The Kenya Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the conformity document issued following the pre-export assessment of the conformity of products exported to Kenya and covered by the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme with Kenya's relevant technical regulations, mandatory standards or approved specifications.
The programme is run by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). According to KEBS, the aim of PVoC is to ensure that imported products comply with Kenya's applicable technical regulations and mandatory standards, to protect consumer health and safety, and to enable conforming products to clear customs more efficiently.
What Is Kenya PVoC?
PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards) is a system that ensures that regulated products to be sent to Kenya are assessed for conformity before export.
Under PVoC, depending on the nature of the product and the assessment procedure to be applied, the following may be carried out:
- Review of the product and technical documents,
- Sampling,
- Laboratory tests,
- Physical inspection of the product/production shipment,
- Labelling and marking check,
- Assessment of conformity with technical standards,
- Review of existing test and conformity documents
KEBS's current PVoC document states that PVoC contractors carry out inspection, sampling, testing, container sealing where required and the issue of CoC / CoR / NCR.
What Is the Kenya Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
The CoC (Certificate of Conformity) is the document showing that the product's conformity with the applicable Kenyan standard, technical regulation or approved specifications has been verified in the PVoC process.
For products under PVoC, the exporter must ensure that the products meet the required conditions and have undergone the required conformity assessment before shipment. KEBS's PVoC Manual Version 15 states that exporters must ensure that the required CoC is issued before shipment for products under PVoC.
For this reason, the Kenya CoC should be regarded not merely as a “quality certificate”, but as an outcome of the official conformity assessment process that can be applied to the product's entry into the Kenyan market.
Is a CoC Required for Every Product Going to Kenya?
It cannot be said that the same PVoC procedure will automatically be applied to every product.
First, the following must be determined for the product:
- HS code,
- product category,
- intended use,
- technical characteristics,
- relevant Kenyan standard,
- whether it falls under a technical regulation,
- PVoC scope or exemption status
KEBS also provides separate procedures for certain products and situations exempt from PVoC. For example, certain products under the Diamond Mark, temporary imports, re-imports and certain product groups regulated separately in the legislation may be subject to different rules.
Therefore, before exporting, the question “Is this product under Kenya PVoC?” must be answered product by product.
Kenya PVoC Conformity Assessment Process
The general process can be planned as follows:
1. Determining the Product and HS Code
In the first stage, the technical characteristics and HS code of the product to be exported are determined.
2. Determining the Kenyan Standard
The applicable Kenya Standard, technical regulation or approved specification for the product is identified.
3. Review of Technical Documents
The following are reviewed for the product:
- Technical characteristics,
- Catalogues,
- Technical drawings,
- User manuals,
- Test reports,
- Existing conformity documents,
- Label and packaging information
4. Testing and Sampling
Depending on the nature of the product, testing or sample examination may be carried out. In the KEBS PVoC procedure, recognised laboratories are defined as ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories, contractor laboratories or government laboratories.
Whether existing test reports will be accepted must be assessed according to the product, the standard, the scope of the report and the PVoC procedure applied.
5. Physical Inspection
Where required, a physical inspection of the product is carried out before export.
In the inspection, the product's technical characteristics, quantity, markings, packaging and the relevant conformity requirements may be checked.
6. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
If the conformity assessment has a positive outcome, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.
For products found not to conform, a Non-Conformity Report (NCR) may be issued according to the relevant procedure.
7. Kenyan Customs and KEBS Procedures
The CoC or other applicable conformity documents are used in import and customs procedures in Kenya.
For products under PVoC that do not have a CoC or are not supported by the required conformity documents, procedures such as destination inspection / testing may be applied.
Documents Required for Kenya PVoC
Depending on the nature of the product and the PVoC procedure to be applied, the following documents may be requested:
- Manufacturer's details,
- Exporter's details,
- Details of the importer in Kenya,
- Proforma invoice,
- Commercial invoice,
- HS code,
- Product technical characteristics,
- Product catalogues,
- Technical drawings,
- Operating and maintenance manuals,
- Existing test reports,
- Product photographs,
- CE or other conformity documents,
- Brand and model information,
- Production facility information,
- Sample where required,
- Free Sale Certificate or other relevant documents where applicable.
KEBS's current PVoC Manual Version 15 also provides for the submission of a Free Sale Certificate in certain cases before the CoC is issued.
The Exporter's Responsibility in Kenya PVoC
In the PVoC process, the exporter's basic responsibility is to ensure that the products meet the requirements of the relevant Kenyan standards, approved specifications and other applicable regulations.
KEBS's PVoC rules provide that exporters must have the required tests carried out and facilitate the physical inspection where required, and must ensure that products under PVoC are sent with the required CoC or relevant document before shipment.
For this reason, it is important to plan PVoC procedures as far as possible before export, not after the product has been prepared for shipment.
The 2026 Kenya PVoC Update
An important change took place in 2026 in the provision of PVoC services in Kenya.
According to KEBS's announcement of February 2026, the previous general goods PVoC contracts ended on 8 February 2026, and preparations were made for the new contract period. KEBS's current PVoC Manual Version 15 lists new PVoC contractors for the 2026–2029 period.
In the current list, the bodies serving different regions for general goods include QISJ, CHIC, ASTC, CCIC, Intertek, Cotecna, TÜV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas and SGS. QISJ is additionally indicated for motor vehicles, motor vehicle spare parts and mobile equipment.
For this reason, before exporting to Kenya, procedures must be planned not only according to old PVoC practices but according to the current KEBS PVoC contractor and regional allocation.
Can Products Be Sent to Kenya Without PVoC and a CoC?
For products under PVoC, obtaining the required conformity document before shipment is the main process.
Under KEBS's current practice, destination inspection and/or testing may be applied to products arriving without the required CoC or relevant document. KEBS's announcement of February 2026 also states that certain imports without a valid CoC may be subject to destination inspection.
For this reason, the safest approach for the exporter is to determine the product's PVoC scope before shipment and complete the required conformity process.
Istanbul Certificate Office – Kenya CoC and PVoC Services
Istanbul Certificate Office provides consultancy and coordination support in PVoC and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) processes to manufacturers and exporters shipping from Türkiye to Kenya.
As part of the service, we provide support on:
- Determining the PVoC scope,
- Review of the product and HS code,
- Determining the Kenyan standard,
- Preliminary review of technical documents,
- Assessment of existing test reports,
- Planning the required tests,
- Coordination of the PVoC application process,
- Planning the physical inspection process,
- Following up the CoC process,
- Assessment of the NCR process where required,
- Coordination of conformity documents for Kenyan import and customs procedures
Preliminary Assessment for the Kenya Certificate of Conformity
So that we can carry out a preliminary assessment for the product you wish to export to Kenya, you can share the following information:
Product name + HS code + brand/model + technical characteristics + intended use + existing test reports + CE or other conformity documents
We can assess on a product basis whether the product falls under PVoC, the Kenyan standard to be applied and the testing, inspection and documentation steps required to obtain the CoC, and plan your export process.
