Shipping to and from Kenya

Limark in Kenya

Connecting Kenya across Africa and beyond

As a leading Kenyan shipping provider, we harness our established presence within East Africa’s dynamic trade hub to ensure seamless cargo flows. Our expertise spans the export of Kenya’s renowned commodities – tea, coffee, horticultural products, and manufactured goods – to destinations across the continent and beyond.

We recognize Kenya’s position as a vital gateway for imports, facilitating the influx of machinery, raw materials, and consumer goods from global markets. Limark Kenya guarantees the reliable distribution of these imports throughout the country. Our strategic logistics planning ensures the timely integration of these goods into the heart of Kenya’s vibrant economy.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Kenya requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs except approved pharmaceuticals
Counterfeit goods and pirated copyrighted materials
Used undergarments and socks
Indecent, obscene, or pornographic materials
Non-biodegradable plastic bags and packaging
Casino gaming machines
Restricted imports requiring permits:
Ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Precious metals, diamonds, gems
Encryption devices and software
Certain refrigerants/ozone-depleting substances

Relevant agencies

Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs Services Department)
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
Pharmacy and Poisons Board
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Betting Control and Licensing Board

Demurrage and detention

Free storage periods

Sea freight: 4 working days free
Air freight: 3 calendar days free

Demurrage charges after free time (per calendar day):

20′ Container: $20-40
40′ Container: $40-70
20′ Reefer: $60-100
40′ Reefer: $100-150

Container detention charges (per day)

20′ Dry: $20-30
40′ Dry: $30-50
20′ Reefer: $40-60
40′ Reefer: $60-100

Long-term storage options at ports and inland container depots are available for $150-300/20′ and $250-500/40′ per month.

Free time is calculated from the date containers are discharged from the vessel/aircraft. Demurrage accrues per calendar day until removal.

Required import documentation

Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Import Permit/License (if required)
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates like inspections, free sales, radiation if needed

Commercial invoices must provide

Detailed descriptions of goods, HS codes, quantities
Transaction values and currency
Terms of sale (Incoterms)
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Packing List shows package details like markings, weights, and dimensions.
Certificate of Origin stating the country of manufacture/export is mandatory.

Other certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate for plants and agriculture
Sanitary/Veterinary Certificate for animal products
Free Sale Certificate for food, beverage, pharmaceuticals
Radiation Testing Report for some product categories
Certificate of Conformity for Manufactured Goods

Import licenses and permits

General import license

Register as an Importer and obtain a PIN from KRA
Submit Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Pay Import Declaration Fee (2.5% of CIF value)
Import Entry Number (IEN) issued for customs clearance

Obtaining specific permits

Agricultural Products: Import Permit from KEPHIS
- Provide samples, test reports, ingredients, etc.
- Valid for 6-12 months, renewable
Food/Beverages: Permit from KEBS
- Product evaluation and testing
- Valid for 1-3 years periods
Pharmaceuticals: Registration and Import Permit from Pharmacy Board
- Drug registration application process
- Import licenses per approved shipments
Industrial Chemicals: Environmental Impact Assessment and NEMA permit
- Permit fees from $100 to $5,000+ based on product

Customs clearance process

At least 48 hours prior to arrival, submit all documents to Customs:

Invoice, packing list, import declaration
Licenses, certificates, permits if required

Pay applicable duties/taxes/fees to Customs upfront:

Import duty (rates from 0% to 35%)
Value Added Tax of 16%
A Railway Development Levy of 1.5%
Import Declaration Fee of 2.5% CIF

Customs verification and inspection process:

Scanning of containers
Physical examination if required
Sampling and testing for some products

If compliant, an Import Release Order issued
Terminal handling charges paid to the port/airport
For restricted goods, import permits must be approved first

Port/Terminal operations

Sea Ports

Mombasa Port

Largest maritime facility, over 20 berths
The main gateway for container and bulk cargo
Documentation cut-off at least 48 hours prior to arrival
4 working days of free storage after discharge

Lamu Port

The new facility has only 3 initial berths operational
Limited container handling capabilities currently

Air Cargo

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)

The main hub for air freight
Documentation cut-off 4 hours before arrival
3 calendar days free storage

Other Air/Sea Ports

Mombasa Airport, Eldoret International Airport

Kilindini Harbor, Kisumu Port on Lake Victoria

All ports/airports have dedicated cargo handling terminals, container yards, and scanning and inspection facilities. General operating hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring licenses/permits

Tea, coffee, tobacco, pyrethrum, sisal, bixa, nuts
Meat, dairy, animal products, hides, skins, trophies
Wood, timber, wood products, charcoal, bark
Fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other seafood
Minerals like soda ash, fluorspar, gemstones, ores
Petroleum oils, crude, refined products
Wildlife species protected under CITES
Antiques over 50 years old

Prohibited exports

Logs from public/government forests
Worked ivory and rhinoceros horn products
Narcotic drugs except approved pharmaceuticals
Counterfeit trademarked goods, pirated copyrights
Toxic, hazardous, or radioactive waste
Armaments without Defense Ministry approval

Restricted requiring permits

Rough diamonds (Kimberley Process certificate)
Wildlife trophies/specimens under CITES
Encryption software/technology over 512-bit key length
Controlled dual-use goods with potential military uses

Relevant authorities

Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs & Border Control)
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
Kenya Forest Service
Kenya Wildlife Service
National Museums of Kenya
Radiation Protection Board

Customs and documentation

Required documents

Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Export Entry Form (EX Code assigned by Customs)
Export Permit/License if required
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates per Customs requirements

Commercial invoice details

Complete descriptions of goods & HS codes
Total quantities & net weights
Transaction value & currency
Incoterms & payment instructions
Full legal names & addresses of parties

The Packing List shows package markings, numbers, dimensions, and gross/net weights.

Required certificates

Certificate of Origin stamped by revenue authority
Phytosanitary/Health Certificates for plants/animals
CITES Permits for protected wildlife
Radiation Reports for minerals/ores
Weight/Quality certificates for commodity exports
Treatment/Fumigation certs as applicable

Export process

Obtain Export Code from Customs & register as Exporter
Submit completed Export Entry with documents min. 48hrs prior
Pay any duties, taxes, fees levied
Goods exported per Customs examination, scanning, inspection
Export Release granted on Customs approval

Port/Terminal operations

Mombasa Port

Premier maritime facility, over 20 berths
Handles over 80% of national exports
Cutoff min. 48 hrs. prior to loading
4 working days of free storage after stuffing

Lamu Port

New facility, 3 berths currently operational
Mainly bulk cargoes currently

Airport Exports

Jomo Kenyatta Int’l Airport (Nairobi)

Main air cargo gateway
Cutoff 4 hrs. prior to departure
3 calendar days free storage

Other airports like Mombasa, Eldoret & Kisumu have limited cargo ops.

All ports have container yards, cargo handling equipment, and security screening.

Cargo handling and fees

Empty container returns

Most lines allow 10-14 calendar days free
If late, detention fees:
- ~$25-40/20′ per day
- ~$40-70/40′ per day
Extensions possible for additional charges

Export duties and taxes

Most goods exempt from export duties
1.5% Railway Development Levy (RDL)
Export certification fees range from $50-300 per shipment
Mineral royalties 3-15% of value
Forest products attract various taxes/fees

Terminal handling charges

$150-350 per container for export handling
Additional fees for reefers, ODC, oversize/overweight
Higher costs if services like stuffing required
Shipping lines require security deposits refundable after equipment return.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Kenya

Kenya’s complex trade regulations can be a labyrinth, with costly delays and penalties often lurking for non-compliance. Let Limark Forwarding be your expert guide. Our deep understanding of Kenyan logistics and extensive experience ensure seamless, compliant shipments — safeguarding your operations and minimizing disruptions.

We know the success of your Kenyan operations hinges on reliable, predictable shipping. With a proven 94% on-time delivery record in Kenya, Limark delivers peace of mind. Our meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and focus on process optimization can translate into potential cost savings. Contact Limark today and experience effortless Kenyan trade.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Kenya. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.