Export of licit drugs is regulated by the Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB), who issue a product registration certificate for all new drugs. All new drugs must be analyzed and evaluated by a recognized laboratory in Kenya. Upon meeting its product specification, a certificate of analysis is issued, which must be submitted to PPB to facilitate registration of the new drug. In Kenya, there are three (3) main laboratories that provide product analysis services; Mission for Essential Drugs & Supplies (MEDS), Drug Analysis & Research Unit (DARU), and National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL). For more information on how to obtain the certificate, click the link.
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.
The Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) is an electronic system that facilitates the online application, processing, approvals and issuance of export and import permits, and declaration of goods. Traders are required to be trained and then registered on the TFP as users of the system. The TFP is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade). For more information on how to train and register on the TFP, select from the options below
The Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) is an electronic system that facilitates the online application, processing, approvals and issuance of export and import permits, and declaration of goods. Training is mandatory for new users of the system prior to registration on the system; this includes new staff from organisations already registered on the system. The TFP is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade). For more information on how to register with TFP, click the link.
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.
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.
Export of licit drugs is regulated by the Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB), who issue an export permit permit consignment. Prior to issuance of the permit, exporters must obtain a Dangerous Drugs Authorization (DDA) export permit from PPB in compliance with the Narcotics and Psychotropic substances Regulations. The export permits are processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP). For more information on how to obtain the permit, click the link.
The Standardization Mark (S Mark) is a mandatory mark of quality required for goods that are processed and packaged locally intended for local consumption or for export within the East African Community (EAC) region. Traders wishing to export processed goods within the EAC region are therefore required to obtain an S Mark permit which is issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The permit is valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of issue.
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.
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.
The EAC certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Kenya, and are to be exported within the East African Community (EAC) region. The certificate is issued per consignment. For more information on how to obtain the certificate, click the link.
Export of licit drugs is regulated by the Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB). For more information on how to clear your consignment of licit drugs through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), click the link.
Pharmacists are required to register and obtain credentials to access Pharmacy and Poisons Board's (PPB) online service portal.
Clearance of a drug sample is done through courier service providers as most of the drug samples are small packages.
A certificate of analysis is a document issued after a drug has been analyzed and evaluated by a recognized laboratory in Kenya upon meeting its product specification. For importation and exportation of a new drug; the certificate must be submitted to Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to facilitate registration of the drug.
In Kenya there are three main labs that perform product analysis which include:
1. Mission for essential Drugs and Supplies ( MEDS)
Product registration is mandatory for all drugs imported into Kenya. As the regulator, Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), will issue a product registration certificate upon successful product evaluation. Prior to issuance of the certificate, traders are also required to obtain a certificate of analysis from a recognized laboratory and a certificate of good manufacturing practices issued by PPB.
The Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) is an electronic system that facilitates the online application, processing, approvals and issuance of export and import permits, and declaration of goods. Training is mandatory for new users of the system prior to registration on the system; this includes new staff from organisations already registered on the system. The TFP is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade). For more information on how to register with TFP, click the link.
The Import Standardization Mark (ISM) is a mandatory requirement for all imported products intended for sale in the local market. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the competent Authority that regulates issuance of the ISM stickers. Traders are advised to apply for the ISM sticker once the goods have arrived, and the customs entry has been verified and passed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
The following products are exempted from the ISM sticker; medicines, medical devices, pest control products, seeds (plant materials), printed materials, for example, books, newspaper, magazines etc., precious stones, jewellery etc., illuminated signs and name plates etc., motor vehicles and bike (covered under a different inspection regime), artificial flowers, walking sticks, antiques etc., products manufactured in an East African Community (EAC) Partner State, and bears a quality mark of that partner state.