To import any commodity into Kenya, an importer will have to enlist the services of a clearing agent who will process the import documentation through the Kenyan Customs electronically on their Simba 2005 system and clear the goods on behalf of the client.
Customs will assess duties payable depending on the value of the item(s) and the applicable duty rate. The EAC Common External Tariff lays out the duty rates of imported items.
Kenya has a pre-shipment inspection requirement (the Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity, or PVoC) for exports destined to Kenya. Exports to Kenya must also obtain an ISM code, which is mandatory for all imported products sold in Kenya to help local consumers identify imported products that have been certified by KEBS.
For importing a small number of health, environment, and security products, import licenses are required. Imports of machinery and equipment classified as equity capital or acquired through loan purchases must be received prior to import. Local banks will not issue shipping guarantees for clearance of imports in the absence of such approval. All imports procured by Kenyan-based importers must be insured with companies licensed to conduct business in Kenya. Importation of animals, plants, and seeds are subject to quarantine regulations.
All Kenyan imports are required to have the following documents: import declaration form (IDF); Customs declaration (Entry); a CoC from the PVoC agent for regulated products; an ISM code when applicable; valid Commercial invoices from the exporting firm, and valid pro forma invoices from the exporting firm.