraft or vessel.

(4)Where any goods remain unentered at the expiration of the prescribed period, or of such further period as may have been allowed by the proper officer, then such goods shall, if the proper officer so requires, be removed by, or at the expense of, the agent of the aircraft or vessel in which such goods were imported to a customs warehouse.

29. Entry of transfer goods

(1)Save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, any goods liable to transfer tax which are unloaded or to be unloaded from any aircraft, vessel or vehicle, shall be entered by the owners in the manner and within the period prescribed, or within such further period as may be allowed by the proper officer.

(2)Where any goods liable to transfer tax remain unentered at the expiration of the period prescribed or such further period as may have been allowed by the proper officer, then such goods shall, if the proper officer so requires, be removed to a customs warehouse by, or at the expense of, the owner of the aircraft, vessel or vehicle in which such goods were transferred.[Act No. 13 of 1989 s. 13]

30. Surplus stores may be entered

The surplus stores of any aircraft or vessel may, with the permission of the proper officer, be entered for home consumption or for warehousing.

31. Provisions relating to mail, personal baggage, etc.

(1)Notwithstanding sections 27 and 28—

(a)mail bags and postal articles in the Court of transmission by post may be unloaded and delivered to an officer of the Post Office without entry;

(b)goods which are the bona fide personal baggage of the passengers, or members of the crew, of any aircraft or vessel may, subject to the provisions of any regulations, be unloaded and delivered to such persons without entry;

(c)the proper officer may permit the unloading and delivery to the owner of any bullion, currency notes, coin, or perishable goods, without entry subject to an undertaking being given by such owner to furnish the necessary entry within forty-eight hours of the time of delivery.

(2)Any owner who contravenes any undertaking given under subsection (1)(c) commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner the equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Act No. 13 of 1989 s. 13]

32. Entry in absence of documents

(1)Where the owner of any goods is, by reason of the absence of any, or of any sufficient, documents or information concerning them, unable to furnish full particulars of such goods, he shall make and subscribe a declaration on the prescribed form to that effect, and thereupon the proper officer may permit the owner to examine such goods in his presence.

(2)Upon such examination having been made the proper officer may, subject to section 33, permit the owner to enter such goods for home consumption, or for warehousing, if he is satisfied that the description of the goods for tariff and statistical purposes is correctly made in such entry, and also—

(a)in the case of goods liable to a duty ad valorem, that the value declared on the entry is approximately correct; and

(b)in the case of goods liable to duty according to weight, quantity, number, measurement, or strength, that the weight, quantity, number measurement, or strength declared on the entry is correct.

(3)Where the proper officer has permitted entry to be made under subsection (2), the delivery of such goods may accordingly be made, but the proper officer may, in the case of goods liable to duty ad valorem, retain such samples of the goods for such period up to the passing of perfect entry as he may think fit.

(4)Where the owner of any goods referred to in the declaration does not make, or is not permitted to make, entry in accordance with this section, then the proper officer shall cause the goods referred to in such declaration to be deposited in a customs warehouse.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

33. Provisions relating to goods liable to ad valorem duty

(1)Where any goods entered in accordance with section 32 are goods liable to duty ad valorem, then such entry shall be deemed to be a provisional entry.

(2)Where any such goods are provisionally entered for home consumption, then the proper officer may require the owner to deposit, in addition to the amount estimated as the duty for the purpose of making such provisional entry, such further sum as the proper officer may think fit; and such estimated duty and further sum shall be held on deposit and shall be forfeited unless the owner within three months, or such further period as may be allowed by the proper officer, of the provisional entry produces to the proper officer satisfactory evidence of the value of such goods and makes perfect entry thereof.

(3)Where the owner makes perfect entry in accordance with subsection (2), then—

(a)if the amount of the deposit is more than the full amount of the duty, either the difference shall be refunded to the owner and the balance brought to account as duty or the owner shall pay to the proper officer the full amount of the duty and be refunded the amount of the deposit;

(b)if the amount of the deposit is equal to or less than the full amount of the duty, the deposit shall be brought to account as duty, and the difference, if any, shall thereupon be paid by the owner to the proper officer.

[Ord. No. 3 of 1958]

34. Delivery from customs area in special circumstances

(1)The proper officer may, subject to such conditions as he may impose and to the giving of such security as he may think appropriate for the due return thereof or the payment of the duties thereon, permit any goods to be removed from any transit shed or customs area without payment of the duty for such purpose, for such period, and in such quantities, as he may think fit.

(2)Any person who contravenes any conditions imposed under subsection (1) commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

35. Re-packing, in customs area, etc.

The proper officer may permit any goods to be re-packed, skipped, bulked, sorted, lotted, or packed, on any approved place of unloading, or on a sufferance wharf, or in a transit shed, or in a customs area.

Provisions relating to a customs warehouse

36. Goods deposited in customs warehouse may be sold, etc.

(1)Where any goods which have been deposited in a Customs warehouse are not lawfully removed within two months after deposit, then such goods may be sold by public auction after one month’s notice of such sale has been given by the proper officer by publication in such manner as the Commissioner-General may see fit:Provided that, any such goods which are of a perishable nature, or are animals, may be sold by the proper officer without notice, either by public auction or by private treaty, at any time after deposit in the customs warehouse.

(2)Where any goods have been deposited in a customs warehouse then they shall be subject to such rent and other charges as may be prescribed.

(3)Where any goods are sold under this section, then the proceeds thereof shall be applied in the order set out below in the discharge of—

(a)the duties, if any;

(b)the expenses of removal and sale;

(c)the rent and charges due to the customs;

(d)the port charges; and

(e)the freight and any other charges.

(4)Where, after the proceeds of any such sale have been applied in accordance with subsection (3), there is any balance, then such balance shall—

(a)if the goods were prohibited goods, or restricted goods in relation to which there had been any contravention or if no application for such balance is made as provided in paragraph (b) hereof, be paid into the customs revenue;

(b)in any other case be paid to the owner of the goods if he makes application therefor within one year of the date of the sale.

(5)Where any goods are offered for sale in accordance with this section and cannot be sold for a sum to pay all duties, expenses, rent, freight, and other charges, they may be destroyed or disposed of in such manner as the Commissione-General may direct.

(6)Any officer having the custody of any goods in a customs warehouse, or place of deposit deemed to be a customs warehouse, may refuse delivery therefrom until he is satisfied all duties, expenses, rent, freight and other charges due in respect of such goods have been paid.[Ords. Nos. 3 of 1958; 5 of 1960]

37. Goods deemed to be in customs warehouse

(1)Where under this Act any goods are required to be deposited in a customs warehouse the proper officer may, in his discretion, decide that it is undesirable or inconvenient to deposit such goods in a customs warehouse and direct that such goods shall be deposited in some other place; and thereupon such goods shall for all purposes be deemed to have been deposited in a customs warehouse as from the time that they are required to be so deposited.

(2)Where any goods are deemed to have been deposited in a customs warehouse then such goods shall, in addition to the rent and other charges to which they are liable under section 36, be chargeable with such expenses incurred in the securing, guarding, and removing of them as the proper officer may consider reasonable; and neither the Commissioner-General nor any officer shall be liable for the loss of or damage to such goods which may be occasioned by reason of their being so deposited and dealt with.

Part IV – Warehousing of goods

General provisions

38. Dutiable goods may be warehoused

(1)Subject to any regulations, goods liable to import duty may on first importation be warehoused without payment of duty in a Government warehouse or a bonded warehouse.

(2)On, or as soon as practicable after, the landing of any goods to be warehoused, the proper officer shall take a particular account of such goods and shall enter such account in a book; and such account shall, subject to sections 43 and 49, be that upon which the duties in respect of such goods shall be ascertained and paid.[E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

39. Procedure on warehousing

(1)Where any goods entered to be warehoused are delivered into the custody of the person in charge of a warehouse, the proper officer shall, save where the Commissioner-General otherwise directs, take a particular account of such goods, whether or not any account thereof has been previously taken.

(2)The proper officer shall, in taking such account, enter in the book for that purpose the name of the aircraft or vessel or the registered number of the vehicle, as the case may be, in which the goods were imported or, in the case of postal articles, the parcel post reference, the name of the owner of such goods, the number of packages, the mark and number of each package, the value and particulars of the goods.

(3)After such account has been taken and the goods deposited in the warehouse in accordance with the directions of the proper officer, such officer shall certify at the foot of the account that the entry and warehousing of the goods is complete; and such goods shall from that time be considered goods duly warehoused.

(4)Subject to section 41, all goods entered to be warehoused shall forthwith be removed to the warehouse for which they are entered and deposited therein in the packages in which they were imported:Provided that, where any goods are permitted to be repacked, skipped, bulked, sorted, looted, or packed, in accordance with section 35, then such goods shall be deposited in the packages in which they were contained when the account thereof was taken.

(5)Any person who contravenes subsection (4), shall be guilty of an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

40. Removal to warehouse of goods entered therefor

(1)Where any goods entered to be warehoused are not duly warehoused by the owner, the proper officer may cause them to be removed to the warehouse for which they were entered.

(2)Where any goods are so removed to a bonded warehouse the warehouse keeper shall pay the cost of the removal of such goods and shall have a lien on such goods for such cost.

41. Entry of warehoused goods

(1)Goods which have been warehoused may be entered either for—

(a)home consumption;

(b)exportation;

(c)removal to another warehouse;

(d)use as stores for aircraft or vessels; or

(e)re-warehousing.

(2)Where any goods have been entered for warehousing, they may, before they are actually warehoused, be entered for home consumption, for exportation, for removal to another warehouse, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels; and in any such a case such goods shall be deemed to have been so warehoused and may be delivered for home consumption, for exportation, for removal to another warehouse, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels, as the case may be, as if they had been actually so warehoused.

42. Operations in a warehouse

(1)Where any goods are warehoused, the Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as he may impose—

(a)permit such goods to be repacked, skipped, bulked, sorted, looted, or packed, therein;

(b)permit samples of such goods to be taken by the owner;

(c)permit the name of the owner of such goods in the account taken under section 38 to be changed if application therefor is made on the prescribed form and signed by both the owner and the intended owner;

(d)permit the assembly or manufacture in the warehouse of any article consisting wholly or partly of such goods; and for such purpose the Commissioner-General may permit the receipt in a warehouse of duty free or locally produced articles required as components of the article to be so assembled or manufactured therein:

Provided that, where the finished article is entered for home consumption, duty shall be paid on the goods forming part thereof according to the first account thereof taken upon the warehousing of the goods except in the case of oils which are warehoused in a refinery in which case duty shall be paid on the goods which are entered for home consumption.

(2)Any person who contravenes any conditions which may be imposed by the Commissioner-General under this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Act No. 2 of 1963]

43. Re-gauging and re-valuation

The proper officer may, either on the direction of the Commissioner-General or on the application and at the expense of the owner—

(a)re-gauge, re-measure, re-weigh, examine, or take stock of, any warehoused goods;

(b)re-value any warehoused goods liable to duty ad valorem which have deteriorated in quality,

and in either such case the duty on any such goods shall be payable according to the result, unless the proper officer considers that any loss or deterioration is excessive or has been wilfully or negligently caused, in either of which events the duty shall, subject to such reduction, if any, as the Commissioner-General may allow, be payable according to the original account.

44. Delivery from warehouse in special circumstances

(1)The proper officer may, subject to such conditions as he may impose and to the giving of such security as he may think appropriate for the due return thereof or the payment of duties thereon, permit any goods to be removed from any warehouse without payment of the duty for such purpose, for such period, and in such quantities, as he may think fit.

(2)Any person who contravenes any conditions imposed under subsection (1) commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.

45. Removal to another warehouse

(1)Where any warehoused goods are to be removed to another warehouse, then the proper officer—

(a)shall require the owner of such goods to deliver an entry thereof in such form and manner as the proper officer may direct;

(b)shall require such owner to give security in such amount, not being less than the duty chargeable on such goods, as the proper officer may think fit for the due arrival and re-warehousing of such goods within such time as the proper officer may consider appropriate; and

(c)shall transmit to the proper officer of the place where such goods are to be re-warehoused in such other warehouse an account containing the particulars of such goods.

(2)Any security given under this section shall not be discharged unless—

(a)the conditions attaching thereto have been satisfied;

(b)the full duty payable on such goods has been paid in accordance with this Act; or

(c)such goods are otherwise accounted for to the satisfaction of the proper officer, and any duties due in respect of any deficiency in such goods not so accounted for has been paid.

(3)On the arrival of such goods at such other warehouse they shall be re-warehoused in the same manner as if they were being warehoused on the first importation thereof.

46. Warehoused goods may be delivered as stores

(1)Where any warehoused goods have been entered for use as stores for an aircraft or vessel, they may be delivered for that purpose to any vessel or aircraft proceeding to a foreign port:Provided that, warehoused goods shall not be entered for use as stores for a vessel of less than ten tons register to be delivered for that purpose.

(2)Where any warehoused goods are delivered for the purpose of being used as stores for an aircraft or vessel, they shall forthwith be put on board the aircraft or vessel for which they are entered.

(3)Where any warehoused goods are dealt with contrary to this section, then the owner of such goods commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

47. Abandonment, of warehoused goods, etc.

(1)The Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as he may impose—

(a)permit the owner of any warehoused goods to abandon such goods to the Customs;

(b)permit the owner of any warehoused goods which in the opinion of the proper officer, are not worth the duty payable thereon or have become damaged, or are surplus, by reason of any operations in connection therewith carried out under section 42 to destroy such goods,

and in either such case the duty on such goods shall be remitted.

(2)Where under subsection (1) any warehoused goods are—

(a)abandoned to the customs, then such goods may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Commissioner-General may direct and at the expense of the owner thereof;

(b)permitted to be destroyed and such goods were warehoused in a Government warehouse, then the owner of such goods shall nevertheless be liable to pay to the proper officer the rent and other charges due on such goods.

48. Period of warehousing and sale of goods

(1)All warehoused goods which have not been removed from a warehouse in accordance with this Act within six months of the date on which they were warehoused shall be entered for re-warehousing:Provided that, clothes, soft drinks, wines, beer and spirits shall be warehoused for a period not exceeding three months.

(2)Where any goods required to be rewarehoused under subsection (1) are not so rewarehoused, then they shall be sold by public auction after one month’s notice of such sale has been given by the proper officer by publication in such manner as the Commissioner-General may see fit.

(3)Where any goods are sold under the provisions of this section, then the proceeds thereof shall be applied in the order set out below in the discharge of—

(a)the duties;

(b)the expenses of the sale;

(c)any rent and charges due to the customs or to the warehouse keeper;

(d)the port charges; and

(e)the freight and any other charges.

(4)Where, after the proceeds of any such sale have been applied in accordance with subsection (3), there is any balance, then such balance shall, if the owner of the goods makes application therefor within one year from the date of the sale, be paid to such owner, or, in any other case, be paid into the Customs revenue.

49. Examination of warehoused goods on delivery

(1)Where any warehoused goods are delivered for home consumption, for exportation, for removal to another warehouse, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels, or are to be rewarehoused or sold under section 48, then the proper officer may examine and take stock of such goods.

(2)Where there is any deficiency between the quantity shown by the warehouse account and that ascertained on such examination, then, if the proper officer considers—

(a)that the deficiency is not excessive or that it was not wilfully or negligently caused, he may allow the deficiency and direct that the duties on such goods shall be payable, or that the rewarehousing entry shall be made, as the case may be, on the result of such examination;

(b)that the deficiency is excessive or that it was wilfully or negligently caused, he shall require the duties on such goods to be paid by the owner, according to the warehouse account:Provided that—

(i)where the goods are to be rewarehoused, the duty on such deficiency shall be forthwith paid by the owner of such goods and the re-warehousing entry shall be made according to the result of such examination;

(ii)where the goods are to be sold under section 48, the duty on such deficiency shall be forthwith paid by the warehouse keeper in any case where the goods were warehoused in a bonded warehouse.

50. Access to warehouse

(1)The proper officer shall at all times have the right of access to any part of any warehouse and may examine any goods therein; and for the purpose of obtaining such access the proper officer may break open the warehouse or any part thereof, or any adjacent premises.

(2)No person, other than the proper officer or, in the case of a bonded warehouse, the warehouse keeper or any duly authorised employee, shall open any warehouse or gain access to any goods therein save with the approval of the proper officer; and any person who contravenes this subsection commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million shilling if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(3)No person shall enter any warehouse, or part thereof, contrary to the orders of the proper officer or shall refuse to leave any warehouse, or part thereof, when directed to do so by the proper officer; and any person who contravenes this subsection commists an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Act No. 10 of 1989 s. 13]

51. Removal of goods after entry for home consumption, etc.

Where any goods remain in any warehouse for a period of more than fourteen days after they have been entered for home consumption or after they have been sold in accordance with this Act, then such goods shall, unless the Commissioner-General in any special case otherwise directs, be forfeited and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Commissioner-General may direct.

52. Penalty for unlawfully taking, warehoused goods, etc.

Any person who—

(a)takes, or causes or permits to be taken, any goods from any warehouse otherwise than in accordance with this Act; or

(b)wilfully destroys or damages any warehoused goods otherwise than in circumstances specifically provided for in this Act,

commits an offence and upon conviction is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding two million five hundred thousand shillings or an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars if the offender is a foreigner, or to both such fine and imprisonment.[Act No. 16 of 1994 s. 11]

Bonded warehouses

53. Commissioner-General may license warehouses

(1)The Commissioner-General may, on application, licence any building as a warehouse for the deposit of goods liable to import duty; and the Commissioner-General may, without assigning reason, refuse to issue any such licence and may, subject to a refund of the proportionate part of the licence fee, at any time revoke any licence which has been issued.

(2)The Commissioner-General may licence any building as either—

(a)a general warehouse, that is to say, for the warehousing of goods generally; or

(b)a private warehouse, that is to say, only for the warehousing of goods which are the property of the warehouse keeper.

(3)Every licence shall be in the prescribed form and shall be subject to the payment of the prescribed annual fee and shall expire on the 31^st December in each year.

(4)The Commissioner-General may require the person applying for a licence to furnish such security as the Commissioner-General may think appropriate as a condition to the grant of the licence and the Commissioner-General may, at any time, require a warehouse keeper to furnish new security in a different amount or on different terms.

(5)The Commissioner-General may, at any time, require a warehouse keeper to make such alterations or additions to his bonded warehouse as the Commissioner-General may consider necessary to ensure the proper security or warehousing of any goods.

(6)No building shall be used as a bonded warehouse unless there is in force in relation thereto a valid licence.

(7)Any warehouse keeper who uses, or permits to be used, his warehouse in contravention of any of the terms of his licence commits an offence.

(8)Any owner or occupier of a building who uses, or permits to be used, such building as a bonded warehouse without being the holder of a valid licence in respect thereof, commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings and, in addition thereto, to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and fifty U.S. dollars, for any day, or part of a day, during which the building was so used.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

54. Procedure on revocation or expiry of licence

(1)Where the Commissioner-General revokes any licence under section 53, then he shall cause to be served on the warehouse keeper notice of such revocation by leaving such notice with the person in charge of the bonded warehouse; and thereupon such service shall be deemed to be notice of such revocation to the owners of all goods warehoused therein.

(2)Where any warehouse keeper proposes not to renew his licence in relation to any bonded warehouse, then he shall cause notice of such intention to be given to the owners of all goods warehoused therein.

(3)Where the licence in relation to any bonded warehouse has been revoked or has expired, then, within such time as the Commissioner-General may direct, all goods warehoused therein shall be entered and delivered for home consumption, for exportation, for removal to another warehouse, or for use as stores for aircraft vessels.

(4)Where any goods have not been so entered and delivered in accordance with subsection (3), then the proper officer may cause such goods to be taken to a customs warehouse and thereupon such goods shall be dealt with in accordance with section 36.

55. Warehouse keeper to provide facilities

(1)Every warehouse keeper shall—

(a)provide such office accommodation and just weights, scales, measures, and other facilities, for examining and taking account of goods and for securing them as the proper officer may require;

(b)keep a record of all goods warehoused therein and shall keep such record at all times available for examination by the proper officer;

(c)stack and arrange the goods in the bonded warehouse so as to permit reasonable access to and examination of every package at all times;

(d)provide all necessary labour and materials for the storing, examining, packing, marking, coopering, weighing, and taking stock, of the warehoused goods whenever the proper office so requires;

(e)maintain such records and accounts relating to the operations of a refinery, in such form and manner, as the proper officer shall require, and shall keep such records and accounts at all times available for examination by the proper officer.

(2)Where any warehouse keeper contravenes this section the Commissioner-General may direct that no other goods shall be warehoused by such warehouse keeper until such warehouse keeper has, in the opinion of the Commissioner-General, complied with such provisions.

(3)Any warehouse keeper who contravenes any of the provisions of this section or of any direction given by the Commissioner-General under this section commits of an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

56. Stowage and storage of goods in bonded warehouse

(1)The proper officer may direct in what parts or divisions of any bonded warehouse and in what manner any goods shall be deposited therein.

(2)Subject to section 42, where any goods have been warehoused in a bonded warehouse, then, except with the approval of the proper officer, such goods shall not be moved or interfered with in any way, nor shall any alteration be made in the marks or numbers of any package.

(3)Any warehouse keeper who contravenes, or who causes or permits a contravention of this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and any goods in respect of which any offence under subsection (2) has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 a. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

57. Removal of goods from private to general warehouse

(1)Where the warehouse keeper of a private bonded warehouse contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, the proper officer may require him within such time as the proper officer may direct, to remove all or any of the goods warehoused in such private bonded warehouse to a general bonded warehouse or to enter and deliver them for home consumption, for exportation, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels.

(2)Where any warehouse keeper contravenes any requirement given under subsection (1), the proper officer may cause such goods to be taken to a customs warehouse and thereupon such goods shall be dealt with in accordance with section 36.

58. Warehouse keeper to produce goods deposited

(1)Every warehouse keeper shall, on request, produce to the proper officer all goods deposited in his bonded warehouse.

(2)Any warehouse keeper who contravenes this section shall, in the absence of satisfactory explanation to the proper officer, commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars in respect of each package not so produced and, in addition, the warehouse keeper shall forthwith pay the duties in respect of each such package.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

Government warehouses

59. Goods in Government warehouse liable to rent, etc.

Where any goods are deposited in a Government warehouse, then they shall be subject to such rent and other charges as may be prescribed or as may be provided for in this Act; and, if such rent and other charges are not paid to the proper officer when lawfully demanded, the goods in respect of which such rent and other charges are due may be sold, and the proceeds thereof applied, in accordance with section 36.

60. Removal, of goods in Government warehouse, etc.

Where any goods are deposited in a Government warehouse, then the proper officer may—

(a)remove, at the expense of the customs, such goods from that warehouse to another Government warehouse;

(b)perform, in relation to such goods and at the expense of the owner thereof, all such acts as he may consider reasonably necessary for the proper custody and preservation of such goods:Provided that, the proper officer shall not, save, where he considers immediate action necessary, perform any such act until twenty-four hours after the owner of such goods has been notified that any such act is necessary;

(c)by notice inform the owners of such goods that it is proposed to close such warehouse at the end of such period, not being less than three months from the date of such notice, as may be specified in such notice; and in any such case regulations shall be made providing for the manner in which any such goods shall be dealt with on such warehouse being closed.

Part V – Exportation

Prohibited and restricted exports

61. ***

[Omitted][Cap. 4 s. 7(a)]

62. ***

[Omitted][Cap. 4 s. 7(a)]

63. ***

[Omitted][Cap. 4 s. 7(a)]

Entry outwards and loading of aircraft and vessels

64. Entry outwards of vessel

(1)The master or agent of every vessel in which any goods are to be exported shall make entry outwards of such vessel to the proper officer on the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner.

(2)Save with the permission of the proper officer—

(a)no such entry outwards of a vessel shall be made before the whole of the cargo reported in such vessel for discharge has been discharged;

(b)no goods shall be loaded on such vessel before such entry outwards is made.

(3)Any master or agent who contravenes subsection (1), and any master who permits any goods to be loaded contrary to subsection (2) or contrary to the terms of any permission given under such subsection (2), commits an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

65. Entry of cargo for export

(1)Save as otherwise provided in the customs laws, the whole of the cargo to be loaded for export on any aircraft or vessel shall be entered by the owner of such cargo in the manner prescribed.

(2)Where any owner delivers an entry under this section he shall furnish therewith to the proper officer full particulars, supported by documentary evidence, of the goods referred to in the entry.

(3)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

66. Loading

(1)Subject to this Act, save with the written permission of the proper officer and subject to such condition as he may impose—

(a)no goods shall be put on board any aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port unless such goods have first been duly entered;

(b)no goods shall be put on board any aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays at any time whatsoever, or on any other day except between the hours of six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening;

(c)no goods shall be put on board any aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port except from an approved place of loading or from a sufferance wharf:Provided that—

(i)goods may be put on board any such aircraft or vessel from another vessel on to which they had been put on board in order to be loaded on to such aircraft or vessel;

(ii)with the permission of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose, goods reported for transhipment may be loaded on to such aircraft or vessel from another vessel;

(d)no goods shall be put on board any vessel departing to a foreign port before entry outwards of such vessel;

(e)no goods shall be put on board of any vessel to be loaded on to any aircraft or other vessel departing to a foreign port if such goods may not, under the provisions of this subsection, be directly put on board such aircraft or other vessel;

(f)all goods put on board of any vessel to be loaded on to any aircraft or other vessel departing to a foreign port shall be so loaded within the limits of the port.

(2)Any person who contravenes this section, or any of the conditions which may have been imposed by the proper officer, commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

67. Provisions relating to personal baggage

(1)Notwithstanding section 66, the proper officer may, subject to any regulations, permit—

(a)goods which are the bona fide personal baggage of the passengers, or members of the crew, of any aircraft or vessel to be put on board such aircraft or vessel and exported without entry;

(b)goods intended for sale or delivery to passengers, or members of the crew, of any aircraft or vessel to be put on board such aircraft or vessel, subject to such conditions as he may impose, without entry;

(c)mail bags and postal articles in the course of transmission by post to be put on board and exported without entry;

(d)goods to be put on board any aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port without entry subject to an application being made by the owner on the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner and to an undertaking being given by the owner of such goods to furnish the necessary entry within ninety-six hours, or such further time as the proper officer may specify, of the departure of the aircraft or vessel and to such security, if any, being given by such owner for the due payment of any export duties as the proper officer may consider appropriate.

(2)Any person who—

(a)contravenes any conditions imposed under subsection (1)(b); or

(b)contravenes any undertaking given under subsection (1)(d),

Commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

68. Goods for export not to be discharged in neighboring countries

(1)No goods which have been put on board any aircraft or vessel for export, or for use as stores, or as passenger’s baggage, save with the written permission of the proper officer and in accordance with such conditions as he may impose, be discharged at any place within the neighbouring countries.

(2)Any person who contravenes this section, or any such conditions imposed by the proper officer, commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

69. Provisions relating to export of certain goods

(1)Before any—

(a)warehoused goods;

(b)goods in which drawback may be claimed;

(c)dutiable goods intended for transhipment; or

(d)restricted goods,

may be entered for exportation, for transhipment, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels, the proper officer may require the owner of such goods to give security, in such amount and subject to such conditions as he may think fit, that such goods shall be duly put on board the aircraft or vessel for which they are entered and either duly exported to and discharged at the place for which they are so entered, or used as stores, as the case may be, within such time as he may specify.

(2)All goods in respect of which security is required under the provisions of this section (in this section referred to as bonded goods) shall, after being put on board, be duly exported to and discharged at the place for which they are entered, or used as stores for aircraft or vessels, as the case may be.

(3)The proper officer may require the owner of any bonded goods which have been put on board any aircraft or vessel for exportation to any place to produce, within such time as the proper officer may consider reasonable, a certificate from the customs authorities at the port of discharge of the due discharge thereat of such goods according to the export entry; and if such owner fails to produce such certificate, or if such certificate does not show that such goods have been duly discharged thereat according to the export entry, and the owner fails to account for any such goods to the satisfaction of the proper officer, then the proper officer may refuse to allow such owner to enter for export and to export any other goods in respect of which security may be required under this section.

(4)Where any bonded goods—

(a)are short-shipped, the owner thereof shall so notify the proper officer within twenty-four hours, or such further time as the proper officer may allow, of the departure of the aircraft or vessel;

(f)have been removed from a warehouse for delivery on board any aircraft or vessel but are not put on board such aircraft or vessel, the owner thereof shall forthwith enter the goods for warehousing, or for exportation, or for use as stores for aircraft or vessels.

[Please note: numbering as in original.]

(5)Where any bonded goods are brought to any customs airport, customs area, or other place, to be put on board any aircraft or vessel and, on examination by the proper officer, are found—

(a)not to agree with the particulars of the entry thereof; or

(b)being goods under drawback, not to be goods entitled to drawback,

then the owner of such goods commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(6)Any owner who—

(a)contravenes any condition imposed on him under this section in respect of any bonded goods; or

(b)contravenes subsection (4),

commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(7)Where any master contravenes, or causes or permits the contravention of, subsection (2), he commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Ord. No. 10 of 1955]

70. Stores for aircraft and vessels

(1)The proper officer may, on application being made on the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner by the master or agent of any aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port, permit any goods to be put on board in any such aircraft or vessel for use as stores subject to the payment of any export duty and to such conditions as he may think fit.

(2)Any person who puts, or causes or permits to be put, any goods on board in any aircraft or vessel for use as stores in contravention of this section, or of any conditions imposed by the proper officer, commits of an offence and any goods in respect of which such an offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

71. Short-shipment of non-bonded goods

(1)Where any goods (other than bonded goods within the meaning of section 69) are entered for exportation and such goods are not exported in the aircraft or vessel for which they were so entered or are short-shipped, the owner thereof shall so notify the proper officer within forty-eight hours, or such further time as the proper officer may allow, of the departure of the aircraft or vessel.

(2)Any owner who contravenes this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million and twenty five thousand shillings if the offender is a resident, or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Act No. 13 of 1989 s. 13]

72. Export goods stored at risk of owner

Where any goods are, with the permission of the proper officer, stored in a transit shed or a customs area pending exportation or transhipment or while in transit, then—

(a)they shall be subject to such rent and other charges as may be prescribed; and

(b)notwithstanding section 13, they shall be so stored at the risk of the owner.

73. Goods liable to export duty

(1)Where any goods are liable on export to any duty, the amount of such duty shall be stated on the export entry of such goods.

(2)No goods liable on export to any duty shall be exported until the export duty has been paid or security therefor given to the satisfaction of the proper officer.

(3)Where any goods liable on export to any duty are brought to any customs airport, customs area, or other place, to be put on board any aircraft or vessel and, on examination by the proper officer, are found not to agree with the particulars of the entry, or application for shipment relating thereto, the owner of such goods commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(4)Subject to the provisions of any law of any of the neighbouring countries, export duty shall not be levied on the exportation from a neighbouring country; of any goods grown, produced, or manufactured, in another neighbouring country; and any such goods shall on exportation, be subject at the place of exportation only to the export duty, restrictions and conditions imposed under the law of the neighbouring countries in which they were so grown, produced, or manufactured.

Departure overland

74. Vehicles departing overland

(1)The person in charge of every vehicle, whether or not such vehicle is conveying goods and whether or not such goods (if any) are dutiable, departing overland from the neighbouring countries shall not, except where otherwise permitted by the proper officer, cause or allow the vehicle to depart from the neighbouring countries at any place other than at a port appointed under section 8, and before so departing shall—

(a)report his intended departure to the officer stationed at the custom house nearest to the point at which he proposes to cross the frontier;

(b)furnish on the prescribed form such information as may be required concerning the vehicle or any such goods;

(c)fully and immediately answer all relevant questions put to him by the proper officer;

(d)produce any consignment notes or other relevant documents demanded from him by the proper officer;

(e)save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, make due entry of the vehicle and of any such goods.

(2)No vehicles or goods to which this section applies shall, except under and in accordance with the terms of any permission granted by the proper officer, be removed across the frontier until after due entry thereof has been made.

(3)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Act No. 3 of 1963]

75. Departure overland otherwise than by vehicle

(1)Every person (other than the person in charge of any vehicle) departing overland from the neighbouring countries shall, if he has any goods in his possession, before crossing the frontier—

(a)report his intended departure to the officer stationed at the Custom house nearest to the point at which he proposes to cross the frontier;

(b)furnish on the prescribed form such information as may be required concerning any such goods;

(c)fully and immediately answer all relevant questions put to him by the proper officer;

(d)produce all consignment notes or other relevant documents demanded of him by the proper officer;

(e)save as otherwise provided in the Customs laws, make due entry of any such goods.

(2)The proper officer may stop and question any person, whether or not he has goods in his possession, appearing to be about to depart overland from the neighbouring countries, and such person shall thereupon fully and immediately answer all such relevant questions concerning his movements and any goods in his possession as may be put to him.

(3)No goods to which this section applies shall, except under and in accordance with the terms of any permission granted by the proper officer, be removed across the frontier until after due entry thereof has been made.

(4)The Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as may be specified, exempt any person or class of persons from the provisions of this section.

(5)Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this section commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

Goods in transit or for transhipment

76. In transit, goods, etc

(1)Subject to any regulations, the provisions of this Act relating to the importation, prohibition, entry, examination, landing, and exportation of goods shall, so far as they are applicable, apply to goods in transit to a foreign port.

(2)The provisions of this Act relating to the importation, prohibition, entry, examination, landing, warehousing and exportation of goods shall, so far as they are applicable, apply to goods transhipped from the aircraft or vessels in which they are imported to the aircraft or vessel in which they are to be exported.

Part VI – Departure and clearance of aircraft and vessels

77. Clearance required for departure to foreign port

(1)No aircraft or vessel, whether laden or in ballast, shall depart from any port or place in the neighbouring countries to any foreign port unless a certificate of clearance has been granted in respect of such aircraft or vessel.

(2)The master or agent of any vessel or aircraft which departs from any port or place within the neighbouring countries in contravention of subsection (1) commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars.[Cap. 4 s. 4][Acts No. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

78. Grant of clearance

(1)The master or agent of every aircraft or vessel, whether laden or in ballast, proposing to depart to any foreign port shall apply to the proper officer for a certificate of clearance.

(2)Where application for a certificate of clearance is made, then the proper officer shall not grant such certificate of clearance until he is satisfied that all the provisions of this Act, in relation the aircraft or vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers have been complied with:Provided that the proper officer may, by reason of the provisions of any other law, refuse to grant such certificate of clearance notwithstanding that he may be satisfied that this Act has been complied with.

(3)Where the master or agent of any aircraft or vessel, or of any vessel of less than two hundred and fifty tons register, makes application for a certificate of clearance, then he shall at the same time—

(a)deliver to the proper officer an outward manifest on the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner;

(b)produce to the proper officer all such documents as he may require relating to such aircraft or vessel and its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers;

(c)answer all questions which the proper officer may ask relating to such aircraft or vessel and its cargo, stores, baggage, crew and passengers.

(4)Where the master or agent of any vessel of two hundred and fifty tons register or more makes application for a certificate of clearance, then the proper officer may grant such clearance subject to an undertaking by such master or agent to deliver to the proper officer, within twentyfour hours of the grant of such certificate of clearance, the outward manifest of such vessel in the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner, and to answer all such questions as he may be asked relating to such vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers.

(5)Where any aircraft or vessel proposes to depart to a foreign port in ballast, then such aircraft or vessel shall be cleared in ballast, that is to say, the words "in ballast" shall be written in those parts of the forms relating to such aircraft or vessel which contain provisions for the particulars of its cargo; and for the purpose of this subsection, an aircraft or vessel shall be deemed to be in ballast when such aircraft or vessel carries, in addition to the crew and its stores, only passengers and their bona fide personal baggage.

(6)The proper officer may permit the master or agent of any aircraft or vessel to amend any obvious error in the outward manifest, or to supply any omission which, in the opinion of the proper officer, results from accident or inadvertence, by furnishing an amended or supplementary outward manifest in the prescribed manner.

(7)Where any certificate of clearance has been granted but the aircraft or vessel in respect of which it was granted has not left the limits of the port in which it was granted, then the proper officer may inform, either orally or in writing, the master of such aircraft or vessel that such certificate of clearance has been cancelled and may require the return of such certificate, and thereupon such certificate shall be deemed never to have been granted.

(8)Any master or agent who contravenes any undertaking given under subsection (4), or who refuses to return any certificate of clearance when so required to do under subsection (7), commits an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

79. Clearance to be produced

(1)Any officer may board any aircraft or vessel in the neighbouring countries after clearance and require the master thereof to produce such certificate of clearance and to answer any questions relating to such aircraft or vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(2)The master of any aircraft or vessel who fails to produce such certificate of clearance on demand commits an offence.

80. Deficiency or surplus in cargo or stores

(1)Where, on any aircraft or vessel being boarded by the proper officer, any goods or stores which are not contained in the manifest of such aircraft or vessel are found on such aircraft or vessel, then the master thereof commits an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(2)Where, on any aircraft or vessel being boarded by the proper officer, any goods which were reported on the arrival of such aircraft or vessel as remaining on board for other ports in the neighbouring countries, or for re-exportation, or as stores, or which after arrival were put on board for removal under bond to another port in the neighbouring countries, or for exportation or use as stores, are not on board (due allowance being made in the case of stores for any goods which might fairly have been consumed or used) then the master of such aircraft or vessel commits an offence.

(3)Where, on any aircraft or vessel being boarded by the proper officer after its return to the neighbouring countries from a voyage to a foreign port, any goods which on the previous arrival of such aircraft or vessel were reported as stores or were then put on board as stores are not on board (due allowance being made for any goods which might fairly have been consumed or used) the master of such aircraft or vessel commits an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and in addition, such master shall be liable to pay the duty on the deficiency of such goods at the rate chargeable on the importation of similar goods.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

81. Aircraft or vessel to bring to at boarding station

(1)The master of every aircraft or vessel departing to a foreign port shall bring to at the boarding station for the purpose of disembarking any officer on such aircraft or vessel, or for any other purpose of this Act, or when required so to do by the proper officer.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(2)Any master of an aircraft or vessel who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.

Part VII – Importation and exportation by post

82. Application of Act to postal articles

(1)This Act shall apply to the importation, exportation, and carriage coastwise of postal articles:Provided that—

(i)postal articles may be entered at such place and in such manner as the Commissioner-General may direct;

(ii)any provision of this Act may, in its application to postal articles, be modified or adapted by regulations.

(2)Any officer, or any officer in the service of the Post Office, who, in the performance of any duty under this Act, examines or seizes any postal article shall be subject in all respects to this Act and such article shall be dealt with in accordance with this Act.

(3)This section shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Tanzania Posts Corporation Act.[Cap. 303]

83. Time of entry of postal articles

In the case of goods—

(a)imported by post, the time of entry of such goods for home consumption shall, except in the case where actual entry is required, be deemed to be the time when the duty thereon is assessed by the proper officer;

(b)exported by post, the time of entry of such goods for export shall be deemed to be the time of the posting of such goods;

(c)transferred by post to a neighbouring country where the goods are liable to transfer tax, the time of entry of such goods for transfer tax purposes shall be deemed to be the time when the mail bag containing the goods is received at the Post Office of destination.

[Ord. No. 10 of 1955; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

Part VIII – Coastwise and transfer trade

84. Power to prohibit, carriage coastwise and transfer, etc.

(1)The Authority may, by order published in the Gazette, provide that the carriage coastwise or transfer of any goods, or class of goods—

(a)is prohibited either generally or in relation to any of the neighbouring countries, and thereupon such goods shall, for the purpose of carriage coastwise or transfer, be prohibited goods;

(b)is prohibited, save in accordance with any conditions regulating their carriage coastwise or transfer, either generally or in relation to any of the neighbouring countries, and thereupon such goods shall, for the purpose of carriage coastwise or transfer, be restricted goods.

(2)The Minister may, by order published in Gazette—

(a)provide that the carriage coastwise within such neighbouring country of any goods or class of goods shall be prohibited in accordance with such conditions as may be specified in such order;

(b)limit in respect of such neighbouring country the application of any order made under subsection (1) in respect of all or any of the goods specified therein, and thereupon within such neighbouring country and in respect of such goods the provisions of this Act shall apply as if such goods are or are not, as the case may be, included in any order made under subsection (1).

[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(3)Subject to this Act and to any order made under this section, where any goods are prohibited goods or restricted goods in relation to importation or exportation, they shall also be prohibited goods or restricted goods, as the case may be, in relation to carriage coastwise or transfer.

(4)Where, under any law of any of the neighbouring countries, the carriage coastwise or transfer within such neighbouring country or countries is prohibited or restricted, then such goods, as the case may be, in relation to their carriage coastwise or transfer within such neighbouring country or countries.[E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

85. Meaning of carriage coastwise and transfer

(1)Subject to section 86, all goods conveyed by land, sea or air, from any part of the neighbouring countries to another part thereof shall be deemed to be carried coastwise, and any aircraft or vessel conveying such goods by air or by sea shall be deemed to be a coasting aircraft or coasting vessel, as the case may be.

(2)All goods, including locally grown or locally produced goods, conveyed by any means from any place in one neighbouring country to any place in another neighbouring country shall be deemed to be goods transferred and such goods shall be subject to regulations made under section 191(1)(f):Provided that this subsection shall not apply to goods in transit or for transhipment, nor to goods declared for warehousing, nor to goods consigned directly from a foreign place to a neighbouring country other than that at which the aircraft or vessel conveying such goods first arrives.

(3)For the purposes of this Part, the conveyance of goods by sea shall be deemed to include conveyance of goods by inland waters.[Act No. 16 of 1983 s. 4; E.A.C L.N. 51 of 1967]

86. Carriage coastwise or transfer in vessel from foreign port

(1)When any aircraft or vessel carrying cargo arrives at a port in a neighbouring country from a foreign place, then the proper officer may permit such aircraft or vessel to carry goods coastwise from such port to another port within that neighbouring country, or to carry goods on port transfer from such port to a port in another neighbouring country, upon the presentation by the master of a declaration as set out in section 88.

(2)Where under subsection (1) as a vessel or aircraft conveys goods from one port in a neighbouring country to another port in the same neighbouring country, such vessel or aircraft shall not by virtue thereof be deemed to be a coasting vessel or coasting aircraft within the meaning of this Act.

(3)When any goods are carried coastwise or are transferred under the provisions of this section, then the loading, unloading and delivery thereof shall be subject to any regulations and to such conditions as the Commissioner-General may impose.[E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

87. Loading of coastwise and transfer cargo, etc.

(1)Subject to this Act, save with the written permission of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose—

(a)no goods shall be loaded on, or unloaded from, any aircraft or vessel for carriage coastwise on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays at any time whatsoever, or on any other day except between the hours of six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening;[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(b)no goods for carriage coastwise or transfer shall be unloaded from or loaded onto any aircraft or vessel except at an approved place of loading or at a sufferance wharf:Provided that goods may be unloaded from any such aircraft or vessel, or loaded onto any such aircraft or vessel, on to or from any other vessel or vehicle used for the purpose of the carriage of goods between such aircraft or vessel and an approved place of landing or sufferance wharf;

(c)all goods which have been unloaded or landed from a coasting vessel or a coasting aircraft shall, if the proper officer so requires, be conveyed forthwith to a customs area or transit shed;

(d)all goods which have been transferred by road shall, if the proper officer so requires, be conveyed forthwith, to a custom house or such other place as the proper officer may direct.

(2)Any person who contravenes this section, or any of the conditions which may have been imposed by the proper officer, commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed, and any vehicle in which such goods were transferred, shall be liable to forfeiture and any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.[Act No. 13 of 1989 s. 11]

88. Transire required for departure coastwise and transfer

(1)No coasting aircraft or coasting vessel, nor any aircraft or vessel which is carrying goods coastwise or goods for transfer in accordance with section 86, shall depart from any port or place within the neighbouring countries unless transire has been granted by the proper officer.

(2)The master or agent of any aircraft or vessel to which subsection (1) applies proposing to depart coastwise or carrying goods for transfer, shall deliver to the proper officer an account in triplicate on the prescribed form containing the particulars of all cargo taken on board for carriage coastwise or for transfer; and the original thereof, dated and signed by the proper officer, shall constitute the grant of transire for the carriage of the goods specified therein and shall, in the case of a coasting aircraft or coasting vessel, be the certificate of clearance for such aircraft or vessel for the coastwise voyage.

(3)Any master or agent who contravenes this section, or who delivers an account of which any of the particulars contained therein is false, commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars, and the coasting aircraft or coasting vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Act. No. 13 of 1989 s. 13; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

89. Transire to be delivered on arrival

(1)The master of any aircraft or vessel arriving at a port or place within the neighbouring countries carrying goods coastwise or goods for transfer—

(a)shall forthwith deliver the transire to the proper officer of that port or place;

(b)shall not, save with the permission of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose, permit any goods to be unloaded before the delivery of such transire:

Provided that in the case of a vessel of two hundred and fifty tons register or more, such transire may be delivered within twenty-four hours of arrival and the goods may be unloaded therefrom before the delivery of such transire.

(2)Any master who contravenes this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture, and the coasting aircraft or coasting vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

90. Power of Commissioner-General to vary procedure

(1)Notwithstanding this Act, the Commissioner-General may permit any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel to be loaded, unloaded, and cleared, subject to such conditions as he may in any particular case impose.

(2)The master of any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel who contravenes any conditions imposed by the Commissioner-General under this section commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars, and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture, and the coasting aircraft or coasting vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

91. Entry outwards of aircraft, carrying goods coastwise, etc.

The Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as he may impose, permit the master or agent of any aircraft or vessel carrying any goods coastwise to enter outwards such aircraft or vessel and to enter any goods carried coastwise therein for exportation without discharging such goods.[E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

92. Coasting vessel, not to deviate from voyage, etc.

The master of any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel—

(a)which deviates from its voyage, unless forced to do so by circumstances beyond the control of the master, the proof whereof shall lie on the master;or

(b)which, having deviated from its voyage or having taken on board any wreck or other goods or discharged any goods in the course of a voyage from one part of the neighbouring countries to another, does not forthwith proceed directly to the nearest port in the neighbouring countries and explain the circumstances thereof to the satisfaction of the proper officer and deliver any such wreck or other goods taken on board to the proper officer,

shall be guilty of an offence and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture, and the aircraft or vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.

93. Conveyance by road of transferred goods only in licensed vehicles

(1)Any goods transferred by land, other than by post or rail, between a port or place in one neighbouring country to a port or place in another neighbouring country shall be conveyed in vehicles duly licensed by the Commissioner-General in accordance with section 186.

(2)Any person who uses any unlicensed vehicle for the transfer of goods in contravention of subsection (1), without the written permission of the Commissioner-General commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the vehicle and goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

94. Examination of coasting vessel and goods

(1)Any officer may go on board any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel in any port or place in the neighbouring countries or at any period of the voyage of such aircraft or vessel, and search such aircraft or vessel and examine all goods on board of such aircraft or vessel.

(2)Where any officer goes on board any coasting aircraft or coasting vessel he may require the master thereof to answer any questions concerning such aircraft or vessel, its cargo, stores, baggage, crew, and passengers, and to produce any books and documents which are, or should be, on board of such aircraft or vessel.

(3)Any officer may examine any goods which have been unloaded from any aircraft or vessel after carriage coastwise or which are brought to any port of place to be loaded on to any aircraft or vessel for carriage coastwise; and for the purposes of such examination the officer may require the owner of such goods to unpack or open them and to repack them at the expense of such owner.

(4)Any master who—

(a)refuses to answer any such question or to produce any such books or documents; or

(b)makes any incorrect reply to any such question,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the aircraft or vessel in relation to which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11; Cap. 4 s.8]

Part IX – Provisions relating to securities

95. Commissioner-General may require security

The Commissioner-General may require any person to give security for the due compliance by that person with this Act and generally for the protection of the customs revenue; and, pending the giving of any such security in relation to any goods subject to customs control, the Commissioner-General may refuse to permit delivery or exportation of such goods or to pass any entry in relation thereto.

96. General provisions relating to giving of security

(1)Where any security is required to be given under this Act, then such security may be given to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General either—

(a)by bond, in such sum and subject to such conditions and with such sureties as the Commissioner-General may reasonably require;

(b)by cash deposit; or

(c)partly by bond and partly by cash deposit.

(2)Where any security is required to be given under this Act for any particular purpose, then such security may, with the approval of the Commissioner-General be given to cover any other transactions which the person giving such security may enter into within such period as the Commissioner-General may approve.

(3)All bonds required to be given under this Act shall be so framed that the person giving such bond, and any surety thereto, is bound to the Commissioner-General of Customs and Excise by that name for the due performance of the conditions of such bond; and all such bonds may, unless sooner discharged by the due performance of the conditions thereof, be discharged by the Commissioner-General on the expiration of three years from the date thereof, but without prejudice to the right of the Commissioner-General to require fresh security.

(4)Where any bond given under this Act is discharged, then the Commissioner-General shall cause such bond to be cancelled and an endorsement to that effect made thereon.

(5)All bonds given under this Act shall, notwithstanding that any such bond or any surety thereto is given by any person under the age of twenty-one years, be valid and enforceable as if it were so given by a person of full age.

97. Provisions relating to sureties

(1)Without prejudice to any rights of a surety to any bond given under this Act against the person for whom he is surety, a surety shall, for all the purposes of any bond, be deemed to be the principal debtor and accordingly the surety shall not be discharged, nor his liability affected, by the giving of time for payment, or by the omission to enforce the bond for any breach of any conditions thereof, or by any other act or omission which would not have discharged the bond if he had been the principal debtor.

(2)Where any person who gives a surety—

(a)dies;

(b)becomes a bankrupt or enters into any arrangement or composition with, or for the benefit of, his creditors; or

(c)departs from the neighbouring countries without leaving sufficient property therein to satisfy the whole amount of the bond,

the Commissioner-General may require the person giving the bond to enter into fresh security.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

98. Enforcement of bond

(1)Where the conditions of any bond have not been complied with, the Commissioner-General may, by name of the Commissioner-General of Customs and Excise, take legal proceedings for the enforcement thereof.

(2)Where any such proceedings are taken, then production of the bond shall, without further proof, entitle the Commissioner-General to judgment for the stated liability unless any person against whom such proceedings are taken proves compliance with all the conditions of the bond, or that the bond or surety was not executed by him, or that he has been released from the provisions of the bond or surety, or that he has already made satisfaction for the full amount thereof.

Part X – Duties

Liability to duty

99. Rates, of duty specified in neighbouring country legislation, etc.

(1)Subject to the provisions of the Customs laws, duty shall be paid on the goods and at the rates and in the circumstances specified in the appropriate neighbouring country legislation.

(2)Where under the provisions of the appropriate neighbouring countries legislation goods are liable—

(a)to duty on leaving a neighbouring country, whether or not such goods are intended ultimately for exportation from the neighbouring countries then this Act shall apply as if such goods on so leaving that neighbouring countries were exported;

(b)on entering a neighbouring country, to a rate of duty different from that to which such goods were liable on their importation into the neighbouring countries, then, where such goods so enter that neighbouring country on transfer from another neighbouring country, the amount of such difference shall be collected or refunded, as the case may be, in such manner as may be prescribed and this Act shall apply as if such goods on so entering that neighbouring country were imported:

Provided that, if the rate of duty on the goods at the time of their importation into the neighbouring countries was the same in each neighbouring country, no difference shall be collected or refunded when such difference arises from a subsequent change in the rate of duty if a similar change has been made in each neighbouring country.[Ord. No. 5 of 1960]

100. Exemption from duty of goods remaining on board

Subject to the provision of the customs laws, goods remaining on board and exported in the aircraft or vessel in which they were imported, whether as stores or otherwise, shall be exempted from liability to import or export duties.

101. Exemption from import duty of goods entered for exportation, etc.

Subject to the provisions of the Customs laws, goods entered under bond—

(a)for exportation, for transhipment, or in transit; or

(b)for use as stores for aircraft or vessels,

and proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General to have been duly exported or used as such stores, as the case may be, shall be exempt from liability to import duties.

102. Exemption from import duty or transfer tax of certain re-imports

(1)Subject to the provisions of the Customs laws, where any goods which are liable to import duty or transfer tax have been exported from and are subsequently re-imported into the neighbouring countries, then, if the Commissioner-General is satisfied—

(a)that any import duty or transfer tax to which the goods were liable prior to their exportation has been paid and either—

(i)no drawback of such import duty or transfer tax was allowed on exportation; or

(ii)if allowed, such drawback has been repaid to the proper officer; and

(b)that such goods have not been subjected to any process after being so exported, or, if so subjected to any such process, that their form or character has not been changed and that such goods at the time of reimportation are not liable to duty ad valorem; and

(c)that the owner of such goods prior to such exportation gave notice thereof in writing to the proper officer and produced such goods for inspection by him at the port or place from which they were exported,

the goods shall, save as otherwise provided in the customs laws, be exempt from liability to import duties or transfer taxes:Provided that, the Commissioner-General may in any particular case direct that this section shall apply to any goods notwithstanding that paragraph (c) hereof has not been complied with if he is satisfied that a failure so to direct would involve hardship.

(2)In the case of any goods to which subsection (1) would apply but for the fact that at the time of re-importation they are liable to duty ad valorem, such goods shall on re-importation be chargeable with duty as if the value attributable were only the amount of the increase in value attributable to any such process; and for the purpose of ascertaining such increase in value, any sum paid for the execution of any such process shall, unless the Commissioner-General in his discretion otherwise directs, be taken to be the amount of such increase.[Ord. No. 5 of 1960; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

103. Exemption from import duty of temporary imports

(1)Subject to the provisions of the customs laws, goods imported in accordance with this section for a temporary use or purpose only shall be exempt from liability to import duties.

(2)No goods shall be exempt from liability to import duties under this section unless the proper officer has given permission for such importation; and the proper officer shall not give such permission—

(a)unless he is satisfied that the goods are imported for a temporary use or purpose only; and

(b)unless the owner thereof has deposited, or given security for, the amount of the import duty to which the goods would otherwise be liable.

(3)Where the proper officer gives permission for the importation of any goods under this section, he may impose such conditions as he thinks fit, and, whether or not he imposes any conditions, it shall be a condition of such importation that such goods shall be exported within twelve months of the date of their importation.

(4)Where any condition of the importation of such goods has been contravened, then such goods shall become liable to import duties as from the date of their importation, and any deposit given under subsection (2) shall be brought to account as duty, or, if security therefor was given, the owner shall be required to pay duty; but if all such conditions are complied with, then, on the exportation of such goods, such deposit shall be refunded or such security discharged, as the case may be.

(5)The Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, declare that the goods specified in such notice shall not be imported in accordance with this section, or may only be so imported subject to such goods being liable to such proportion of the import duty thereon as may be specified in such notice.

104. Derelict goods, liable to duty, etc.

Any goods brought or coming into the neighbouring countries by sea otherwise than as cargo, stores, or baggage, carried in vessel shall be liable to duty and to the provisions of the Customs laws as if they were goods imported in the normal manner, and, if any question arises as to the origin of such goods, they shall be deemed to be produce of such country as the Commissioner-General may on investigation determine.[Ord. No. 10 of 1955]

105. Goods imported duty free by community, liable to import duty or transfer tax on disposal, etc.

(1)Where any goods liable to import duty have been imported, or purchased prior to entry for home consumption, by or on behalf of the neighbouring country, the Government of any of the neighbouring country, or any person, either free of import duty or at a reduced rate to import duty and such goods are subsequently disposed of in any manner inconsistent with the purpose for which they were granted any relief from import duty, then, unless the Minister, otherwise directs, such goods shall on such disposal be liable to import duty at the rate applicable to goods of that class or description at the time of such disposal.

(2)Where any goods liable to transfer tax have been transferred into a neighbouring country in which their liability to transfer tax arises, by or on behalf of the Government of that neighbouring country, and such goods are subsequently disposed of either free of transfer tax or at a reduced rate of transfer tax in any manner inconsistent with the purpose for which they were granted any relief from transfer tax, then, unless the Minister, otherwise directs, such goods shall on such disposal be liable to transfer tax at the rate applicable to goods of that class or description at the time of such disposal.

(3)Where it is proposed to dispose of any goods to which subsection (1) applies, then the person responsible for the disposal of such goods shall unless the Minister otherwise directs, furnish the Commissioner-General with the particulars of such proposed disposal and shall cause the duty thereon to be paid.

(4)Where it is proposed to dispose of any goods to which subsection (2) applies, then the person responsible for the disposal of such goods shall, unless the Minister, otherwise directs, furnish the Commissioner-General with the particulars of such proposed disposal and shall cause the transfer tax thereon to be paid.

(5)Where any goods to which subsection (1) or subsection (2) applies are disposed of without the payment of the import duty or transfer tax to which they are liable, then such goods shall be liable to forfeiture.

(6)Any person who knowingly disposes of or knowingly acquires any goods to which subsection (1) or subsection (2) applies without the import duty or transfer tax thereon having been paid in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Act No. 1 of 1966; E.A.C L.N. 84 of 1961; 1 of 1967; Cap. 4 s. 8]

Computation of duty

106. Time of entry determines rate of duty

(1)Subject to section 83, and subsection (3) of this section, import duty shall be paid at the rate in force at the time when the goods liable to such duty are entered for home consumption:Provided that, in the case of goods imported overland, the time of entry of such goods for home consumption shall be deemed to be the time when the import duty thereon is paid.

(2)Subject to the provisions of the customs laws and of section 83, export duty shall be paid at the rate in force at the time when the goods liable to such duty are entered for export:Provided that, where any export duty is imposed, or the rate of any existing export duty is varied, between the time goods are entered for exportation and the time of exportation of such goods, export duty shall be paid at the rate in force at the time of exportation of the goods.

(3)Where, in accordance with section 28(3), goods are entered before the arrival at the port of discharge of the aircraft or vessel in which such goods are imported, the import duty upon such goods shall be paid at the rate in force at the time of arrival of such aircraft or vessel at such port of discharge.[Ord. No. 10 of 1959; Act No. 2 of 1963]

107. Duties to apply proportionately, etc.

Where any drawback is allowed under the Customs laws according to any specified weight, measure, strength, or value, then such drawback shall be deemed to apply in the same proportion to any greater or less weight, measure, strength, or value, as the case may be, unless specific provision is made to the contrary in any customs laws.[Act No. 10 of 1967]

108. Determination of value of goods liable to ad valorem import duty

(1)Where imported goods are liable to ad valorem import duty, then the value shall be that laid down in the Fourth Schedule A and import duty shall be paid on that value.

(2)The provisions of this section and the paragraphs of Part I of the Fourth Schedule A shall be read and applied in conjunction with their respective notes in Part II of the Schedule.

(3)In applying or interpreting this section and the provisions of the Fourth Schedule A due regard shall be taken of the decisions, rulings, opinions, guidelines, and interpretations given by the Secretariat, Committees and other organs of the World Trade Organisation and the Customs Co-operation Council (World Customs Organisation).

(4)Upon written request, the importer shall have the right to an explanation in writing from the proper officer as to how the customs value of the importer’s goods was determined.

(5)The Commissioner-General shall publish judicial decisions and administrative rulings of general application giving effect to the Fourth Schedule.

(6)Where, in the course of determining the customs value of imported goods, it becomes necessary for the customs to delay the final determination of such customs value, the delivery of the goods shall, at the request of the importer be made; provided that before granting such permission the proper officer may require the importer to provide sufficient guarantee in the form of a surety, a deposit or some other appropriate security as the proper officer may determine, to secure the ultimate payment of customs duties for which the goods may be liable.

(7)Nothing in the Fourth Schedule shall be construed as restricting or calling into question the rights of the proper officer to satisfy himself as to the truth or accuracy of any statement, document or declaration presented for customs valuation purposes.[Ord. No. 3 of 1958; Act No. 11 of 2000 s 10; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

109. Duty computed on gross weight of package in certain cases

Where any goods liable to duty according to weight are imported in any package, and such goods are intended for sale, or are normally sold retail, in such package, then, if such package is not—

(a)marked or labelled with the net weight thereof; or

(b)commonly sold as containing, or as reputed to contain, a specific quantity or weight,

and in either such case, the owner of such goods is unable to satisfy the proper officer of the correct net weight thereof, the goods shall be liable to duty according to the gross weight of such package and its contents.

110. Duty computed on reputed quantity in certain cases

Where any goods liable to a specific duty are imported in any package and such goods are intended for sale, or are normally sold retail, in such package, then, if such package is—

(a)marked or labelled as containing a specific quantity of such goods; or[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(b)commonly sold as containing, or as reputed to contain, a specific quantity of such goods,

shall be deemed to contain not less than such specific quantity.[Act No. 12 of 1969]

111. Commissioner-General may fix litre equivalent of other liquid measurement

Where any goods liable to duty according to liquid measurement are imported in any package and—

(a)such goods are intended for sale, or are normally sold, in such package; and

(b)such package is of a standard capacity according to any liquid measurement based on fractions or multiples of a litre,

then the Commissioner-General may, by notice in the Gazette, declare that any such package, having a capacity within such limits as may be specified in such notice, shall be deemed to contain such fractions or multiples of a litre as may be specified in such notice.

112. Allowance for tare

For the purpose of the computation of the duty to which any goods are liable, the Commissioner-General may fix the allowance for tare which may be granted and the conditions under which any such allowance may be granted.

113. Duty on package in certain cases

Where any goods are imported or exported in any package which, in the opinion of the Commissioner-General—

(a)is not the normal or proper package for such goods;

(b)subsequently to such importation is designed for use, or exportation, other than as a package for any goods of the same or a similar nature,

then, subject to any provision to the contrary in the customs laws, such package shall be liable to duty as if it were a separate article and shall, for all the purposes of the customs laws, be deemed to be a separate article.

Payment of duty, etc

114. Recovery of duty

Where any goods are liable to duty, then such duty shall constitute a debt due to all neighbouring countries and be charged on the goods in respect of which the duty is payable; and such duty shall be payable by the owner of such goods and may, without prejudice to any other means of recovery, be recovered by legal proceedings brought by the Commissioner-General of Customs and Excise.

114A. Appointment and duties of agent

(1)In this section—"agent" means a person appointed as such under subsection (2) of this section;"appointment notice" means a notice issued by the Commissioner-General under subsection (2) of this section;"money" includes any debt, deposit or credit, salary, wages and pensions payments and any other remuneration whatsoever;"principal" means the person in respect of whom an agent is appointed.

(2)The Commissioner-General may, by a written notice addressed to any person—

(a)appoint him to be the agent of another person for the purpose of collection and recovery of duty due from such other person; and

(b)specify the amount of such duty to be collected and recovered.

(3)An agent shall pay the duty specified in his appointment notice out of moneys which may, at any time during the twelve months following the date of the notice, be held by him for, or become due from him to, his principal.

(4)Where an agent claims to be, or to have become, unable to comply with subsection (3) of this section by reason of the lack of moneys held by, or due from him, he shall, as soon as may be practicable, notify the Commissioner-General accordingly in writing setting out fully the reasons for his inability so to comply, and the Commissioner-General may—

(a)accept the notification and cancel or amend the appointment notice accordingly; or

(b)if he is not satisfied by such reasons, reject the notification.

(5)Unless and until a notification is given by an agent under subsection (4) of this section—

(a)sufficient moneys for the payment of the duty specified in his appointment notice shall be presumed to be held by him for, or due from him to, his principal; and

(b)in any proceedings for the collection or recovery of such duty, he shall be stopped from asserting the lack of such moneys.

(6)For the purposes of this section, the Commissioner-General may, by notice in writing, at any time require any person to furnish him within a reasonable time, not being less than thirty days from the date of service of such notice, with a return showing any moneys which may be held by such person for, or become due to him by, any other person from whom duty is due.

(7)Where an agent fails to pay any amount of duty specified in his appointment notice within thirty days of the date—

(a)of service of such notice on him; or

(b)on which any moneys come into his hands for or become due by him to, his principal,

whichever is the later; and—

(i)he has not given a notification under subsection (4) of this section; or

(ii)he has given such notification which has been rejected by the Commissioner-General,

the provisions of this Act relating to the collection and recovery of duty shall apply to the collection and recovery of such amount as if it were duty due and payable by the agent, the due date for the payment of which was the date upon which such amount should have been paid to the Commissioner-General under this subsection.

(8)An agent who has made any payment of duty under this section shall be deemed to have acted with the authority of his principal and of all other persons concerned, and shall be indemnified in respect of such payment against all proceedings, civil or criminal, and all process, judicial or extrajudicial, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any written law, contract or agreement.

(9)Any person who, in giving a notification under subsection (4) of this section, wilfully makes any false or misleading statement, or wilfully conceals any material fact, commits an offence.

(10)For the purposes of this section, cases where moneys are held by an agent for, or due by him to his principal, shall include cases where the agent—

(a)owes or is about to pay or becomes liable to pay money to the principal; or

(b)holds moneys for or on account of the principal;

(c)holds money on account of some other person for payment to the principal;

(d)has authority from some other person to pay money to the principal.

[Act No. 13 of 1989 s. 13]

114B. Collection of tax by suit

(1)Where payment of any duty has not been made on or before the due date, the duty due by such person may be sued for and recovered as a debt due to the Government in a court of competent jurisdiction by the Commissioner-General in his official capacity.

(2)In any suit under this section, the production of a certificate signed by the Commissioner-General giving the name and address of the person concerned and the amount of duty due and payable by him shall be sufficient evidence that such amount of duty is due and payable by such person.

(3)Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (1) and before the commencement of a suit under this section the Commissioner-General may by any other means of recovery provided for under this Act recover the duty due and payable by such person under section 114 of this Act.[Act No. 13 of 1986 s. 13]

114C. Collection of tax by distraint

(1)Where duty is recoverable in the manner provided by section 114B, the Commissioner-General may, instead of suing for recovery of such duty, recover the same by distress, and for that purpose, may by order under his hand authorise any public officer or an officer of a court to execute such distress upon the goods and chattels of the person from whom such duty is recoverable and such officer may, at the cost of the person from, whom such duty is recoverable, employ such servants or agents as he may think necessary to assist him in the execution of the distress:Provided that, where the full amount of the duty due and payable—

(a)is not recovered by such distress the Commissioner-General may forthwith recover the deficiency in the manner provided for by section 114B, without prejudice to any other means of recovery provided under this Act;

(b)has been paid after the issue of the order and before the execution of distress, any costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioner-General prior to the payment of the duty shall be deemed to be a debt due and payable to the Government by the person in respect of whom the order was issued and may be recovered by the Commissioner-General as duty under this Act.

(2)For the purposes of levying any distress under this section, an officer authorised under subsection (1) together with such servants or agents as such person may consider necessary, may break open in the daytime any premises and any such officer may require any police officer to be present while such distress is being levied and any police officer so required shall comply with such requirement.

(3)A distress levied under this section shall be kept for ten days, either at the premises at which such distress was levied or at such other place as the authorised officer may consider appropriate, at the cost of the person from whom the duty is recoverable.

(4)Where the person from whom duty is recoverable by distress does not pay such duty together with the costs of the distress within ten days, the goods and chattels distrained upon, shall be sold by public auction for payment of the duty due and payable and all such costs.

(5)The proceeds of the sale done under subsection (4) of this section, shall be applied first towards the costs of taking, keeping and selling the goods and chattels distrained upon and then towards the duty due and payable and any remainder of such proceeds shall be restored to the owner of the property distrained.[Act No. 13 of 1986 s. 13]

115. Effect of obligation to pay duty

Where any obligation has been incurred, whether by bond or otherwise, for the payment of any duty, then such obligation shall be deemed to be an obligation to pay all duties which are or may become payable or recoverable under the provisions of the customs laws.

116. Effect of alteration in classification of goods

Where any practice of the Customs relating to the classification or enumeration of any goods for the purposes of the liability to duty is altered with the result that less duty is thereafter charged on goods of the same class or description, no person shall thereby become entitled to any refund of any duty paid before such alteration took effect.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

117. Short levy, erroneous refund or rebate

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where any duty or part of it has been short-levied or erroneously remitted, refunded, or rebate allowed in respect of it, the person who should have paid the amount short-levied or to whom the refund, remission or rebate has been erroneously allowed shall, on demand by the Commissioner-General, pay the amount short-levied or remitted, or repay the amount erroneously refunded or rebate allowed in respect of it, as the case may be; and such amount shall be a debt due to the Government which may be recovered as civil debt by a suit at the instance of the Commissioner-General.

(2)Where a demand is made for any amount pursuant to subsection (1), the amount shall be deemed to be due from the person liable to pay it on the date on which the demand note is served upon him, and if payment is not made within thirty days of the date of such service, a further duty of a sum equal to five per centum of the amount demanded shall be due and payable by that person by way of a penalty and a subsequent penalty of two per centum per each month for which he defaults to pay.

(3)No amount of duty shall be recovered under this section after the expiration of thirty-six months from the date of the short-levy on erroneous refund, remission or rebate, as the case may be, unless that short-levy or erroneous refund, remission or rebate is considered to have been caused by fraud or negligence on the part of the person from whom it is proposed to recover the duty.[Act No. 16 of 1983 s. 5]

118. Samples may be taken without immediate payment of duty

The proper officer may, subject to such conditions as he may impose, permit the owner of any goods subject to customs control to take samples of such goods without payment of the duty thereon at the times such samples are taken.

Drawback, remission, rebate and refund

119. Drawback of duty

(1)Subject to this section, drawback of import duty may on exportation or the performance of such conditions as may be prescribed, be allowed in respect of such goods, in such amount, and on such conditions, as may be prescribed.

(2)Where the owner of any goods claims, or proposes to claim, drawback in respect thereof, then, as a condition to the grant of such drawback, he shall—

(a)enter such goods in the prescribed form and in the prescribed manner and produce such goods for examination by the proper officer before the exportation thereof or the performance of the conditions on which drawback is allowed; and

(b)make and subscribe a declaration on the prescribed form to the effect that the conditions under which drawback may be allowed have been fulfilled and, in the case of goods exported or put on board any aircraft or vessel for use as stores—

(i)that such goods have actually been exported or put on board for use as stores, as the case may be;

(ii)that such goods have not been reimported and are not intended to be re-imported into the neighbouring countries; and

(iii)that such owner at the time of the entry of such goods for drawback was, and continues to be, entitled to drawback; and

(c)present his claim for drawback within a period of twelve months from the date of the exportation of the goods or the performance of the conditions on which drawback may be allowed.

(3)Drawback shall not be allowed in respect of any goods where—

(a)the value of such goods for home consumption is less than the amount of the drawback which may be otherwise allowed;

(b)the import duty thereon was less than forty shillings.

(4)Where the proper officer is satisfied that any goods under drawback, after being duly put on board any aircraft or vessel for exportation or for use as stores—

(a)have been destroyed by accident on board such aircraft or vessel; or

(b)have been materially damaged on board such aircraft or vessel and that such goods have, with the permission of the proper officer, been discharged at any port or place within the neighbouring countries and abandoned to the customs,

then drawback may be allowed in respect of such goods as if such goods had actually been exported or used as stores.

120. Remission of duty

Where any goods are lost or destroyed by accident either—

(a)on board any aircraft or vessel;

(b)in removing, loading, unloading, or receiving them into, or delivering them from, any customs area or warehouse; or

(c)in any customs area or warehouse, before they are delivered out of customs control to the owner thereof,

then, if the proper officer is satisfied that such goods have not been and shall not be consumed in the neighbouring countries, he may remit the duty payable in respect of such goods.

121. Rebate of duty

(1)Where any goods imported into the neighbouring countries are damaged before such goods are delivered out of customs control, then, subject to the provisions of this section, a rebate of the duty payable in respect of such goods may be allowed in such amount as, in the opinion of the proper officer, is in proportion to the damage sustained by such goods.

(2)No rebate of duty shall be allowed under this section in respect of any goods (not being goods to which section 104 applies) except where the proper officer is satisfied that the carrier or insurer of the goods has made an allowance to the owner in respect of the damage; and in no case shall the rebate exceed such proportion of the duty as the amount of the allowance so made bears to the value, calculated in accordance with section 108, of the undamaged goods.

122. Repayment of customs duty when goods returned or destroyed by fire

(1)Subject to section 123(2) and to such conditions as the Commissioner-General may see fit to impose, where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General—

(a)that goods were imported in pursuance of a contract of sale and that the description, quality, state or condition of the goods was not in accordance with the contract or that the goods were damaged before such goods were delivered out of customs control; and

(b)that the importer with the consent of the seller either—

(i)returned the goods unused to the seller and for that purpose complied with the provisions of section 66 as to entry in like manner as if they had been goods to which that section applies; or

(ii)destroyed the goods unused, the Commissioner-General shall refund any customs duty paid on the importation of the goods.

(2)Nothing in this section shall apply to goods imported on approval, or on sale or return, or other similar terms.[Ord. No. 3 of 1958]

123. Refund of duty

(1)Subject to this section, and to any regulations, the Commissioner-General may grant a refund—

(a)of any transfer tax which has been paid in respect of goods which have been damaged or destroyed while subject to customs control, or of any import duty (or part thereof) which has been paid in respect of goods which have been damaged or pillaged during the voyage or damaged or destroyed while subject to customs control:Provided that, nothing in this paragraph shall apply to any import duty (or part thereof) which has been paid on goods declared for transfer or in respect of which notification of intention to transfer has been given;

(b)of any import or export duty or transfer tax which has been paid in error.

(2)No refund of any import or export duty or transfer tax, or part thereof, shall be granted under subsection (1) unless the person claiming such refund presents such claim within a period of twelve months from the date of the payment of the duty.

(3)The Commissioner-General shall refund any import duty paid on goods in respect of which an order remitting such duty has been made under this Act of any of the neighbouring countries.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1969; 10 of 1970]

Disputes

124. Settlement of disputes

Any matter or dispute in respect of an amount of duty or tax payable on imported goods, drawback payable on goods or refund of the amount overpaid, shall be settled in accordance with the procedure set out in the Tax Revenue Appeals Act.[Ords. Nos. 10 of 1955; 3 of 1958; Acts No. 2 of 1963; 11 of 2000; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967 s. 11; Cap. 408]

Part XI – Customs agents

125. Authority of agents

(1)Where under the provisions of the customs laws the owner of any goods is required or authorised to perform any act, then such act, unless the contrary appears, may be performed on his behalf by an authorised agent.

(2)A person shall not be the duly authorised agent of any owner unless—

(a)such person is exclusively in the employment of the owner; or

(b)such person is a customs agent duly licensed as such in accordance with any regulations,

and, in either such case, such person is authorised in writing by the owner, either generally or in relation to any particular act, to perform the act on behalf of the owner.

(3)The proper officer may require from any person purporting to be the duly authorised agent of any owner, the production of his written authority and in default of the production of such authority the proper officer may refuse to recognise such person as a duly authorised agent.[Ord. No. 5 of 1960]

126. Liability of duly authorised agent

Any duly authorised agent who performs any act on behalf of the owner of any goods shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be the owner of such goods, and shall, accordingly, be personally liable for the payment of any duties to which such goods are liable and for the performance of all acts in respect of such goods which the owner thereof is required to perform under this Act:Provided that, nothing herein contained shall relieve the owner of such goods from any such liability.

127. Liability of owner for acts of duly authorised agent

Any owner of any goods who authorises any agent to act for him in relation to such goods for any of the purposes of this Act shall be liable for the acts and declarations of such duly authorised agent and may, accordingly, be prosecuted for any offence committed by such agent in relation to any such goods as if such owner had himself committed the offence:Provided that—

(i)an owner shall not be sentenced to imprisonment for any offence committed by his duly authorised agent unless such owner actually consented to the commission of the offence;

(ii)nothing herein contained shall relieve the duly authorised agent from any liability to prosecution in respect of any such offence.

Part XII – Prevention of smuggling

Powers of officers

128. Power to require vessels, to bring to, etc.

(1)The master of any vessel within the neighbouring countries shall bring his vessel to for boarding on being signalled so to do by any vessel in the service of the customs and flying the customs flag or of the Government of any of the eighbouring countries and flying the proper ensign.

(2)The master of any aircraft within or over the neighbouring countries, shall land such aircraft on being signalled so to do by any person in the service of the Government of any of the neighbouring countries or in the service of the customs.

(3)The master of any aircraft which has landed, or of any vessel bringing to for boarding, shall facilitate by all reasonable means the boarding of such aircraft or vessel by the proper officer, and shall cause such aircraft or vessel to remain stationary for such period as the proper officer may require.

(4)Any master of an aircraft or vessel who contravenes this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable—

(a)in the case of the master of a vessel of less than two hundred and fifty tons register, to a fine not exceeding one million shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the vessel in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture;

(b)in the case of the master of an aircraft or of a vessel of two hundred and fifty tons register or more, to a fine not exceeding six million two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the aircraft or vessel in respect of which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid or security therefor given.

[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

129. Power to require vessel, to depart, etc.

(1)The master of any aircraft or vessel within or over the neighbouring countries shall, on being required so to do by the proper officer, depart from the neighbouring countries within twelve hours of such requirement:Provided that, this subsection shall not apply in the case of any aircraft or vessel which is registered in any of the neighbouring countries.

(2)Any master of an aircraft or vessel who contravenes subsection (1) shall, unless prevented from complying with such subsection by circumstances beyond his control, the proof whereof shall lie on the master, commit an offence and shall be liable—

(b)in the case of the master of an aircraft or of a vessel of two hundred and fifty tons register or more, to a fine not exceeding six million two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the aircraft or vessel in respect of which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid or security therefor given.

[Cap. 4 s. 8][Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

130. Power to patrol freely and moor vessel, etc

(1)Any officer while on duty may enter upon and patrol and pass freely along any premises other than a dwelling-house or any building.

(2)Any officer in charge of any aircraft, vessel, or vehicle, employed in the prevention of smuggling, may take that aircraft, vessel or vehicle, to such place as he may consider most convenient for that purpose, and may there keep such aircraft, vessel or vehicle, for that time as he may consider necessary for that purpose.

(3)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.

131. Power to board vessel, and search, etc.

(1)Any officer may, in the course of his duty, board and search any aircraft or vessel within the neighbouring countries and may examine, lock-up, seal, mark, or otherwise secure, any goods on that aircraft or vessel; and for the purposes of the examination or security of any goods, that officer may require such goods to be unloaded, or removed, at the expense of the master of that aircraft or vessel.

(2)Any officer acting under this section who is unable to obtain free access to any part of that aircraft or vessel, or to any container therein, may enter that part, or open that container, in such manner, if necessary by force, as he may think necessary.

(3)Any officer boarding any vessel under this section may remain thereon for such time as he may consider necessary and the master of that vessel shall either provide such officer with proper and sufficient food and suitable bedding accommodation under the deck or, with the approval of the proper officer and subject to such conditions as he may impose, pay such sum as may be prescribed in lieu thereof; and any master who contravenes this subsection, or of any such conditions, commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand U.S. dollars or an equivalent of that amount in Tanzania Shillings if the offender is a resident.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(4)Any master of an aircraft or vessel—

(a)who refuses to unload or remove any goods when required to do so in accordance with the provisions of this section;

(b)in which any goods which have been locked up, sealed, marked, or otherwise secured, in accordance with this section are in any way interfered with except in accordance with the permission of the proper officer; or

(c)in which lock, seal, or mark, placed on any place or goods in accordance with this section is in any way opened, broken, or altered, commit an offence.

[Cap. 4 s. 8]

(5)Where, on the search of any aircraft or vessel under this section, any goods are found in relation to which any offence under this Act has been committed, then such goods shall be liable to forfeiture.

(6)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.

(7)Where, on any aircraft or vessel being boarded under this section, any goods are found therein and on that aircraft or vessel being subsequently boarded, whether by the same or another officer, such goods or any part thereof are no longer therein, then, unless the master of that aircraft or vessel accounts for such goods to the satisfaction of the proper officer, that master commit an offence.[Act No. 16. of 1994 s. 11]

132. Power to stop vehicle suspected of conveying uncustomed goods, etc

(1)Any officer may, if he has reasonable grounds to believe that any vehicle is conveying any uncustomed goods, or goods in transit through the neighbouring countries or being transferred from one neighbouring country to another, stop and search any that vehicle; and for the purposes of that search, that officer may require any goods in that vehicle to be unloaded at the expense of the owner of that vehicle.

(2)Any officer who is unable to obtain free access to any place or container in the course of any such search of any vehicle under this section may open such place or container in that manner, if necessary by force, as he may think necessary.

(3)Any person in charge of a vehicle who refuses to stop or to permit that vehicle to be searched in accordance with this section, commits an offence.

(4)Where, on the search of any vehicle under this section, any goods are found in relation to which any offence under this Act has been committed, then such goods shall be liable to forfeiture.

(5)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.[Ord. No. 3 of 1958]

133. Persons entering or leaving neighbouring countries to answer questions concerning baggage

(1)Any person entering or leaving the neighbouring countries shall answer such questions as the proper officer may put to him with respect to his baggage and any article contained therein or carried with him.

(2)Any person in charge of a vehicle containing goods being transferred from one neighbouring country to another shall answer such questions as the proper officer may put to him with respect to that vehicle and the goods contained therein or carried with him, and shall produce any books or documents relating to the vehicle and the goods contained therein, which are, or should be, carried in that vehicle.[Act No. 2 of 1962; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

134. Power to search persons

(1)Subject to this section, any officer may, if he has reasonable grounds to believe that any person has in his possession, whether upon his person or in his baggage, any uncustomed goods, search that person; and that officer may, for that purpose, use all reasonable force.

(2)A female shall not be searched except by a female.

(3)Where any officer informs any person that he proposes to search him, then that person shall, if he so requires, be taken forthwith before a magistrate, the Commissioner-General, or any other superior officer, who may, if he sees no reasonable cause for any search, order that person not to be searched.

(4)Where, on the search of any person under this section, any goods are found in his possession, whether upon his person or in his baggage, in relation to which any offence under this Act has been committed, then such goods shall be liable to forfeiture.

(5)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.

135. Power of arrest

(1)Any officer may, if he has reasonable grounds to believe that any person is committing, or has, within the past year, committed or been concerned in the commission of, any offence under this Act, arrest that person; and that officer may, for that purpose, use all reasonable force.

(2)Any person arrested in accordance with this section shall forthwith be taken before a magistrate, or to a police station, to be dealt with according to law.

(3)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.

(4)Without prejudice to the powers of a police officer to arrest any person for an offence under this Act which is cognizable to the police under any enactment of any of the neighbouring countries, for the purposes of this section the expression "officer" includes a police officer.[Ord. No. 10 of 1955; Act No. 4 of 1961]

136. Power to search premises

(1)A proper officer may, if he has reasonable grounds to believe that there are on any premises any uncustomed goods or documents relating to any uncustomed goods, enter upon and search such premises by day or by night; and for that purpose the proper officer may use all reasonable force and may require the assistance of, and take with him, another officer or a police officer.

(2)Where a proper officer enters upon any premises in accordance with this section then he may—

(a)require the owner or occupier of such premises to produce, either forthwith or at a time and place to be fixed by the proper officer, any book, document, or thing, which such owner or occupier is required to keep under the provisions of the the customs laws or which relates to any imported, exported or transferred goods, or to any goods to be imported, exported or transferred by such owner or occupier;

(b)examine and take copies of any such book or document;

(c)seize and detain any such book, document, or thing, if in his opinion, it may afford evidence of the commission of any offence under this Act;

(d)require such owner or occupier to answer such questions relating to any such book, document, or thing, or to any entry in any such book or document.

(3)Where, on the search of any premises under this section, any uncustomed goods, or any documents relating to any uncustomed goods, are found, the proper officer may seize and carry away any such goods or documents.

(4)No officer shall be liable to any legal proceedings for any action taken in good faith in accordance with this section.[Ord. No. 3 of 1958; Act No. 2 of 1962]

137. Search warrants

(1)Without prejudice to any other power under the customs laws, where any officer declares on oath before any magistrate that he has reasonable grounds to believe that there are on any premises any uncustomed goods or documents relating to any uncustomed goods, then such magistrate may by warrant under his hand authorise such officer to enter upon and search, with such force as may be necessary and by day or by night, such premises and to seize and carry away any uncustomed goods and documents relating to any uncustomed goods found therein.

(2)Any officer in possession of a search warrant may require any police officer to assist him in the execution of such warrant accordingly.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Ord. No. 3 of 1958]

138. Power to require production of books, etc.

(1)Where—

(a)information in writing and on oath has been given to the proper officer that any goods have been, or are intended to be, smuggled, or undervalued, or dealt with in any way contrary to this Act; or

(b)any thing has been seized under this Act,

then the proper officer may require the owner of such goods or thing forthwith to produce all books and documents relating in any way to such goods or thing, or to any other goods imported, exported or transferred by such owner within a period of five years immediately preceding such requirement.

(2)On the production of such books or documents the proper officer may inspect and take copies of any entries therein; and the proper officer may seize and detain any such book or document if, in his opinion, it may afford evidence of the commission of an offence under this Act.

139. Power to call for aid

Any person making any seizure or arrest in accordance with the provisions of this Act may call upon any other person to assist him, and such assistance shall be rendered accordingly.[Act No. 2 of 1963]

Offences

140. Assembling to contravene provisions of this Act

Any person who—

(a)assembles with two or more persons for the purpose of contravening any of the provisions of this Act; or

(b)having so assembled, contravenes any of the provisions of this Act,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

141. Offences with violence, etc

(1)Any person who—

(a)maliciously shoots at any aircraft, vessel or vehicle in the service of the customs;

(b)maliciously shoots at, maims or wounds any officer while in the execution of his duty; or

(c)commits with violence any of the offences referred to in subsection (4),

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty years.

(2)Any person who—

(a)while committing any offence under this Act is armed with any firearm or other offensive weapon; or

(b)while being so armed, is found with any goods liable to forfeiture under this Act,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

(3)Any person who—

(a)while committing any offence under this Act is disguised in any way; or

(b)while being so disguised, is found with any goods liable to forfeiture under this Act,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

(4)Any person who—

(a)staves, breaks, destroys or throws overboard from any aircraft, vessel or vehicle any goods for the purpose or preventing the seizure thereof;

(b)rescues, staves, breaks, destroys, or throws overboard from any aircraft, vessel or vehicle any goods for the purpose of preventing the securing of such goods after they have been seized;

(c)rescues any person arrested for any offence under this Act; or

(d)in any way obstructs any officer in the execution of his duty, commits an offence.

(5)For the purposes of this section, the expression "violence" means any criminal force or harm to any person, or any criminal mischief to any property, or any threat or offer of such force, harm or mischief or the carrying or use of any dangerous or offensive weapon in such manner that terror is likely to be caused to any person, or such conduct as is likely to cause in any person a reasonable apprehension of criminal force, harm or mischief, to them or to their property.

142. Inducing another to commit offence

Any person who by any means procures or induces, or authorises another person to procure or induce, any other person to commit or assist in the commission of any offence under this Act, commits an offence and on conviction shall be on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

143. Offence to warn offender

(1)Any person who, with intent to obstruct any officer in the execution of his duty, warns, or does any act for the purpose of warning, another person engaged in the commission of an offence under this Act, either or not such other person is in a position to take advantage of such warning or act, commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding one million shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars, or to both such imprisonment and such fine.

(2)Where any person is charged with an offence under this section the burden of proving that anything done by him was not done with such intent shall lie upon such person.

(3)Any person may prevent any other person from giving any such warning and for such purpose may enter upon any land and shall not thereby be liable to any legal proceedings.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11; Cap. 4 s. 8]

144. Offence to assume character of officer

Any person, not being an officer, who takes or assumes the name, designation, character or appearance of an officer for the purpose of—

(a)obtaining admission to any aircraft, vessel, vehicle, premises or place;

(b)doing or procuring to be done any act which he would not be entitled to do or procure to be done on his own authority; or

(c)doing any unlawful act,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years in addition to any other punishment to which he may be liable for the commission of any such unlawful act.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

145. Master of vessel used for smuggling commits an offence, etc.

Any master of any aircraft or vessel, and any person in charge of a vehicle, which is within the neighbouring countries and—

(a)which has any secret or disguised place adapted for concealing goods, or any device adapted for smuggling goods;

(b)which has in it, or in any manner attached to it, or which is conveying, or has conveyed in any manner, any goods imported, or carried coastwise, or intended for exportation, contrary to this Act; or

(c)from or in which any part of the cargo of such aircraft, vessel or vehicle has been thrown overboard, destroyed or staved, in order to prevent seizure,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable—

(i)in the case of the master of a vessel of less than two hundred and fifty tons register, to a fine not exceeding one million shillings if the offender is a resident, or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent to that amount in U.S. dollars and any vessel and goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture;

(ii)in the case of the master of an aircraft or vessel of two hundred and fifty tons register or more, to a fine not exceeding six million two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident, or if he is a foreigner, two thousand U.S. dollars, and the aircraft or vessel in respect of which such offence has been committed may be seized and detained until the fine is paid or security therefor given, and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture;

(iii)in the case of the person in charge of a vehicle, to a fine not exceeding one million two hundred and fifty thousand shillings if the offender is a resident, and if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and the vehicle and goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.

[Acts. Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

146. Offences related to prohibited, restricted, and uncustomed goods

Any person who—

(a)imports or carries coastwise—

(i)any prohibited goods, whether or not such goods are unloaded; or

(ii)any restricted goods contrary to any condition regulating the importation or carriage coastwise of such goods, whether or not such goods are unloaded;

(b)unloads after importation or carriage coastwise—

(i)any prohibited goods; or

(ii)any restricted goods which have been imported or carried coastwise contrary to any condition regulating such importation or carriage coastwise;

(c)exports, carries coastwise, or puts on board any aircraft, vehicle or vessel, or brings to any customs airport, customs area, or place, to be so put on board, for exportation or for use as stores or for carriage coastwise—

(i)any prohibited goods; or

(ii)any restricted goods contrary to any condition regulating the exportation, use as stores, or carriage coastwise, of such goods;

(d)acquires, has in his possession, keeps or conceals, or procures to be kept or concealed, any goods which he knows, or ought reasonably to have known, to be—

(i)prohibited goods; or

(ii)restricted goods which have been imported or carried coastwise contrary to any condition regulating such importation; or

(iii)uncustomed goods, carriage coastwise,

commits an offence and on conviction shall be shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding three hundred per centum of tax evaded and equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars or to both such imprisonment and such fine.[Cap. 4 s. 8][Ord. No. 3 of 1958; Act No. 6 of 1994 s. 11; E.A.C L.N. 1 of 1967]

147. Offence to import or export concealed goods

Any person who imports or exports any goods which are—

(a)concealed in any way;

(b)packed in any package (whether or not together with other goods) in a manner likely to deceive any officer; or

(c)contained in any package of which the entry or application for shipment does not correspond with such goods,

commits an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine of two million shillings and a term of imprisonment for two years, and shall in addition pay the duty relating to the concealed goods.[Ord. No. 3 of 1958; Act No. 13 of 1996 s. 14]

148. Offence to make or use false documents

Any person who, in any matter relating to the customs—

(a)makes any entry which is false or incorrect in any particular;

(c)makes or causes to be made any declaration, certificate, application, or other document, which is false or incorrect in any particular;

(c)when required in accordance with this Act to answer any question put to him by an officer, refuses to answer such question or makes any false or incorrect statement in reply thereto;

[Please note: numbering as in original.]

(d)obtains any drawback, rebate, remission, or refund, of duty which to his knowledge he is not entitled to obtain;

(e)in any way is knowingly concerned in any fraudulent evasion of the payment of any duty;

(f)except by authority moves, alters, or in any way interferes with, any goods subject to customs control;

(g)brings into the neighbouring countries, or has in his possession, without lawful excuse any blank or incomplete document, capable of being filled up and used as an invoice for imported goods; or

(h)counterfeits or in any way falsifies, or knowingly uses when counterfeited or in any way falsified, any document required or issued by, or used for the purposes of, the customs,

commits an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of two million shillings and to a term of imprisonment for two years, and shall in addition pay the evaded duty; save that if the offender is a foreign national he shall pay the fine in foreign convertible currency.[Ords. Nos. 10 of 1955; 3 of 1958; Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 14; 13 of 1996 s. 15]

149. Offence to refuse to produce documents, etc.

Any person who, when required in accordance with this Act—

(a)to produce any book, document, or other thing, in his possession or under his control; or

(b)to perform any act,

refuses or fails to do so commits an offence.[Cap. 4 s. 8]

150. Offence to interfere with customs gear

Any person who cuts away, casts adrift, destroys, damages, defaces, or in any way interferes with, any aircraft, vessel, vehicle, buoy, anchor, chain, rope, mark, or other thing, used for the purposes of the Customs shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

151. Uncustomed goods found to be reported

Any person who, on finding any uncustomed goods on land or floating upon or sunk in the sea, fails to report such discovery to the nearest officer commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars and any goods in respect of which such offence has been committed shall be liable to forfeiture.[Acts Nos. 13 of 1989 s. 13; 16 of 1994 s. 11]

152. Goods offered on pretence of being smuggled

Where any goods are offered for sale under the pretence that they are uncustomed goods, then such goods, whether or not they are in fact uncustomed goods, shall be liable to forfeiture.

153. Aiders, abettors, etc.

(1)Any person who aids, abets, counsels, or procures the commission of an offence under this Act, shall be deemed to have committed such offence.

(2)Any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of any offence under section 147 or 148 is liable upon conviction to a fine of one million shillings and imprisonment for a term of one year.[Act No. 13 of 1996 s. 16]

Part XIII – Penalties, forfeitures and seizures

154. General penalty

(1)Any person guilty of an offence under this Act for which no specific penalty is provided shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings if the offender is a resident or if he is a foreigner, an equivalent of that amount in U.S. dollars.

(2)Where, on conviction for an offence under this Act, any person becomes liable to a fine not exceeding a specified amount, then the Court may impose a fine not exceeding three times the value of any goods in respect of which such offence was committed or such specified amount, whichever is greater; and for the purpose of determining the value of any such goods—

(a)the Commissioner-General shall cause such goods to be appraised by the proper officer;