To assure Kenyan consumers of the safety and quality of the imported goods they buy, and to protect Kenyan manufacturers from unfair competition, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a statutory organisation of the government of Kenya, has implemented guidelines called the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme for exports to Kenya.
As of 1st December 2015 KEBS further expanded the regulated product list to include all products except those exempted below.
Exempted Products
- Used motor vehicles/spares (subject to inspection by KEBS authorised agents at the port of entry)
- Works of art
- Live animals
- Plants and plant products (subject to KEPHIS requirements)
- Books and publications
- Personal effects (subject to KRA returning residents' provisions)
- Samples for testing purposes only (not for sale)
- Goods for diplomatic missions (subject to protocol)
How PVoC Works
- The exporter/shipper applies for PVoC through a KEBS-contracted inspection agency in the country of origin
- The inspection agency verifies that the goods conform to the relevant Kenya Standards or approved equivalents
- If compliant, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued
- The CoC is required for customs clearance in Kenya
- Goods arriving without a valid CoC may be subject to destination inspection at the importer's cost and may face delays or penalties
💡 Need help with PVoC/CoC? Derrickson Systems Ltd can guide you through the process and liaise with KEBS on your behalf.
Contact us for assistance.
KEBS Authorized Inspection Agencies
- Bureau Veritas (BIVAC)
- SGS Kenya Ltd
- Intertek International Ltd
- Cotecna Inspection SA
- TÜV Rheinland
Importers should ensure their suppliers engage one of the above agencies before shipping goods to Kenya.