Every item registered with Kenya Revenue Authority requires packaging unit (pkgUnitCd) and quantity unit (qtyUnitCd) codes. This guide shows which codes to use.

Why Units Matter

Kenya Revenue Authority eTIMS requires explicit unit codes on every item registration and every invoice line. Using incorrect or mismatched units can cause validation errors at submission time. Choose the unit that matches how you sell the product to customers.

Packaging Units (pkgUnitCd)

The pkgUnitCd describes how the product is packaged for sale.

CodeDescription
NTNumber / Each, most common for services and software
BXBox
BGBag
BTBottle
CTCarton
PKPackage
RLRoll
DRDrum
KGKilogram
LTLitre

Quantity Units (qtyUnitCd)

The qtyUnitCd describes the unit of measurement for the quantity field on each invoice line.

CodeDescription
UUnit, most common for services
KGMKilogram
LTRLitre
MTRMetre
EAEach
PRPair
DZDozen
GRMGram
MLTMillilitre

For Services and SaaS

Tip

For software subscriptions, consulting, and any intangible service: use pkgUnitCd: 'NT' (Number) and qtyUnitCd: 'U' (Unit). This is the standard for intangible goods in Kenya Revenue Authority eTIMS.

For Physical Goods

Match units to how you sell the product to customers:

  • Selling by weight: qtyUnitCd: KGM, pkgUnitCd: KG

  • Selling by volume: qtyUnitCd: LTR, pkgUnitCd: LT

  • Selling by piece: qtyUnitCd: U or EA, pkgUnitCd: NT

  • Selling in boxes: qtyUnitCd: EA, pkgUnitCd: BX