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Export

Preliminary registrations, licences and certificates

Registration of a tannery

A tannery is a premise where hides and skins of animals are treated and processed to produce leather. As the competent authority in Kenya, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) inspects the premises to ensure compliance with the set standards prior to issuance of a registration of premises certificate. The certificate is valid for one calendar year.

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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.

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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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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Permits

Export permit

Export of leather and leather products is regulated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) who issue an export permit after inspection of each consignment. The export permits are processed through the Kenya National TradeNet System (KESWS).

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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.

Please select the type of certificate of origin below for a step-by-step guide.

Preferential certificate of origin

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).

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

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.

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

Clearance

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Procedures for a first-time trader

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Import

Preliminary registrations, licences and certificates

Registration of a tannery

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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

Import of leather and leather products is regulated by Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) who issue a no objection import permit prior to issuance of an import permit for each consignment. The import permits are processed through the Kenya National TradeNet System (KESWS). For more information on how to obtain the import permit, click on the link.

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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.

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Local certificate of compliance (COC)

A certificate of compliance is a certified document by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), which assures that commodities have met required standards and specifications. When a consignment arrives in Kenya without a certificate of conformity, indicating that the consignment was inspected at the country of origin, an importer will have to obtain a certificate of compliance. The certificate is only issued after successful inspection and verification of the consignment is carried out by KEBS.

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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.

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Clearance

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Procedures for a first-time trader

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Leather and leather products import procedure through the Port of Mombasa

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of leather and leather products, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time into Kenya, via the Port of Mombasa.

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Leather products import procedure through Isebania OSBP

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Leather and leather products import procedure through Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP)

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