230110 230120 230210 230230 230240 230250 230310 230320 230330 230400 230500 230610 230620 230630 230641 230649 230650 230660 230690 230700 230800 230910 230990

Export

Preliminary registrations, licences and certificates

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.

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.

View procedure

Permits

Export permit for animal feeds (VS25)

Export of animal feeds is regulated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), who issue an export permit per consignment for the export of animal feeds.

View procedure

Certificate of origin

A certificate of origin is a document that confirms that the goods in a particular export consignment have been produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. Certificates of origin are categorized into; preferential or non - preferential and are issued per consignment.

A preferential certificate of origin is an export document issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for exports where trade agreements have been entered into with Kenya and other regions such as East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), European Union (EU), African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) or Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). 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.

Select your type of certificate for more information on how to obtain one.

EAC certificate of origin

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.

EU certificate of origin

The European Union (EU) certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Kenya, and are to be exported within the European community. The certificate is issued per consignment.

COMESA certificate of origin

The COMESA certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Kenya, and are to be exported within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region. The certificate is issued per consignment.

AGOA certificate of origin

The African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Kenya, and are to be exported to a country within the AGOA trade Act. The certificate is issued per consignment.

GSP certificate of origin

The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Kenya, and are to be exported to a member state. The certificate is issued per consignment.

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.

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. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has the mandate to issue the (ordinary/non-preferential) COO to all exporters of goods originating from Kenya.

Clearance

Please select exit/entry point

Procedures for a first-time trader

Export animal feeds through Busia OSBP

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of animal feeds, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Kenya, via Busia to Uganda.

View procedure

Import

Preliminary registrations, licences and certificates

Train and Register with Kenya TradeNet System

For more information on how to train and register with KESWS, please select from the options below.

Permits

Import permit for animal feeds (VS10)

Import of animal feeds is regulated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), who issue an import permit per consignment for the import of animal feeds. The import permit is processed through the Kenya National TradeNet System (KESWS). For more information on how to obtain an import permit for animal feeds, click the link.

View procedure

Import declaration form (IDF)

All importers are required to obtain an import declaration form (IDF) for each consignment prior to importation of any commodity. Before applying for the IDF, traders are advised to obtain permits/get a go ahead from the respective regulating Agencies for the consignment of import. Also, application for the IDF should be done before goods leave the country of origin.

View procedure

Import standardization mark (ISM)

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 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 EAC Partner State and bears quality mark of that partner state.

View procedure

Proposed procedures

Clearance

Please select exit/entry point

Procedures for a first-time trader

Please select exit/entry point

Find your procedure by using the search bar and click on the procedure to see the step-by-step.