Licensing of Clearing Agents

This procedure covers the process of vetting, issuance, renewal and cancellation of Customs Agents License.

LICENSING PROCESS

NEW APPLICATION

• An application for Clearing Agent's License, on Form C50, is made and forwarded to the Licensing officer.
• Each application is recorded and assigned a reference number.
• The application is vetted to ensure all the required supporting documents have been submitted.
  
  These documents shall include:

• PIN certificates for the Company and all its directors
• ID for all directors
• VAT registration certificate
• Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association clearly indicating the Clearing and forwarding Agent’s firm is a registered business.
• Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies
• Certificate of good conduct for all directors
• Evidence of membership with a recognized Clearing & Forwarding Association (KIFWA). The evidence may take the form of a letter, payment receipt for annual membership fee or a certificate.
• Letter from bankers showing the company maintains an account with them.
• Letter from Domestic taxes Department confirming that the Company and all its Directors have lodged current Income Tax and VAT returns.
• Receipt for payment for the application form.
• If the application was presented after the deadline, the receipt for payment of the prescribed late application fee should also be attached.

• Applicants are invited for interview by the Licensing Committee.
• Successful applicants recommended for licensing are notified.
• The successful applicants are asked to pay the required License fee.
• The application is then approved by the Commissioner.
• Clearing Agent's License is issued.

NB: Unsuccessful applicants can make an appeal. A hearing is conducted, after which licensing is either recommended or declined.

RENEWALS

• Application for renewal of the license is made on the prescribed License renewal form and submitted to customs.
• The Licensing Officer shall check for compliance with the conditions for renewal and confirm that the company has no outstanding transactions or pending queries.
• If the applicant has no pending queries or outstanding transactions, a recommendation is made Commissioner's office for renewal of the license.
• License is renewed.

NB. No License shall be renewed if the applicant has any pending queries or outstanding transactions.