Kenya will have the most favourable terms to import worn clothes popularly known as Mitumba among all East African Community (EAC) countries.
This was communicated through the EAC Gazette published on June 30, which details approved measures on import duty rates in the EAC Common External Tariff (CET).
Initially, the importation of Mitumba was subjected to a CET rate of 35 per cent or USD0.4/Kg or whichever is higher.
“Kenya to stay application of the EAC CET rate and apply a duty rate of 35 per cent or USD0.20/Kg whichever is higher for one year,” the Gazette explained Kenya’s new directive on worn-out clothes.
This means that the rate has been reduced from Ksh51 to Ksh26 in the new directive offering a reprieve to importers.
On the other hand, Rwanda has applied the highest duty rate among all EAC countries of USD2.5/Kg.
Rwanda has further detailed a new duty rate for worn footwear of USD5/Kg again making it difficult for importers in the country to sell worn-out items bought from developed nations.
According to EAC, the new rates will be applicable for the 2024/25 financial year before being subjected to another revision.
Other EAC countries have placed uniform CET rates for traders wanting to venture in the Mitumba industry.
“Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania to stay application of the EAC CET rate of 35% or USD0.40 / Kg whichever is higher and apply a duty rate of 35 per cent for one year,” the Gazette notice read in part.
In 2022 shortly after assuming power, the Kenya Kwanza administration signalled a willingness to ban Mitumba importation.
The then Cabinet Secretary of Trade Moses Kuria had remarked that this was the best way to empower local garment manufacturers.
