Coffee exporter licence

Export of coffee is regulated by AFA Coffee Directorate where traders can either export coffee as grower marketers or dealers. Grower marketers are allowed to export through direct sales where they negotiate prices directly with the buyer(s) in the country of destination. Coffee dealers must purchase coffee through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) auction where marketing agents sell coffee on behalf of the smallholder growers aggregated as co-operative societies and large estate owners.

Pulping station licence

A pulping station is where coffee cherries are pulped, washed, dried, fermented and treated into parchment coffee. AFA Coffee Directorate , as the regulator, inspects the pulping station to ensure compliance with the set standards prior to issuance of the licence. The licence is issued to individuals, cooperative societies and companies with a minimum of five acres of mature coffee. The licence expires on 30^th June every year.

Grower marketer licence

A grower-marketer, is a coffee grower who sells their coffee directly to the buyer in the country of destination. The licence is issued by AFA Coffee Directorate to growers in possession of a valid pulping station licence. The licence expires on 30^th June every year.

Coffee buyer's licence

A coffee dealer is an individual who intends to transact in clean coffee produced in Kenya. The licence is issued by AFA Coffee Directorate to traders who intend to buy coffee from the auction (Nairobi Coffee Exchange ), which is scheduled every Tuesday except public holidays. The licence expires on 30^th June every year. Application for the licence can only be made through registered companies.

Coffee liquorer certificate

A coffee liquorer is a coffee expert who is professionally trained in classifying coffee through tasting. As the regulator, AFA Coffee Directorate issues a certificate to qualified applicant(s).

Register with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) - For dry produce

Fresh and dry produce is regulated by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), who issue a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment for export. For more information on how to register with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), click on the link.

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Train and 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.

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 or by Public Health Officers in the 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.

Register with KRA Rules of Origin section

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 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.

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Register with Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and 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.

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Register with AFA Integrated Management Information System (IMIS)

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) - Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) is an automated platform that facilitates registration of traders with AFA Directorates. Prior to application of licences or certificates, from either of the Directorates, traders are required to register with the system to obtain user credentials.

For more information on the registration procedures, click on the link.

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