Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Last published date:
The following is a non-exhaustive list of items that are prohibited for import into Kenya:
- A wide variety of hazardous materials and chemicals
- Beauty and cosmetic products that contains mercury
- Controlled narcotics
- Counterfeit currency
- Matches made with white phosphorous
- Pornographic and obscene materials
- Used tires for commercial vehicles
- Single-use plastic bags
- Waste and scrap of ferrous cast iron
- Timber from any wood grown in the Partner States
- Fresh unprocessed fish (Nile Perch and Tilapia)
- Wood charcoal.
The following goods shall not be exported in vessels of less than two hundred-and-fifty tons register:
Warehoused goods
Goods under duty drawback
Transshipped goods.
Other restricted items, requiring permits, include:
- Bows, arrows, and fencing equipment
- Firearm parts, ammunition, and explosives
- Genetically modified items
- Historical artifacts
- Ivory of all descriptions.
For more information on prohibited and restricted imports, please refer to the Second and Third Schedule of the East Africa Customs Management Act and KRA Prohibited and Restricted Goods - 21/09/2023.