English
FrançaisComplaint
- Complaint number
- NTB-001-387
- NTB Type
- 6.3. Special supplementary duties
- Complaint
-
Kenya has recently imposed excise duty on float glass originating from Tanzania under HS Code 7005, following the removal of the excise duty exemption previously applicable to float glass originating from EAC Partner States.
According to Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 157 (Acts No. 19) dated 26 June 2026, float glass imported into Kenya under HS Code 7005 is now subject to excise duty at the rate of 35% of the excisable value or KES 500 per square metre, whichever is higher, including float glass originating from Tanzania and other EAC Partner States.
This policy change has already had a direct and measurable impact on Tanzanian exports. Customs Entry Documents for recent shipments of Tanzanian-origin float glass to Kenya show that excise duty has been assessed and charged. For example, one shipment of 1,186.42 square metres was charged KES 593,208 in excise duty at KES 500 per square metre, while another shipment of 2,450.25 square metres was charged KES 1,225,125 in excise duty.
The measure significantly increases the cost of Tanzanian float glass entering the Kenyan market and creates an additional tax burden on goods traded within the East African Community. Kenya is currently the largest export market for Tanzanian float glass, and continued access to this market is essential for sustaining production, employment, export earnings and industrial investment in Tanzania.
Kenya currently does not have domestic float glass production, while Kenyan glass processors and secondary manufacturers rely on imported float glass as a key raw material. The imposition of excise duty therefore not only restricts market access for Tanzanian manufacturers, but also increases production costs for Kenyan downstream industries.
We therefore request the EAC Secretariat and relevant EAC organs to review this measure and facilitate its resolution, including the reinstatement of the excise duty exemption for float glass originating from EAC Partner States. - Progress update note
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- Policy or regulatory NTB
- No
- Location
- Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority (Government institution)
- Reporting Country or Region
- Tanzania
- Country specific trade issue
- No
- Date of incident
- 2026-07-01
- Status
- New
- Product Description
-
Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets,whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or nonreflecting layer, but not otherwise worked.
- Total value
- 0
- Date reported
- 2026-09-11 14:57
- Modified
- 2026-09-11 14:57
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