Customs officers do not only collect duty. They also enforce laws that protect health, safety, the environment and local industry. Goods may be prohibited (banned completely) or restricted (allowed only with the approval of a regulating agency). Importers who discover this at the port can lose the goods, pay storage and face penalties. Checking first costs nothing.

This is a general guide. The lists change, so confirm the position with KRA, the relevant agency or your clearing agent before you commit to an order.

Prohibited goods

Examples of items that cannot be imported include illegal drugs and narcotics, counterfeit and pirated goods, indecent or obscene material, certain hazardous chemicals and wastes, and goods listed under international conventions such as protected wildlife products. Items that infringe intellectual property rights, including fake branded goods, can be seized. Some goods are banned for health or safety reasons, for example certain products that do not meet minimum standards.

Restricted goods that need permits

Goods Agency or approval
Medicines, medical devices, cosmetics with active ingredients Pharmacy and Poisons Board
Plants, seeds, fresh produce KEPHIS (phytosanitary certificate)
Animals, meat, dairy, animal feed Directorate of Veterinary Services
Telecom and radio equipment Communications Authority
Firearms, ammunition Firearms licensing authority and police
Standards-regulated goods KEBS (Certificate of Conformity): KEBS and PVoC explained
Ozone-depleting substances, e-waste, chemicals NEMA and related authorities
Wildlife products Kenya Wildlife Service and CITES
Used vehicles Age limits and inspection: importing a used car

Used goods

Used clothes, shoes, electronics and household items may be allowed, but often face tougher duty, inspection and conditions. Some second-hand items, such as certain used medical equipment or tyres, are restricted. Check the rules for the specific product and the country of origin.

How to check before you order

  1. Find the HS code, as explained in HS codes and customs classification.
  2. Ask your clearing agent whether the code needs permits, and which ones: clearing agent or clear it yourself.
  3. Contact the regulating agency for the application form, fees and processing time.
  4. Ask the supplier for test reports, safety data sheets and certificates that the agency will want.
  5. Build the permit time and fee into your plan. Some approvals must be issued before shipping.

What happens if you get it wrong

Goods may be held at the port, with storage and demurrage charges adding up, or seized and destroyed. You may have to pay a penalty, or re-export the goods at your cost. Deliberate false declarations are offences that can lead to prosecution. Repeated problems raise your risk profile with customs.

Personal imports

Travellers and people receiving parcels face the same rules. Medicines, foods and plants brought in luggage may be restricted, and returning residents have their own relief for household effects but not for banned items: returning resident duty-free allowance explained. Courier shipments are screened: courier parcels and personal shipments.

Export of restricted items

Some items are controlled when leaving Kenya as well, including wildlife products, antiquities and some minerals. Exporters should check before shipping: exporting from Kenya and zero-rated VAT.

Costing permits

Include agency fees and testing in your landed cost. The landed cost calculator has fields for extra charges, and the import duty and landed cost workbook helps you compare products. Excise-liable goods have an extra layer of tax: see the excise duty calculator and excise duty on imports and vehicles.

Checklist before ordering

  1. HS code identified
  2. Prohibited? Restricted? Permit needed?
  3. Permit obtained before shipping where required
  4. Supplier documents ready
  5. Costs including fees calculated
  6. Agent briefed

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the official list? Customs rules are in the East African Community Customs Management Act and Kenyan regulations. KRA and your clearing agent can point you to the current schedules.

Can I bring in medicines for personal use? Small quantities with a prescription are often tolerated, but check with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. Never import unregistered medicines for sale.

Is it legal to import branded goods from another market? Genuine goods are generally fine, but counterfeit items are not. Authorised distributors may also have territorial rights.

What if my goods are seized? Ask for the seizure notice, contact your agent and consider legal advice. There are time limits for contesting seizures.