Import construction materials from India to Kenya
How to import construction materials from India to Kenya: the KEBS pre-export certificate, the Mombasa port, the documents and what to check before you pay.
- Main port
- Mombasa
- Standards body
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Pre-export check
- PVoC certificate of conformity
Pre-export certificate (PVoC)
Kenya requires goods to be inspected in the country of supply and covered by a certificate of conformity before shipment. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) runs this as its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme. KEBS appointed nine inspection companies for 2026 to 2029, and published notices require a certificate for consignments shipped on or after 1 March 2026 from countries where a company is appointed. SGS is listed for the zone that includes India.
A consignment that arrives without a required certificate is inspected at the port of entry. Published guidance puts this charge at 5% of the approved customs value. Confirm the current figure with KEBS or your clearing agent.
Port and clearance
Most sea freight arrives at the Port of Mombasa. Your clearing agent handles the import declaration and pays duties and taxes. We prepare the export side: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and the certificate of conformity.
Duties and taxes
Kenya applies the East African Community common external tariff, plus VAT and other levies. Some building-material duties changed on 1 July 2026, and some goods carry additional national charges. Ask your clearing agent for the current rate on your tariff code. We quote product and freight, not import duty.
What we need from you
The product and size, the quantity, your delivery port, your target date and the name of your clearing agent.
From enquiry to container in three steps.
Send your enquiry
Product, quantity and destination port.
Get specs, price and the paperwork plan
Datasheet, FOB or CIF price and the certificate your country needs.
We load and ship
Inspection, container loading and export documents.
Kenya: frequently asked questions
Do I need a certificate to import construction materials into Kenya?
Most general goods shipped to Kenya fall under the PVoC certificate of conformity rules. Whether a product needs one depends on its tariff code and the current rules, so we check this for your order before we quote.
Which port do you ship to?
We ship to Mombasa. Tell us if your clearing agent prefers a different port.
How long does shipping from India take?
Transit time depends on the load port and the shipping line. We give the expected time with each quote.
Can I mix products in one container?
Yes. Tiles, sanitaryware and faucets, or plywood, TMT bars and binding wire, can go in one shipment. Send the quantities and we plan the load.
Who pays import duty?
The importer pays duty and taxes in Kenya, through a clearing agent. Ask your agent for the current rate on your tariff code.
Quote for Kenya.
Tell us the product, quantity and your port. A named export manager replies with price, lead time and the import documents you need.
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