The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced the appointment of multiple international inspection companies to provide Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) services for general goods for a three-year period, beginning February 19, 2026. The move aims to reinforce quality assurance of imported products and ensure compliance with Kenya Standards or other approved specifications.
KEBS, established under the Standards Act, CAP. 496, is mandated to inspect and certify imports either in the country of export through the PVoC program or at Kenyan ports of entry. The PVoC system helps mitigate substandard imports and promotes consumer safety, while reducing the need for costly testing and inspection after arrival.
Appointed Inspection Firms
The following companies have been contracted to provide PVoC services for general goods:
- Quality Inspection Services Inc., Japan
- China Hansom Inspection and Certificate Co. Ltd
- ASTC As Test Certification Tech (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd
- China Certification and Inspection Group Inspection Company Limited
- Intertek International Limited
- Cotecna Inspection SA
- TÜV Rheinland Middle East FZE
- Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) SA
KEBS has indicated that the zones or countries of responsibility for each inspection company are detailed in the PVOC manual available on its website, www.kebs.org. Importers and stakeholders are advised to consult the manual to determine the correct inspection company for their consignments.
Compliance Requirements
All consignments shipped on or after March 1, 2026, from countries where KEBS has appointed inspection companies must be accompanied by Certificates of Conformity (CoCs). Shipments lacking CoCs will be subjected to destination inspection upon arrival, incurring a fee equivalent to 5 percent of the approved customs value, as stipulated in Legal Notice No. 78 of 2020.
For consignments originating from countries where no inspection company has been appointed, destination inspection will continue to apply, with payment of a fee equivalent to 0.6 percent of the approved customs value, subject to a minimum of USD 300 and a maximum of USD 3,500, in addition to testing fees for laboratory analyses when samples are drawn.
Streamlining Import Quality Checks
The PVoC system is designed to provide end-to-end visibility and control of imported products before they enter the Kenyan market. By assigning internationally recognised inspection companies, KEBS ensures that products meet established standards while reducing delays and costs for compliant exporters.
“The appointment of these inspection companies strengthens our capacity to safeguard the quality of goods entering Kenya,” KEBS said in the public notice. “Importers are urged to comply with the PVoC requirements to avoid additional destination inspection charges and ensure smooth clearance of their consignments.”
Stakeholder Support and Contact
KEBS has encouraged importers and stakeholders to seek clarification on PVoC requirements or inspection assignments. The Bureau can be reached via telephone at +254 20 6048646/456/439/000 or by email at procikebs@kebs.org or info@kebs.org.
The public notice reiterates that compliance with PVoC procedures is mandatory and underscores the Bureau’s commitment to maintaining high standards for imported goods while protecting consumers and supporting fair trade practices.
