KRA Transit Goods Licence (TGL): How to Download & Fill Form C28 Online

Kenya Revenue Authority’s Transit Goods Licence (TGL) is an important requirement for businesses and transporters moving goods under customs control through Kenya and the wider East African region.

The licence is particularly relevant to transport companies and vehicle owners involved in transit cargo, where goods enter or pass through a country before reaching their final destination.

One of the documents applicants encounter during the process is the customs application form commonly referred to as Form C28 or Form 01. Understanding where to obtain the form, what information is required and which supporting documents must accompany it can make the application process easier.

Applicants should always rely on the latest information published by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) because customs requirements and procedures can be updated.

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What Is a Transit Goods Licence?

A Transit Goods Licence is issued to eligible transporters moving goods under customs control.

The licensing system helps customs authorities identify and monitor vehicles involved in transporting transit cargo.

Transit goods are generally cargo moving through a country to another destination without being released into the domestic market. Such cargo must remain under customs control until the relevant transit procedures are completed.

The licence is therefore part of Kenya’s wider customs control framework.

Transporters operating in this area need to comply with customs requirements, provide the necessary vehicle documentation and meet applicable tracking and security requirements.

What Is Form C28 or Form 01?

Form C28 is a customs application form associated with licensing vehicles involved in the transportation of transit goods.

Applicants may encounter references to Form C28 and Form 01 when searching for the relevant paperwork. The safest approach is to download the current version provided through the official KRA customs channels rather than relying on copies shared on social media, WhatsApp groups or third-party websites.

The form collects information that allows customs officials to identify the applicant, vehicle and other details relevant to the licence application.

Applicants should ensure that all information entered on the form matches the vehicle’s official records.

Where to Download the KRA Transit Licence Form

Applicants looking for the latest Form C28 should begin with the KRA official website.

Navigate to the customs section and look for forms, customs procedures or information relating to transit goods licensing.

The form should be downloaded from an official KRA source whenever possible.

Using an outdated form can cause unnecessary delays if the Authority has introduced a new version or changed the information required from applicants.

Applicants should also check the relevant customs office if they cannot locate the form online. Customs officials can confirm the current application requirements and whether additional documentation is required for a particular vehicle or transporter.

Information Required on the Application Form

Applicants should complete the form carefully and provide accurate information.

The details requested can include information about the applicant, vehicle, ownership and the intended use of the vehicle for transporting goods under customs control.

The motor vehicle details should correspond with the information contained in the vehicle’s logbook.

Any differences between the application and the official vehicle records could result in the application being returned for correction or further clarification.

Applicants should also make sure that the form is completed in the required sections before presenting it to customs officials.

Mandatory Requirement: Motor Vehicle Logbook

A copy of the motor vehicle logbook is one of the important documents required when applying for a Transit Goods Licence.

The logbook provides official information about the vehicle, including its registration and ownership details.

Applicants should ensure that the copy submitted is clear and legible.

The information in the application form should match the logbook. Details such as the registration number should be checked carefully before submission.

Transport companies applying for licences for several vehicles should ensure that each vehicle is supported by the appropriate documentation.

Insurance Requirements

Applicants also need to provide evidence of valid insurance cover.

The requirements can differ depending on whether the vehicle is Kenyan or foreign.

Foreign vehicles may be required to provide a COMESA Yellow Card, which serves as evidence of valid third-party motor insurance within participating COMESA countries.

The Yellow Card system facilitates cross-border motor vehicle insurance and can be particularly relevant to transporters operating across several countries.

Kenyan vehicles should have the required active insurance cover.

Applicants should ensure that insurance documentation remains valid for the period during which the vehicle will be operating under the relevant transit arrangements.

What Is RECTS Compliance?

Another important part of the transit system is compliance with the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).

RECTS is an electronic system used to monitor certain transit cargo movements across participating countries in the region.

The system provides customs authorities with greater visibility over cargo while it is being transported.

Transporters involved in customs-controlled cargo should therefore understand the RECTS requirements applicable to their operations.

Compliance with the electronic tracking system helps customs authorities monitor the movement of goods and identify potential diversion or irregularities.

Applicants should confirm the current RECTS requirements with KRA or the relevant customs office before submitting their application, particularly where technology or operational procedures have changed.

Application Form Must Be Signed and Stamped

Completing the application form is only one part of the process.

The application is expected to be properly signed and presented for processing through the relevant customs procedures.

A Customs Officer may be required to verify the application and supporting documentation before the form is completed, signed and stamped as required.

Applicants should therefore avoid submitting incomplete forms.

A missing signature, stamp or supporting document can delay processing and may require the applicant to return to the customs office.

How to Fill Form C28

Start by downloading the latest version of the form from the official KRA customs resources.

Read through the entire document before entering any information.

Enter the applicant’s details exactly as they appear on the relevant official documents.

Proceed to the section relating to the vehicle and enter the registration and other requested details.

Check the vehicle information against the logbook before signing the form.

Provide information relating to the licence or transit activity requested by the form.

Review every section for spelling mistakes, incorrect registration numbers or missing information.

The completed form should then be presented together with the required supporting documents for verification.

Applicants should not sign sections that are specifically reserved for customs officials.

How Much Does a Transit Goods Licence Cost?

The stated fee for a Transit Goods Licence is the Kenya shillings equivalent of US$200 per licence.

The amount payable in Kenya shillings can vary depending on the applicable exchange rate used by KRA at the time of payment.

Transporters applying for licences for multiple vehicles should therefore calculate the applicable fee based on the number of licences required.

Applicants should confirm the current payment instructions and applicable exchange rate with KRA before making payment.

Avoid paying individuals who claim they can secure a licence outside the official KRA process.

Where to Submit the Application

Completed applications and supporting documentation can be submitted through the relevant KRA regional customs offices.

Applicants may also be directed to Times Tower, KRA’s headquarters in Nairobi, depending on the nature of the application and the current customs procedures.

The appropriate submission point can depend on the location of the transporter, type of application and applicable customs arrangements.

Applicants should contact the relevant KRA customs office before travelling to confirm where the application should be submitted.

This can save time and prevent a transporter from visiting an office that does not handle the particular application.

Documents to Prepare Before Submission

A transporter should have the required documents ready before approaching KRA.

The basic checklist includes:

• A completed Transit Goods Licence application form.
• A copy of the motor vehicle logbook.
• Valid insurance documentation.
• A COMESA Yellow Card where applicable for foreign vehicles.
• Evidence of compliance with applicable RECTS requirements.
• Required signatures and Customs Officer verification or stamp.
• Payment of the applicable licence fee.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the vehicle, applicant and customs arrangements.

Applicants should therefore confirm the latest requirements with KRA before submitting the application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is downloading an old version of a customs form from an unofficial website.

Applicants should always start with the KRA website and confirm that they are using the current form.

Another mistake is entering vehicle information incorrectly.

A single incorrect digit in a registration number can create problems when customs officials compare the application with the vehicle’s records.

Applicants should also check the validity of their insurance before submitting the application.

Incomplete forms are another potential source of delays. Every relevant section should be reviewed before the application is presented for processing.

What Happens After Submission?

After submission, customs officials can review the application and supporting documents to establish whether the applicant and vehicle meet the requirements.

The application may be returned if information is missing or additional documentation is required.

Applicants should respond promptly to any request for clarification.

Approval and issuance of the licence remain subject to KRA’s customs procedures and the applicant satisfying the applicable requirements.

Transporters should retain copies of the submitted documents and payment evidence for their records.

Why the TGL Matters to Transporters

The Transit Goods Licence is more than an administrative document.

It forms part of the customs control system used to regulate vehicles transporting cargo that has not yet been released for domestic consumption.

Proper licensing helps customs authorities identify vehicles involved in transit operations and strengthens monitoring of goods moving through the region.

Transport companies should therefore treat compliance as an ongoing responsibility rather than something to address only when a licence is about to expire.

Final Advice for Applicants

Applying for a KRA Transit Goods Licence becomes easier when the transporter prepares the required documents in advance.

Start by obtaining the current Form C28/Form 01 from the official KRA platform. Complete the form carefully and ensure that the vehicle details match the logbook.

Prepare the required insurance documentation, including a COMESA Yellow Card where applicable, and confirm compliance with RECTS requirements.

The stated licence fee is the Kenya shillings equivalent of US$200 per licence, subject to the applicable KRA exchange rate and payment procedures.

Submit the completed application through the appropriate regional customs office or other location designated by KRA, including Times Tower where applicable.

Most importantly, applicants should verify the latest requirements directly with KRA before submitting their documents. Customs procedures can change, and using current official information can prevent avoidable delays.