Market access requirements: The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) implemented the Pre-Shipment of Conformity Assessment Verification Scheme (PVoC) on September 29, 2005. Products listed in the PVoC catalog must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipment, which must be provided to the Kenya Customs upon arrival; otherwise, the goods will not be allowed entry. In special cases without a CoC, KEBS may decide to inspect the shipment and impose fines. Kenya PVoC certification application methods: Method a): Inspection and testing of each shipment (batch clearance certificate) - Batch clearance inspection fee is FOB × 0.5%, minimum of 220USD. The CoC certificate issued under Method a) is valid for 90 days and only applicable to the shipment in question. Foods and chemicals can only be used with Method a). Method b): Product registration, inspection, and limited testing (register first, then clear customs) - Registration certificate cost: Up to 15 models for 375USD, an additional 20USD for each extra model. The registration certificate is valid for one year. Application for clearance certificate inspection fee is FOB × 0.5%, minimum of 220USD. The product registration certificate is valid for 1 year, and the product must continuously meet the registration requirements. If the product is modified, the product registration certificate must also be amended accordingly.
Process: Product Testing (if an acceptable test report is available, this step can be skipped) → Submit inspection application documents → Assessment and review by certification body → Issuance of inspection notice and payment notice (inspection notice will only be issued if documents are approved) → Exporter confirms and makes payment → On-site inspection → Evaluate inspection report → Issue draft certificate → Exporter confirms → Issue COC certificate to importer (note: the certificate is issued directly to the importer)
Kenya PVOC Certification Inspection Precautions
1. In accordance with the inspection procedure, the certification body will send the complete inspection instructions and requirements to the inspector. This includes at least: (i) the inspection application form (ii) CI&PL (iii) the CVG catalog (AIR) for the relevant products.
2. Upon receiving the instructions, the inspector must confirm that all inspection information is complete. Contact the on-site representative to schedule the inspection date and time. If there are any changes to the date and time, notify the certification body (the party issuing the instructions) via fax.
Inspectors must use the AQL sampling standard to determine if the product meets Kenya PVoC requirements.
4. At the inspection site, the inspector should conduct the inspection in accordance with the product inspection requirements listed in the RFC. The following steps must be executed: (i) confirm the inspector uses the AIR document, and the inspector should always refer to the AIR during the inspection process. Then, along with the inspection report, the AIR form should be submitted to the certification authority (the issuing party).
(ii) If products are found to be non-compliant with the directive requirements or other causes leading to rejection during inspection, the inspector must continue to complete the inspection as required. (iii) If any product is found to be non-conforming, the inspector must issue a discrepancy report and provide a copy to the on-site representative. All areas of discrepancy must be photographed as evidence.
(iv) All packaging, both inner and outer, of goods that have been sampled must be labeled and taped with a Kenya PVoC sticker to clearly indicate that sampling has been conducted according to the sampling standards. Goods with discrepancies, even after being corrected and replaced by the exporter, cannot be labeled or taped with a Kenya PVoC sticker. (v) After inspection, leave a copy of the inspection report for the exporter at the inspection site representative and inform them of the inspection result as "Accepted," "Rejected," or "Pending."
5. Upon completion of the inspection, the inspector must fill out the inspection report in full detail and submit it to the authorized agency that issued the directive within one working day of the inspection being completed. This requirement must be strictly adhered to.
6. All used cars must undergo inspections and are to be tested in accordance with the Kenya KS1515:2000 standard, which will be converted into a special AIR list.
7. Full Container Load (FCL) shipments must be sealed.
8. Occasionally, the certifying body (issuing authority) will require inspectors to identify the samples and inform the exporter's representative. The samples must be labeled and/or sealed with Kenyan markings.
