Kenya Import Procedure
Pre-Clearing Procedure
- Step 1: Register to be a seed merchant
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- Dully filled application SR1 form
- Certificate of incorporation of the company
Cost (KES)New applicant pays KSh. 75,000 while annual / renewal fee is Ksh 10,000. ( CAP 326 / L.Notice 220)
Official Length of process30 days
- Step 2: Register to be an importer on the Import Certification System (ICS)
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- Copies of PIN
- VAT certificate(if applicable)
- Certificate of incorporation
- ID of one of the directors.
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process1 day(s)
- Step 3: Register with the Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW) and obtain user credentials.
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Registration at contactcenter@kentrade.go.ke
Body in charge and office contactKenya Trade Network Agency (Ken-Trade)
Documents Required to complete the process- Request for company registration
- Contact details
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 4: File SR14 - Notice to Import
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- SR14 Form
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 5: Obtain import Permit
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The system will identify which seeds will require a Q label that need to undergo quarantine treatment
Body in charge and office contactKenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- NML Certificate
- Proforma invoice from the importing country(copy)
- KEPHIS payment receipt (original)
- SR14
Cost (KES)Kshs.800.00 and Kshs. 700.00 on NML Certificate
Official Length of process8 Hours
- Step 6: Contract a clearing agent
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Body in charge and office contact
Contact KRA for the updated list of licensed clearing agents
Documents Required to complete the processN/A
Cost (KES)Dependent on Agency Fees
Official Length of processDependent on Agency
- Step 7: Obtain consignment documents (UCR and IDF)
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW) – Ken-Trade
Documents Required to complete the process- Commercial Invoice
- SR14
- Import Permit
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 8: Clearing agent confirms with Customs on the of arrival of consignment
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Body in charge and office contact
Contracted Clearing Agent
Documents Required to complete the processN/A
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of processDependent on Agency
- Step 9: Foward all relevant original cargo clearance documents to clearing agent
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Body in charge
Your Company
Documents Required to complete the processOriginal Copies of:
- Phyto from origin
- ISTA Certicate
- COMESA Certificate
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of processN/A
- Step 10: Lodge the Custom Entry Form (C17B) on the Simba System and pay taxes
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Body in charge and office contact
KRA Customs Department
Documents Required to complete the process- Unique consignment reference (UCR)
- Import permit (copy)
- Invoice (copy)
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process10 – 20 Minutes
- Step 11: Import document verificiation process
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- Plant import permit (original)
- Phytosanitary certificate (original) From the country of origin.
- Notice to import – Form SR14 (original) Issued by KEPHIS.
- ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) certificate (original) From the country of origin. (OECD, COMESA LABELS)
- Invoice (original)
Cost (KES)Kshs.8,400.00 is a charge by KPA not KEPHIS.
The costs for KEPHIS depends on the species and quantity imported as per CAP 326 , L. Notice. 220
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 12: Obtain Port Health Clearance (ONLY RELEVANT TO THE AIRPORT)
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Body in charge and office contact
Port Health Services Kenya
Documents Required to complete the process- Release order stamped by KEBS (original)
Cost (USD)USD. 20.00 (Per item)
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 13: Physical release of consignment
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Body in charge and office contact
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Documents Required to complete the process- Release order stamped by customs border control
- Import declaration form (IDF) (copy)
- Delivery notification
- Bank deposit slip (original) for handling shed charges.
- Air waybill (original)
- Invoice (original)
Cost (KES)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
Clearing Procedure