How to Apply for Temporary Storage at the Mombasa Island Container Depot (ICD)

Temporary Storage at the Mombasa Island Container Depot (ICD) presents importers and exporters with an alternative to store their cargo in a controlled environment until it is cleared or moved to its destination point.

The service offered by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) allows traders to gain additional time to arrange cargo clearance or other necessary procedures.

The procedure for the application has been facilitated through the integration of the KPA Online website with the eCitizen platform of the Government of Kenya.

Through the online service, importers, consignees, and licensed clearing agents can track shipments, submit documentation, and request pickups and payment processing online.

In most cases, hiring a licensed clearing and forwarding agent is preferred among importers due to the complex nature of customs documentation.

The agents operate under a registered number issued to them by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and are able to perform all required actions via the KPA Online service.

Requirements Before Submitting the Request

To apply for temporary storage, importers should make sure that their cargo meets all the requirements set by customs.

This entails completion of customs registration of the container and provision of all necessary documentation.

Among the most important documents that need to be provided are the Bill of Lading, customs declaration, import or export permit (where needed), and ID document of the importer or the appointed clearing agent.

The type of the container must also be specified, whether it is a 20ft or a 40ft container, and whether it is full or empty.

Another important thing that traders need to know about is the storage time limits that apply. KPA provides importers with 15 days of free storage for eligible containers.

Also Read: How to File a Complaint at Mombasa Port and Get Your Issue Resolved

Procedure for Application

The initial procedure requires notifying the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) or the respective ICD about the need for temporary storage of goods.

Importers that have licensed clearing agents can request them to do this on their behalf via the KPA Online website.

In the next step, importers need to lodge the required shipping and customs documents online.

Through the KPA Online website kpa.ecitizen.go.ke, which is connected to eCitizen, one can lodge documents and even pay invoices.

After approval of the application, KPA gives the importer a storage order or position slip.

It contains information concerning the location and the duration of storage of the container.

In situations where storage fees are incurred after the expiry of the free period, importers should pay the required fees before proceeding with further processing.

Management at KPA has discretion to allow payment of fees in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, based on the nature of the consignment.

Transporters are also supposed to obtain a gate pass for loading or unloading the cargo from storage.

Importers should keep track of the timeline for the clearance of cargo to prevent further fees.

Other Alternative Storage Locations on Mombasa Island

In respect of cargoes that are offloaded from vessels at Mombasa Island and need to be stored prior to being cleared fully by customs, other alternative storage locations include Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal (MICT) and Multiple ICD Kenya Limited in Kibarani.

This provides extra storage space for cargoes pending documentation or inspection.

Also Read: How to Register as a Clearance and Forwarding Agent at Mombasa Port

Storage Fees and Waiver Requests

While KPA offers a complimentary period of storage, any containers that stay past the allowable time will be charged daily storage fees according to the prevailing tariff rate.

The cost will depend on a number of factors such as the size of the container, cargo conditions, and the duration of storage.

Therefore, those involved in importing should be well-acquainted with the current KPA tariff manual before requesting temporary storage.

In cases where containers have overstayed due to exceptional circumstances, resulting in high storage fees being incurred, traders may make waiver requests from the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Such waiver requests are considered on an individual basis.

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An aerial view of the port of Mombasa and its storage bay. PHOTO/ KPA