The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) inspections for general goods following the expiry of its current contracts on 8th February 2026.
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.
KEBS On PVoC Contract Expiry and Re-Tendering
The Kenya Bureau of Standards operates under the Standards Act, CAP. 496, providing quality inspection services for imported goods.
The PVoC services are carried out by inspection companies contracted by KEBS on a three-year cycle. The bureau stated that it is in the final stages of re-tendering PVoC contracts for general goods and will update stakeholders once the new contract cycle commences.
“PVoC inspection and certification of general goods shall NOT apply under the PVoC for Certification with effect from 9th February 2026.”
During the interim period, all imported general goods arriving in Kenya from 9th February 2026 will undergo Destination Inspection (DI) at the Ports of Entry.
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The bureau clarified that the general goods category includes a wide range of products previously covered under PVoC.
Interim Measures for Importers
Importers are advised to comply with the mandatory measures to prevent delays at the Ports of Entry.
For shipments with approved Import Standardisation Mark (ISM) applications, importers may request a Self‑Policing Certificate (SPC) from the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Additionally, products can be registered or certified under the Kenya Bureau of Standards Diamond Mark Scheme before importation.
“Importers bringing in motor vehicles and used spare parts must note that these are not covered by KEBS under the Pre‑Arrival Inspection Programme,” the notice advised.
Goods not classified under PVoC, including motor vehicles and used spare parts, will continue to be processed through the Pre‑Arrival Inspection for Used Motor Vehicles Programme.
Products destined for East African Community (EAC) partner states will follow applicable EAC guidelines.
Also Read: KEBS Announces New Rules for Importing Used Cars from January 2026
Destination Inspection Requirements
The agency stressed that all goods entering Kenya that are not for motor vehicles, machinery, motorcycles, or spare parts must comply with the Destination Inspection Programme.
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 [email protected] or [email protected].
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