The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) investigations team on Friday impounded 112 bales of illegally imported used undergarments at a warehouse in Syokimau.
The bales each weighing 50kgs were impounded at the Simba Pavers Warehouse within Syokimau area. The consignment belonged to Peng Sheng Industrial Development Company Limited.
Importation of used underwear garments is prohibited under the Kenya Standard KS EAS 356:2019: Used Textiles – Requirements for Inspection and Acceptance of Used Textile Products. The owners of the warehouse where the goods were impounded will be prosecuted over the importation of the prohibited goods.
The provisions of Section 200 as read with Part A of the Second Schedule of EACCMA 2004, stipulates that a person who imports, acquires, has in his or her possession, keeps or conceals, or procures to be kept or concealed, any goods which he or she knows, or ought reasonably to have known, to be prohibited goods, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value involved, or both of the goods.
Deployment of robust investigations and intelligence techniques has led to successful interceptions and deterrence of the devious trade across the country. Anyone found culpable of violating tax and customs laws will be charged and the seized products forfeited to the State.
KRA says it is also working closely with other government agencies in the fight against illicit trade and other transnational crimes to safeguard Kenya’s national interests.