The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has made it mandatory for all imports into the country to be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (CoO), effective July 1, 2025.
According to a public notice issued on Wednesday by KRA, the new regulation is in accordance with changes introduced in the Finance Act 2025.
Previously, it was mandatory only for preferential trade agreement goods, but now it would be mandatory for all consignments imported.
The Certificate of Origin must be issued by a competent authority in the exporting country and must include vital shipment details like the exporter’s address and the importer’s address, origin and destination, port of origin, and detailed description of goods.
KRA has given a transition period until September 30, 2025. Shipments without certificates of conformity after that date are subject to seizure or forfeiture.
Importers have been asked to engage their suppliers early to be compliant with the new regulation and avoid disruption in cargo clearance.