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How to Import Goods into Kenya in 2026: Steps, Documents, Costs and Who Does What
Kenya-first insights, practical and grounded.
Published 18/09/2026 - Updated 24/09/2026 - 2 min read
How to Import Goods into Kenya in 2026: Steps, Documents, Costs and Who Does What
Importing is not just ordering from an overseas supplier and waiting for cargo to arrive. The commercial decision includes product demand, supplier evidence, HS classification, conformity, documents, freight, Customs, working capital and local distribution.
The import workflow
- Define the exact product, specification, quantity and buyer.
- Check the product procedure on the Kenya Trade Portal and InfoTradeKenya.
- Request a pro forma invoice, specification, packing information, country of origin and proposed shipping terms.
- Confirm the provisional HS code and ask a licensed clearing agent to validate the classification and process.
- Check whether KEBS PVoC, a Certificate of Conformity, Import Standardization Mark or a sector permit applies.
- Agree the shipping, payment, insurance and inspection responsibilities in writing.
- Prepare the import file and submit the relevant documents through the official trade and Customs process.
- Reconcile the final assessment, release evidence, warehouse receipt and landed cost.
- Sell through a tested wholesale, retail or direct channel and preserve the transaction records.
KRA states that imported goods commonly require a licensed clearing agent and documents such as commercial and pro forma invoices, the customs entry, IDF, shipping document, certificate of origin, CoC/PVoC and applicable permits. The exact list depends on the commodity.
Who does what?
The supplier provides commercial and export documents. A freight forwarder coordinates transport. KEBS and other regulators deal with conformity or category requirements. KenTrade provides the electronic trade platform. A licensed clearing agent handles the Customs declaration and clearance process. The importer remains responsible for choosing the product, providing truthful information, paying the correct amounts and keeping the records.
Do not start with a margin claim
Build landed cost from the supplier price, currency conversion, freight, insurance, duty and taxes where applicable, levies, agent charges, port or storage costs, inspection, local transport, defects, credit and selling costs. Use a downside case for exchange rate, delay, loss, lower selling price and slower stock movement.
The Kenya Import Landed Cost & Margin Planner is designed for this first decision. For the evidence file, use the Import Compliance & Documentation Control Pack.
Current recordkeeping point
KRA's 2026 guidance says importers must obtain and retain an export declaration, export entry, customs export certificate or equivalent export-country document from 1 September 2026, with records retained for at least five years. KRA also says Customs import records are among the data sources used to validate declared income and expenses.
Last verified: 18 September 2026. Import procedures, fees, taxes, permits, shipping terms and product standards change. Confirm the current requirement with the named authority and use your own dated quotation or record before committing money.
Sources
- KRA: How to import
- KenTrade: InfoTradeKenya
- Kenya Trade Portal: Trade in goods
- KRA: Finance Act 2026 importer guidance
- KRA: Validation of income and expenses
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