KRA to begin monitoring mobile phones as part of push for tax compliance.
In order to ensure tax compliance, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will start keeping an eye on all locally assembled and imported mobile phones sold in Kenya on January 1, 2025.
Manufacturers, importers, retailers, and mobile network operators must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all devices assembled or imported after November 1, 2024, into a KRA portal for tax compliance monitoring, according to new rules announced by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA).
Similar to all mobile phones imported for sale, testing, research, or “any other purpose,” CA states that local assemblers are required to provide the tax authority with the IMEI number of each assembled device.
According to CA, “this disclosure is required for the devices to be registered in the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices.”
Conversely, wholesalers and retailers are instructed to sell only compliant devices.
Before retailers or end users buy mobile devices, “[KRA] will provide the means by which the tax compliance status of mobile devices will be verified,” the directive says.
In the meantime, mobile network providers such as Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel have been instructed to only allow devices to connect to their networks after confirming the devices’ tax compliance status using a whitelist database of compliant devices that KRA will supply.
“In order to facilitate regularization within a specified period, operators will also need to provide for the grey-listing of non-compliant devices; if they don’t, the devices will subsequently be blacklisted.”
According to the communications regulator, starting on November 1, 2024, the new regulations will only be applicable to all devices that are imported or assembled in the nation. According to the statement, all devices currently connected to mobile networks by October 31, 2024, will not be impacted.
IMEI numbers
Every device has a unique 15-digit IMEI number.
IMEI numbers are used by mobile network providers to identify legitimate devices.
IMEI numbers are frequently used for security rather than tax compliance in the majority of nations across the world. Tax compliance is handled at customs and clearance points in the majority of jurisdictions.
Latest
Pepe TV is a vibrant broadcasting network dedicated to bringing you the best in global entertainment, news, and culture. We strive to deliver diverse content that keeps you informed, entertained, and connected to the world around you.
Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved