KEBS releases new import rules following expiry of inspection contracts
By Aloys Michael, February 10, 2026The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has released new importation guidelines after the expiry of its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) contracts covering general goods and related services.
The move affects importers who rely on third-party inspection firms to certify compliance before goods enter the Kenyan market.
In a notice published on MyGov on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, KEBS said that the current PVoC contracts expired on February 8, 2026, marking the end of the existing three-year contract cycle.
According to the Bureau, following the expiry of the contracts, the current private service providers have since stopped their operations and will not accept any new requests for certifications.
“KEBS informs all stakeholders that it is in the process of procuring new inspection companies for the next three-year PVoC contract cycle and will provide updates on the resumption of PVoC services,” the Bureau said.
However, KEBS clarified that all requests for certifications submitted on or before February 8 will be processed, as long as the inspection is completed and a certificate of conformity or non-conformity is issued by February 28, 2026.
This comes even as the authority introduces new technologies for inspections amid concerns over the safety of consumer products.
Meanwhile, imports shipped from February 9, 2026, without a valid certificate of conformity will be subjected to destination inspection, which will be carried out at the ports of entry.
“Imports shipped on board from February 9 without a valid CoC shall be subjected to Destination Inspection, upon payment of an inspection fee equivalent to 0.6 per cent of the approved customs value,” KEBS stated.
To mitigate potential risks, KEBS urged importers to conduct pre-import testing of products in accredited laboratories and to ensure they meet Kenya Standards.
In the same vein, members of the public importing goods may register under the KEBS Diamond Mark Scheme to simplify the importation process.
The authority said goods originating from East African Community (EAC) partner states will continue to be handled under existing EAC quality and standards regulations.
KEBS urged all importers and trade stakeholders to comply with the stated requirements to avoid delays, penalties, or additional costs.