Nairobi News

The Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) investigation team has impounded 112 bales of illegally imported used undergarments at a warehouse in Syokimau, Machakos County.

The bales each weighing 50kgs were impounded at the Simba Pavers Warehouse within Syokimau area, as the team revealed that the consignment belonged to Peng Sheng Industrial Development Company Limited.

The importation of used underwear garments is prohibited under the Kenya Standard KS EAS 356:2019: Used Textiles – Requirements for Inspection and Acceptance of Used Textile Products.

The Authority explained that the owners of the warehouse where the goods were impounded will be prosecuted over the importation of the prohibited goods.

The provisions of Section 200 as read with Part A of the Second Schedule of EACCMA 2004, states that “a person who imports, acquires, has in his or her possession, keeps or conceals, or procures to be kept or concealed, any goods which he or she knows, or ought reasonably to have known, to be prohibited goods, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value involved, or both of the goods”.

The recent deployment of investigations and intelligence techniques by KRA has led to successful interceptions and deterrence of the devious trade across the country.

KRA’s management has reiterated that anyone found culpable of violating tax and customs laws will be charged and the seized products forfeited to the state.

Further, KRA said after the operation that it is working closely with other government agencies in the fight against illicit trade and other transnational crimes to safeguard Kenya’s national interests.

This comes as the authority continues with crackdown targeting illegal importation of ethanol, which is being used for the manufacture of second generation alcohol.

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