KEBS Halts Pre-Export Checks: Streamlining Kenya’s Trade with Fresh Inspection Strategy.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PvoC) inspections specifically for general goods, marking a pivotal shift in import regulations.
This move introduces a new inspection plan to replace the previous system.
Effective 9th February 2026, PvoC inspection and certification of general goods will no longer apply under the PvoC Certification Scheme.
“KEBS hereby informs all stakeholders and the public that the current PvoC contracts for general goods expired on 8th February 2026,” the agency noted.
KEBS insisted that PvoCs issued on or before 8th February 2026 will still be processed if the required pricing documents and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) are presented.
Background on PvoC Program
The PvoC program required third-party inspections of regulated imports at their origin countries before shipment to Kenya, ensuring compliance with local standards via Certificates of Conformity (CoC).
“PvoC inspection and certification of general goods shall NOT apply under the PvoC for Certification with effect from 9th February 2026.”
KEBS contracted firms like SGS and Bureau Veritas for zonal coverage, but contracts faced repeated legal challenges and expirations, leading to suspensions and delays.
Exporters and importers often dealt with bottlenecks, including court halts on tenders for 2025-2028 services.
Key Changes in Suspension
KEBS announced the suspension for general goods, exempting certain zones like parts of Africa and the Middle East from PvoC earlier, with recent policy directives expanding exemptions.
While specific contracts for some services renew into 2026-2029, general goods now shift away from mandatory pre-export checks.
The new plan focuses on streamlined verification, likely emphasizing destination inspections at Kenyan ports to cut delays.
Importers must ensure their products meet Kenya Standards (KS). Items that fail to meet the standards will be rejected in accordance with Legal Notice No. 78 of 2022.
“Items not meeting the requirements of Kenya Standards shall be rejected and handled in accordance with Legal Notice No. 78 of 2022.”
For additional information, stakeholders are directed to the bureau’s website at www.kebs.go.ke, or contact the bureau by telephone at +254 020 6948664 / 456 / 439 / 000, or by email at pvoc@kebs.org or info@kebs.org.
Implications for Importers and Economy
This suspension eases burdens on businesses by reducing pre-shipment paperwork and costs, potentially boosting Kenya’s trade efficiency amid global supply chain pressures. Importers of general goods must now prepare for updated port-of-entry protocols under KEBS’s new framework, ensuring standards compliance locally.
Broader economic gains include faster clearance times, lower logistics expenses, and support for local industries reliant on timely.
KEBS aims to balance consumer protection with trade facilitation through this reformed approach, building on past tender resolutions. Stakeholders should monitor KEBS announcements for detailed guidelines on the new plan’s rollout.
As Kenya navigates 2026 trade dynamics under President Trump’s administration, such reforms position the country competitively in East Africa.