KEBS begins enforcement of new standards levy on industry
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 4, 2025The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has started enforcing a new standards levy on all manufacturers, following the gazettement of the Standards (Standards Levy) Order 2025.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the levy, which came into effect after Legal Notice No. 136 dated August 8, 2025, requires manufacturers to remit 0.2 per cent of the value of their monthly turnover in respect of manufacture undertaken, net of Value Added Tax, excise duty and discounts where applicable, subject to a maximum of four million Kenya shillings only (Ksh4,000,000) per annum.
Payments will be made through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) iTax platform on or before the 20th day of the succeeding month. KEBS stressed that failure to comply amounts to an offence under the Standards Act.
“Payments shall be done through KRA iTax on or before the 20th day of the succeeding month,” the notice reads.
“Manufacturers whose turnover of the goods manufactured or services offered in each month, net of excise duty and value added tax, does not exceed KShs 5,000,000 per year are exempted from paying the levy.”
Those entering or already in manufacturing are required to register by filling the SL/1 form available on the KEBS website or through the KEBS Information Management System. The agency warned that failing to register does not exempt a manufacturer from paying the levy, and penalties are set out in the law.
Broad industry coverage
KEBS listed several activities that count as manufacturing. These include construction, building and civil engineering, textiles and garment production, mechanical and electrical engineering, food processing, agriculture-related production, pharmaceutical production, cosmetics, plastics, paper, printing, and petroleum-related activities.
The list is long and wide-ranging, covering everything from borehole drilling and car assembly to bakery operations and pesticide manufacturing.
Businesses that are unsure about their classification have been advised to seek guidance from KEBS offices across the country. KEBS maintains regional offices. The agency also encouraged manufacturers to reach out via email for clarification.