We handle the paperwork that slows imports down
Customs-ready documents for imported goods, confirmed on each quotation for the product and its origin.
The right documents, before the goods ship
Goods imported into Kenya can need several documents before they clear. Which ones depends on the product, its origin and how it is used.
We work out what your order needs when we quote, then arrange the documents with our supply partners so the goods are ready for clearance when they arrive.
Documents we arrange where the goods need them
- Certificates of Conformity for regulated goods under the Kenya Bureau of Standards' Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme
- Import permits through the KenTrade single window where an agency requires one
- Import permits and the exporting country's health certificates for fish and meat
- Landed-cost quotations that show duty, the Import Declaration Fee and the Railway Development Levy
- Commercial invoices, packing lists and delivery notes on every order
Requirements depend on the product and its origin. We confirm them on each quotation.
Documents different goods may need
A general guide only. We confirm the exact requirements for your order when we quote.
| Goods | Documents that may be needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building and electrical materials | Certificate of Conformity under PVoC where the product is regulated; commercial invoice; packing list | Requirements depend on the product and the country it ships from. |
| Heavy-equipment parts | Certificate of Conformity where the part is regulated; commercial invoice; packing list with part references | Used or rebuilt parts may need extra checks. |
| Consumer goods | Certificate of Conformity where required; labelling details; commercial invoice; packing list | Food products may also need agency permits. |
| Fish, seafood and meat | Import permit from the relevant Kenyan authority; health certificate from the exporting country's authority; commercial invoice; packing list | Permits are applied for through the KenTrade single window where the agency uses it. |
| Vegetables and plant products | Plant import permit and phytosanitary certificate where required; commercial invoice; packing list | Requirements vary by product and origin. |
A quotation that shows the full cost
Imported goods carry more than their price. Duty and import levies are charged on the customs value, on top of freight and insurance.
Where we import for you, the quotation shows these lines separately, so you can compare like with like before you order.
Questions about documents
Do all imported goods need a Certificate of Conformity?
No. Only goods regulated under the Kenya Bureau of Standards PVoC programme need one. We check each product when we quote.
Who applies for import permits?
We arrange the permits your order needs, through the KenTrade single window where the agency uses it, and tell you if anything is needed from you.
Will the quotation show duty and levies?
Yes. Where we import for you, the quotation shows duty and import levies as separate lines.
Not sure what your goods need?
Send us the product list and its origin. We will tell you what documents apply when we quote.