InfoTradeKenya

Welcome to Kenya's Trade Information Portal More information

Official Kenya Government website

A .go.ke website belongs to an official government organization in Kenya. The Kenya Trade Information Portal is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)

Secure .go.ke websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you're safely connected to the .go.ke website.

Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Search by

Search all

Inquiry

You are viewing procedures for the

Export

Live fish (Samaki) See associated HS codes

Understand how we structure the search results and procedures

Preliminary registrations, licences & certificates

The export of fish and fishery products is is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), who is mandated to conserve, manage and develop Kenya fisheries and aquaculture resources. Individuals who intend to export live fish are therefore required to register a live fish holding unit facility with KeFS, who issues a certificate of compliance. For more information on how to obtain the certificate, click the link.

View procedure

Live fish movement permit

A fish movement permit is issued to traders allowing them to move fish and fish products within the country. The issuance of the live fish movement permit is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), through the office of the County Director of Fisheries. For more information on how to obtain a live fish movement permit, click the link.

View procedure

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) is the umbrella body of the private sector in Kenya. The Chamber is an autonomous, non-profit, membership-based and private sector lobby institution. Membership to the Chamber is not mandatory however, membership is diverse and has benefits such as networking opportunities, training consultancy, customer referrals and credibility in your business to mention a few.

View procedure

Train & register with Kenya TradeNet System (KESWS)

The Kenya National TradeNet System (KESWS) is an electronic platform that facilitates the processing and issuance of permits, import declaration forms (IDF) and declaration of goods. Traders are required to register with Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) as either exporters or importers and get trained on how to lodge documents on KESWS. The traders are then issued with user credentials which enable them to login and access the System. For more information on how to train and register with KESWS, please select from options below.

This procedure applies to first time traders who require to obtain a preferential certificate of origin during export. Traders are required to register with the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) Rules of Origin Section to obtain a registration letter. The letter confirms the country of origin of the goods to be exported and is a requirement when applying for the preferential certificate of origin.

View procedure

Food hygiene licence

A food hygiene licence is required for all facilities that process and package products that are for human consumption, e.g packhouses. The licence is issued by Port Health Services Kenya (PHS) or by Public Health Officers, from the respective County Governments where the premises are located. The licence is valid for one (1) calendar year. For more information on how to obtain a food hygiene licence from either the County Government or County Public Health Office, select from the options below.

Permits

International veterinary certificate (VS21)

Export of live fish is regulated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) who will issue an international veterinary certificate to ascertain that the consignment meets the conditions outlined by the country of destination, and that the live fish are healthy and disease free. The international veterinary certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment. For more information on how to obtain an international veterinary certificate for live fish, click the link.

View procedure

Fish export health certificates

Export of fish & fishery products is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), who issue an export permit for each consignment to be exported. A fish health certificate is issued after the consignment has been inspected to ascertain it is free from diseases. For more information on how to obtain a fish health certificate for consignments to the European Union (EU) or other markets, select from the options below.

Certificate of origin

The Certificate of Origin (COO) is an international trade document which certifies that, a certain product being exported is wholly manufactured, produced, processed or obtained from the exporting country. For more information on how to obtain the COO, please select from the options below.

Non-preferential certificate of origin

A non-preferential certificate of origin is an export document issued by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) that confirms the country of origin of goods being exported. The AfCFTA certificate of origin is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Rules of Origin Section. For more information on how to obtain a non-preferential certificate of origin, select from the options below.

Preferential certificate of origin

Clearance

Please select exit/entry point

Live fish export procedure through Lunga Lunga One Stop Border Post (OSBP)

Export of live fish is regulated by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS). The exporter is issued with an export permit and a fish health certificate, per consignment. Information on global standards for transportation of live animals by air can be accessed here. For more information on how to export your consignment of live fish through the Lunga Lunga OSBP, click the link.

View procedure

Live fish export procedure through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

View procedure

Live fish export procedure through Moi International Airport (MIA)

View procedure

Live fish export procedure through the Port of Mombasa

View procedure

Procedures for a first-time trader

Export live fish through Moi International Airport (MIA)

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of live fish, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Kenya, via Mombasa to the EU market.

View procedure

Powered by eRegulations ©, a content management system developed by UNCTAD's Business Facilitation Program and licensed under