Kenya Import Procedure

Total Steps: 13
Documents (Approx): 40
Bodies / Agencies:
  • Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
  • Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)
  • Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW)
  • Port Health Services Kenya
  • Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
  • Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

  1. Register to be a Seed Merchant

    Body in charge: KEPHIS
    Documents: SR1 application form, Certificate of incorporation
    Cost: KSh 75,000 (new) / KSh 10,000 (renewal) | Time: 30 days

  2. Register to be an Importer on the Import Certification System (ICS)

    Body in charge: KEPHIS
    Documents: PIN, VAT certificate (if applicable), Certificate of incorporation, Director ID
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  3. Register with Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW)

    Body in charge: KenTrade
    Documents: Company registration request, Contact details
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 hour

  4. File SR14 – Notice to Import

    Body in charge: KEPHIS
    Documents: SR14 form
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  5. Obtain Import Permit

    Body in charge: KEPHIS
    Documents: NML Certificate, Proforma invoice, KEPHIS payment receipt, SR14
    Cost: KSh 800 + KSh 700 (NML Certificate) | Time: 8 hours

  6. Contact a Clearing Agent

    Body in charge: KRA (licensed clearing agents)
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Based on agency fees | Time: Dependent on agency

  7. Obtain Consignment Documents (UCR & IDF)

    Body in charge: KESW – KenTrade
    Documents: Commercial Invoice, SR14, Import Permit
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  8. Clearing Agent Confirms with Customs on Consignment Arrival

    Body in charge: Contracted clearing agent
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Nil | Time: Dependent on agency

  9. Forward Cargo Clearance Documents to Clearing Agent

    Body in charge: Importing company
    Documents: Phytosanitary Certificate from origin, ISTA Certificate, COMESA Certificate
    Cost: Nil | Time: N/A

  10. Lodge Custom Entry Form (C17B) & Pay Taxes

    Body in charge: KRA Customs
    Documents: UCR, Import Permit, Invoice
    Cost: Nil | Time: 10–20 minutes

  11. Import Document Verification

    Body in charge: KEPHIS
    Documents: Import Permit, Phytosanitary Certificate, SR14, ISTA Certificate, Invoice
    Cost: KSh 8,400 (KPA) + KEPHIS fees (species/quantity-based) | Time: 1 day

  12. Obtain Port Health Clearance (Airport Only)

    Body in charge: Port Health Services Kenya
    Documents: KEBS-stamped release order
    Cost: USD 20 per item | Time: 1 day

  13. Physical Release of Consignment

    Body in charge: KRA
    Documents: Customs release order, IDF, Delivery notification, Bank slip, Air waybill, Invoice
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day