Certification Introduction

Kenya implements a mandatory Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) regime for electronic and electrical products, which is uniformly managed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS); radio and communication electronic devices are additionally required to obtain type certification from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK). Cargo without a valid compliance certificate will be rejected and returned, and subject to high fines. For the complete mandatory product catalog, please check the latest list on the official KEBS website.

Laws and Regulations

Core regime: Mandatory regulation of Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Program issued by KEBS; Communication products: Rules on Type Approval for Radio and Telecommunications Equipment of the Communications Authority of Kenya; Regional coordination: Kenya participates in the standard harmonization of the East African Community (EAC), adopts most unified EAC standards equivalently, and specific requirements are subject to the official release of KEBS.

Technical Requirements

Safety and EMC Standards: Equivalent adoption of IEC international standards, household appliances comply with KS IEC 60335, electromagnetic compatibility meets the requirements of IEC 61000 series; Rated Parameters: Adapted to Kenya's 240V/50Hz power grid, plugs meet the British standard three-pin KS requirements; Marking Requirements: Energy efficiency grade must be marked, labels shall use English or Swahili, with country of origin and manufacturer information marked, some products need to be affixed with the KEBS certification mark; Wireless communication products additionally need to meet CAK's requirements for radio frequency and specific absorption rate (SAR) limits, and formal CB/IEC/CE test reports valid within 12 months are accepted.

Certification Process

Confirm the mandatory requirements corresponding to the product HS code, and prepare technical documents including valid test reports, product specification, trade invoice and product photos;

Submit the application and select the certification path based on your export situation: batch CoC certification is applicable for single shipment, 1-year registration certification is applicable for long-term export, and 3-year type certification is applicable for fixed models;

Complete pre-shipment inspection in accordance with requirements;

Obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) after passing the review, which is used for customs clearance and market entry; wireless communication products need to additionally go through the CAK certification process, which requires appointing a local legal representative in Kenya to submit the application, and obtain the certificate after completing the test at an accredited laboratory.

WANVE provides one-stop full compliance support for enterprise export.