Kenya Import Procedure

Pre-Clearing Procedure

Step 1: Register to be a seed merchant

 

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

1. Dully filled application SR1 form
2. 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 process

30 days

 

Step 2: Register to be an importer on the Import Certification System (ICS)

 

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

1. Copies of PIN
2. VAT certificate(if applicable)
3. Certificate of incorporation
4. ID of one of the directors.

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 day(s)

Step 3: Register with the Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW) and obtain user credentials.

 

Registration at contactcenter@kentrade.go.ke

Body in charge and office contact

Kenya Trade Network Agency (Ken-Trade)

Documents Required to complete the process

1. Request for company registration
2. Contact details

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 Day

 

Step 4: File SR14 – Notice to Import

 

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

1. SR14 Form

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 Day

Step 5: Obtain import Permit

 

The system will identify which seeds will require a Q label that need to undergo quarantine treatment

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

1. NML Certificate
2. Proforma invoice from the importing country(copy)
3. KEPHIS payment receipt (original)
4. SR14

Cost (KES)

Kshs.800.00 and Kshs. 700.00 on NML Certificate

Official Length of process

8 Hours

 

Step 6: Contract a clearing agent

 

Body in charge and office contact

Contact KRA for the updated list of licensed clearing agents

Documents Required to complete the process

N/A

Cost (KES)

Dependent on Agency Fees

Official Length of process

Dependent on Agency

 

Step 7: Obtain consignment documents (UCR and IDF)

 

Body in charge and office contact

Kenya Electronic Single Window System (KESW) – Ken-Trade

Documents Required to complete the process

1. Commercial Invoice
2. SR14
3. Import Permit

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 Day

 

Step 8: Clearing agent confirms with Customs on the of arrival of consignment

 

Body in charge and office contact

Contracted Clearing Agent

Documents Required to complete the process

N/A

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

Dependent on Agency

 

Step 9: Foward all relevant original cargo clearance documents to clearing agent

 

Body in charge

Your Company

Documents Required to complete the process

Original Copies of:

1. Phyto from origin
2. ISTA Certicate
3. COMESA Certificate

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

N/A

Clearing Procedure

Step 10: Lodge the Custom Entry Form (C17B) on the Simba System and pay taxes

 

Body in charge and office contact

KRA Customs Department

Documents Required to complete the process

1. Unique consignment reference (UCR)
2. Import permit (copy)
3. Invoice (copy)

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

10 – 20 Minutes

 

Step 11: Import document verificiation process

 

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

1. Plant import permit (original)
2. Phytosanitary certificate (original) From the country of origin.
3. Notice to import – Form SR14 (original) Issued by KEPHIS.
4. ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) certificate (original) From the country of origin. (OECD, COMESA LABELS)
5. 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 process

1 Day

Step 12: Obtain Port Health Clearance (ONLY RELEVANT TO THE AIRPORT)

 

Body in charge and office contact

Port Health Services Kenya

Documents Required to complete the process

1. Release order stamped by KEBS (original)

Cost (USD)

USD. 20.00 (Per item)

Official Length of process

1 Day

Step 13: Physical release of consignment

 

Body in charge and office contact

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

Documents Required to complete the process

1. Release order stamped by customs border control
2. Import declaration form (IDF) (copy)
3. Delivery notification
4. Bank deposit slip (original) for handling shed charges.
5. Air waybill (original)
6. Invoice (original)

Cost (KES)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 Day