KENYA: Standards Inspection of All Imported Cargo at Ports Starts

Kenya has started local product standards inspection for all imported cargo. Prior to 1 April, importers had the option of getting a pre-export verification of conformity (PVOC) certificate to bring goods into the country without local testing. The certificate confirmed compliance with Kenyan regulations, and was provided by four international testing organisations. Their contracts all expired in March this year and new agents have not yet been appointed.

A Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) release stated that “ALL products (General Goods) shipped on board on or after 1st April 2022 will be subjected to destination inspection at a fee equivalent to 0.6% of the approved customs value subject to a minimum of US$265 and a maximum of US$2,700 exclusive of testing charges.”

The standards bureau has increased the number of inspectors at ports of entry, and boosted market surveillance and testing labs capacity. The KEBS has set new targets for certificate issuance of two hours for airfreight and two days for sea cargo. Goods found not to meet standards must be re-shipped or destroyed at the owner's cost.