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Regulators and Bodies We Work With
What each agency means for your cargo through Mombasa
Clearing goods through Mombasa involves several government agencies and industry bodies. This page explains, in plain terms, what each one does and when your shipment may need its approval or certificate. Our team deals with these steps for importers every day as part of our customs clearing and forwarding, sea freight, air freight and road freight services.
- KRA Customs
- KPA
- KEBS
- Anti-Counterfeit Authority
- EPRA
- KEPHIS
- Pharmacy and Poisons Board
- Port Health
- KenTrade
- KIFWA
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs and Border Control
The Customs and Border Control Department of KRA assesses and collects import duty, VAT, excise duty and other charges on goods entering Kenya, such as the Import Declaration Fee and the Railway Development Levy.
Every import is declared electronically on the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), supported by the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill and any permits the goods need. Customs verifies the cargo and releases it once the duties are paid. We prepare and lodge these declarations as part of our customs clearing and forwarding service.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
KPA maintains, operates, improves and regulates Kenya's sea and inland waterway ports, including the Port of Mombasa and the Inland Container Depots in Nairobi and Naivasha.
It handles the movement and storage of your containers at the port, and port charges must be settled before cargo can leave. Clearing delays add storage costs, so we line up the documents before the vessel arrives. See our sea freight service for full containers and LCL.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
KEBS checks that imported goods meet Kenya Standards or approved specifications.
Regulated goods are inspected in the exporting country under the PVoC programme, run by inspection companies appointed by KEBS, and shipped with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Goods that arrive without a required CoC are held for destination inspection and testing at the port of entry before release, which adds time and cost.
Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)
ACA works to keep counterfeit goods out of Kenya under the Anti-Counterfeit Act.
Brand owners record their trademarks and other intellectual property rights with ACA, and importers of goods under the HS codes ACA regulates declare the brands they are bringing in on the KenTrade single window (Form ACA 2B). ACA inspectors use this information at the points of entry, and counterfeit goods can be seized.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
EPRA regulates Kenya's energy and petroleum sector, including petroleum products, LPG and solar energy systems.
It also enforces energy efficiency rules: regulated appliances such as refrigerators, non ducted air conditioners, certain electric motors and fluorescent lamps must be tested, registered with EPRA and carry the approved energy label before they are sold in Kenya. If you import these products, check the EPRA requirements before you ship.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
KEPHIS protects Kenya's agriculture from plant pests and diseases.
Anyone bringing in plants, plant products, seeds, soil or other regulated articles must obtain a Plant Import Permit from KEPHIS before shipment, and the consignment must arrive with a copy of that permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. KEPHIS inspects these goods at the point of entry.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
PPB regulates medicines, medical devices and other health products in Kenya.
Imports of these products need a PPB import permit for each consignment, applied for through the KenTrade single window, and the products must be registered with the Board. PPB officers check health products at the ports of entry before they are released.
Port Health Services, Ministry of Health
Port Health Services protect public health at Kenya's ports of entry.
Imported food and chemical substances, cosmetics included, need an import health clearance, applied for through the KenTrade system with documents such as the invoice, packing list and certificate of analysis. Some goods need more, for example a fumigation certificate for used clothes, shoes and bedding, or a health certificate from the exporting country for fish, dairy and meat.
Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)
KenTrade runs the National Electronic Single Window System, the Trade Facilitation Platform where import declarations are submitted and permits from other agencies are applied for, including those from KEPHIS, PPB, Port Health and ACA.
The agencies review applications on the same platform, so approvals and cargo release status can be followed in one place. Starting permit applications early is one of the simplest ways to avoid delays at Mombasa.
Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA)
KIFWA is the national association representing clearing, forwarding and warehousing companies in Kenya.
It promotes a high standard of service by its members and runs training and certification programmes for the industry. It is an industry body rather than a government agency, with offices in Mombasa and at the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi.
Requirements change from time to time. Please confirm the current rules with the agency concerned, or ask us before you ship.
Need help clearing a shipment?
Tell us what you are importing and where it is coming from. We will tell you which approvals it needs and prepare a written quote.