The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has come out to address reports that its customs officers confiscated a wedding dress belonging to a Kenyan lady who had arrived into the country with her foreign lover for their nuptials.
According to the claims, the couple was forced to leave behind the dress with KRA officers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as they were informed that it had “commercial value” and they unable to pay the required tax.
The taxman, in a statement released on Thursday evening, sought to clarify that the wedding dress was subject to duty as it was valued at USD2,000 (Ksh.301,700).
This, KRA noted, was above the limit of USD500 (Ksh.75,425) allowable for duty-free items, in accordance with the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and other relevant tax laws.
The State agency went ahead to dismiss claims that its customs officers confiscated the dress, instead disclosing that – upon being notified of the relevant law – the couple willingly complied and paid as was required.
“As per the law, new items/goods up to the value of USD 500 for each traveller are exempted from import tax. We aim to uphold these regulations fairly and consistently for the benefit of our country and its citizens,” read the statement.
“The wedding dress in question was valued at $2000, which exceeded the allowable limit of $500 for duty-free items. According to the relevant customs laws, it was indeed subject to duty.”
It further added: “We are pleased to inform you that the couple, upon understanding the tax requirements, paid the necessary taxes and complied with the regulations. We are grateful for their cooperation.”