Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B84: Inspection requirement 

Date when the measure came into force

01 December 2015 

Publication where the measure is specified

Legal Notice No. 78 of 15thJuly 2005 on the Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) of Imports order.Updated by legal notice of 1st Nove 2015 

Regulation where the measure is specified

INSPECTION OF ALL IMPORTS FOR ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF CONFORMITY 

Country/Region applying the measure

Kenya 

The rationale of the measure

This updated requirement has been found necessary in order to curb importation of substandard and illicit goods to protect the safety and health of consumers.These inspections will be undertaken by KEBS appointed Inspection agents as provided for under Legal Notice No. 78 of 15thJuly 2005 on the Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) of Imports order
. 

Coded list of objectives

A: Protection of human life and health, E: Protection of the environment, G: Protection of national security and X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

Further to Our notice of 1st November 2015, we wish to notify the Public and Importers that the requirement for inspection and issuance of Certificate of Conformity has been expanded to cover ALL IMPORTS.
The inspection agents will also supervise and seal container load shipments of certified goods and indicate seal numbers in the respectiveCoCs . Presentation of the Certificate of Conformity (COC) shall be a mandatory document for clearance of the goods under the Scheme for both the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Revenue Authority 

Reference of the measure

Public legal Notice 12th November 2015 

Measure also domestic

No 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

To address the specific concerns of manufacturers with regards to importation of industrial inputs, machinery and spare parts for own use, a mechanism that provides for waiver of the requirement to undergo inspection and expedite their clearance has been established. A criterion for qualification for this waiver shall be developed and manufacturers shall be vetted to prevent abuse. Further, goods already regulated by other government agencies such as the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KEPHIS), Pest Control and Products Board (PCPB) have been exempted from these requirements. Other goods to be considered under exemption are printed matter (text books, magazines etc.) and those certified by KEBS under the Diamond Mark Scheme. However, clearance of goods exempted from these new requirements shall only be undertaken by the two agencies in instances where they are not be mixed with other items that are subject to PVOC inspection 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.