Export and Import procedures
Importation of goods into Kenya is an elaborate process that entails various documentation and procedures. Lead times are available on the Kenya Ports Authority website www.kpa.co.ke
The documents required during the import process are:
- Bill of lading
- Cargo release order
- Certificate of conformity
- Commercial invoice
- Declaration of customs value
- Import Declaration Form
- Packing list
- Proof of payments of customs duties.
- Terminal handling receipts.
Import procedures involve the following steps:
- Obtain an import permit, if the types of goods require you to (food, drugs, chemicals, agricultural products)
- Ensure all goods to be imported meet Kenyan standards as prescribed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Send information to the supplier clearly describing the following:
- Goods description
- Technical specifications
- Quantity
- Price
- Delivery period
- Regulatory requirements
- Confirm that the goods are not on the prohibited list
- Check to make sure that the goods do not attract anti-dumping duties
- Determine the cost, organise funding, and obtain advice from your bank.
- Discuss with the supplier, sign a contract, and make payments as agreed
- Before the goods get into the country you should:
-
- Obtain the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of conformity
- Appoint a clearing agent who will compute the customs duty, port charges, transport charges and advice you accordingly
- Obtain the relevant quality Certificates
- When the goods arrive, you should do the following:
-
- Process the goods through customs
- Obtain a release order
- Authenticate compliance certificates
- Pay port charges, collect goods and transport to your premise
Exporting from Kenya
The following documents are required for a typical export transaction:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading/Airway bill
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- All necessary permits
Export procedures
Step | Step Activity description | Whom to contact | Output |
1 | Ensure you have a trade licence |
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives www.industrialization.go.ke |
|
2 | Ensure you have secured an exporters’ code number |
Kenya Revenue Authority www. kra.go.ke |
|
3 | Ensure you have an export licence |
Kenya Revenue Authority www. kra.go.ke |
Export licence |
4 | Ensure you have the necessary permits or certificates; in the case of fish, plant, horticultural products, minerals |
Department of Fisheries Horticultural Crops Development Authority www.horticulture. agricultureauthority.go.ke KEPHIS www.kephis.org |
Permit / Certificate |
5 | Obtain the standard requirements of the buyer and ensure you can comply |
Buyer | Standards specification |
6 | Determine and organise adequate funds |
Firm Bank |
Funding |
7 | Ensure the supply contract is fully signed indicating: • Description of goods • Technical specifications • Quantity • Price • Payment term • Delivery time |
Buyer | Contract |
8 | Obtain payment guarantee and confirm with your bank on its validity |
Buyer | Confirmed payment |
9 | Obtain/prepare all the necessary documents: • Commercial invoice • Certificate of origin • Special licences • Packing list |
Firm | Documents |
10 | Forward the documents to your bank for payment |
Bank | |
11 | Release the goods to your freight forwarders for dispatch |
Freight forwarder | |
12 | The freight forwarders declares the goods with Customs Services Department |
KRA | |
13 | The goods are inspected by all parties |
Customs, KEPHIS | |
14 | Goods are cleared for export |
Customs, KEPHIS | |
15 | Bill of lading or airway bill is issued |
Shipper |
(Handbook on importing and exporting in Kenya www.industrialization.go.ke/images/downloads/handbook_
importing_exporting.pdf