Import in Kenya

The Kenya Bureau of Standards recommends that importers seek local PVOC exemptions (KEBS). A Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (Kentrade) IDF will be opened by Zest Logistics using the supplier’s Proforma Invoice or Final Commercial Invoice. The Ksh 5,000.00 IDF filing cost is optional; it will be paid at tax time. The supplier will contact SGS to schedule an inspection; after the inspection is complete and a report is received, goods may be loaded into containers and sent; original documents must be delivered to Zest Logistics.

Shipments that arrive without a COC will be subject to local inspection. The process will involve:

1. Customs Entry must be filed
2. 15% of CIF must be paid to the Kenya Bureau of Standards
3. A request for local inspection must be submitted to the Manager of the Customs PVOC department and the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

– Attach the following documents to the application letter:

• KEBS demand note
• Payment receipt for the inspection fee
• Copy of invoice
• Copy of entry
• Copy IDF
• Copy packing list
• Copy IDF
• Copy Bill of Lading

Once the application has been granted, the cargo will be subjected to a complete inspection by Customs
PVOC officers, Kenya Bureau of Standards officials, and a Verification officer at the cargo station.
KEBS will eventually issue a local COC for cargo release.

 This is a new requirement for all imports into Kenya, as of January 1, 2017, all maritime insurance must be purchased locally. The importer must get an MCI from the desired insurance carrier, establish a UCR (Unique Consignment Reference) in Kentrade, and affix the certificate. NB. Documents must be received 15 days before the vessel’s arrival.

Once all the documentation is in place and the vessel and manifest have been confirmed by the shipping line, entry into the customs Simba System is recorded; payment of taxes is permitted by the DPC (document processing center); duty is paid to the appropriate banks.

For imports, a white file is created. For storage, a yellow file is produced. For EAOs, a green file is prepared:

• Entry may be passed or referred to pre-verification based on the direction of the DPC

1. Original invoice,
2. Original bill of lading,
3. Delivery order from the shipping line and CFS release orders are all included in the file.
4. Passed customs entry,
5. IDF