Do I need a licence to import into Kenya?

It depends on the product. General goods clear Kenya customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment, used goods) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.

How do I check an importer in Kenya is allowed to bring in my product?

Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.

Is importing a specific product into Kenya ever banned?

Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

🇰🇪How to import into Kenya

To import into Kenya, most goods clear customs freely, but specific sectors need a permit, product registration or import licence from a named regulator before the shipment lands. A legitimate importer of those goods holds the current document, ask for it and check it at the source.

Sector import rules

These sectors carry their own import requirement in Kenya. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.

pharmaceuticalsRegistration required
product registration from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
Importer must register the product and obtain an import permit through the PPB Pharmacy Information Management System.
Official source
used goodsRestricted licence
conformity certificate from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Importer must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under the PVoC program before shipping used vehicles or goods.
Official source
telecom/radio equipmentImport permit required
conformity certificate from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
Importer must obtain a Type Approval Certificate from the Communications Authority via their online portal.
We could not confirm a live official link for this regulator, so no source is shown. Search the regulator name on the Kenya government domain to reach it.

This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import into Kenya?: It depends on the product. General goods clear Kenya customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment, used goods) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.
How do I check an importer in Kenya is allowed to bring in my product?: Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.
Is importing a specific product into Kenya ever banned?: Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

Find verified suppliers to import from.

Browse the catalogue

Kenya suppliers by sector

Manufacturers and wholesalers based in Kenya, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.

Agriculture & Raw Materials in Kenya Beverages in Kenya Building & Construction Materials in Kenya Chemicals & Plastics in Kenya Cleaning & Household Supplies in Kenya Food Ingredients & Raw Materials in Kenya Garden & Outdoor Living in Kenya Industrial Supplies in Kenya Metals, Steel & Mining in Kenya Packaging & Printing Supplies in Kenya Pantry & Dry Goods in Kenya Personal Care in Kenya All suppliers & distributors in Kenya

Importing for the first time? Read the first-time importer sequence (country choice, maker checks, landed cost, a survivable first order). Sourcing from a specific country? Get the lane answer, sanctions, tariffs and VAT in one place: can Kenya buy from that country?