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Kenya Import Documents Checklist for 2026
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Published 18/09/2026 - 2 min read
Kenya Import Documents Checklist for 2026
Use a shipment file with one owner, one status and one evidence reference for every document. A checklist is a control tool, not proof that every item applies to every commodity.
Supplier and commercial documents
- Pro forma invoice before the order
- Commercial invoice for the shipped goods
- Packing list with quantities, weights and package details
- Purchase order or contract
- Product specification, labels, model or batch details where relevant
- Supplier and exporter identity
Transport and origin documents
- Bill of lading for sea cargo or airway bill for air cargo
- Freight invoice where applicable
- Certificate of origin or accepted origin evidence
- Export declaration or equivalent export-country document
- Insurance evidence where insurance is separately arranged
KRA has stated that commercial imports generally require a certificate of origin issued by a competent authority in the country of export, subject to listed exceptions and current enforcement guidance.
Regulatory and clearance documents
- Import Declaration Form and customs entry
- Certificate of Conformity from the applicable PVoC process where required
- Import Standardization Mark where applicable
- Product-specific permit or licence
- PIN and importer information
- Exemption evidence where an exemption is being claimed
- Clearing-agent instructions and payment or assessment evidence
- Release note and warehouse or delivery receipt
The five-year change
From 1 September 2026, KRA says importers must obtain and retain an export declaration, export entry, customs export certificate or equivalent document from the country of export. KRA's guidance says the record should support the import and show details such as exporter, importer, goods, quantity, value, tariff classification and country of export.
How to control the file
Record document number, issuer, issue date, expiry date, shipment reference, file path, verification status and owner. Compare product description, quantity, value, origin and classification across the file. Differences should be resolved before dispatch or declared transparently to the responsible professional.
Use the Import Compliance & Documentation Control Pack to manage the shipment register, documents, product compliance, agent handoff and archive.
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
- KRA: Mandatory certificate of origin
- KRA: Finance Act 2026 importer guidance
- KenTrade: InfoTradeKenya
- KEBS: PVoC
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