We’re not to blame for ARV stalemate, says taxman
George Kebaso @Morarak
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has distanced itself from the stalemate surrounding delays in release of Antiretroviral drugs.
At a meeting called by the National Assembly Health Committee, KRA said since January, it had cleared 78 containers of medical supplies consigned to Ms Chemonixcs.
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Only 13 consignments are lying at the port, pending customs clearance.
“KRA’s role in cargo clearance process begins once the consignment has been entered/lodged and applicable taxes or levies paid as automatically computed by the system.
Imported cargo is subject to clearance by various Government Regulatory Agencies.
In the case of these consignments, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board Permit and the Port Health releases must be obtained before customs release,” said KRA.
Taxman, through Commissioner for Legal services and Board Coordination Paul Matuku, said clearance of exemption cargo begins with issuance of an exemption code by KRA, which enables the system to omit computation of the exempted tax-heads.
Customs procedures, he said, allow for goods to be entered provisionally, pending exemption approval from the National Treasury.
“KRA is keen on facilitating the expedited clearance of these consignments once the clearance is initiated by the importer’s Clearing Agent,” said the authority.
