1. Overview of Kenya PVoC Certification:

To ensure the safety and quality of imported goods for Kenyan consumers and protect Kenyan manufacturers from unfair competition, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a statutory government agency, has implemented the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Standards Programme.

2. Kenya PVoC Certification Technical Consulting Service Process:

3. Three Ways to Obtain PVoC Certification:

Method 1: (CoC) Inspection for Each Shipment

(Usually Method 1)

1) Application: The exporter contacts the PVoC office in the country, fills out the Request for Certificate (RFC) and proforma invoice for this shipment, or the importer provides the Import Declaration Form (IDF) and a copy of the proforma invoice to start the PVoC application.

2) Testing/Inspection: The PVoC office inspects the goods to confirm compliance with Kenyan standards/technical specifications, takes samples for testing. If the test results are qualified, a CoC will be issued based on the final commercial invoice provided by the importer.

3) Certificate Validity: The CoC is valid for 90 days and only for that specific shipment. Food, drugs, and chemicals can only use Method 1.

4) Issuance Time: After receiving application documents and test reports, usually 5-10 working days, excluding laboratory testing time (determined by the laboratory).

Method 2: Product Registration Certificate + CoC for Each Shipment

(Recommended for the same product exported to Kenya multiple times)

1) Testing/Application: The exporter applies to the PVoC Registration, Licensing/Certification Center, submits a declaration of product compliance with Kenyan/international standards, product test reports from an ISO/IEC accredited laboratory, ISO9001 certificate, etc. The Center reviews the documents and requires corrections if needed. After confirmation, a Product Registration Certificate is issued.

2) Inspection and Issuance: For each shipment, the exporter provides the Product Registration Certificate copy, RFC, proforma invoice, and packing list to the PVoC office. The office inspects the goods and may sample test. The exporter also provides final commercial invoice and packing list. After review, the PVoC office issues the CoC.

3) Certificate Validity: Product Registration Certificate is valid for 1 year, and the product must continuously meet requirements. If the product is modified, the certificate must be updated accordingly.

Method 3: Product Type Approval (Only for Manufacturers)

(Only for manufacturers)

1) After product registration, if the quality is stable and continuously meets requirements over a long period, apply for a Product License from the PVoC Registration, Licensing/Certification Center. The PVoC office reviews test reports and may conduct additional tests. It also inspects the factory's production facilities.

2) After approval, the manufacturer receives a license for that product type. For future exports, the manufacturer only needs to provide RFC, final commercial invoice, and license copy. The PVoC office issues CoC without inspection and testing each time.

3) To monitor compliance, the PVoC office reserves the right to sample test licensed products (with prior notice). If the product continues to meet requirements, the license can be renewed annually with a factory inspection. If the product is modified, re-registration must be applied for.