Consumers across the East African Community (EAC) are bracing for higher prices on essential goods following the approval of new import duty rates. The EAC has issued a gazette notice outlining these measures under the EAC External Tariff (EAC CET), impacting items like cooking oil, diapers, and electronic devices.
Kenya, among other EAC members, has introduced significant import duties on various commodities. Crude palm oil, crucial for cooking fat and margarine production, will now face a 10% import duty for the next year. Additionally, refined oils such as soybean, palm olein, sunflower, and corn oil will incur a higher duty rate of 25%.
In a move expected to affect families, baby diapers will see an increase in taxation, with Kenya imposing a 35% duty rate, up from the previous 25%. Mobile phones and television sets are not spared either, with Kenya setting a 25% duty on mobile phones and escalating the duty on television sets to 35%.
The publication of the 131-page gazette notice on the EAC website follows extensive deliberations among member states and is independent of Kenya’s recent Finance Bill, which faced opposition and protests from various quarters.
The timing of these tax adjustments amid broader economic challenges underscores the potential impact on consumer affordability and market dynamics within the region.
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