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The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced that the current Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) contracts for general goods officially expired on February 8, 2026.
In a public notice, KEBS said the previous inspection companies contracted under the three-year cycle have stopped operations and will no longer accept new Requests for Certification (RFCs).
The bureau assured stakeholders that RFCs submitted on or before February 8, 2026, will still be processed, provided certification decisions and issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoC) or Non-Conformity Reports (NCR) are completed by February 28, 2026.
“KEBS hereby informs all stakeholders and the public that the current PVoC contracts for general goods expired on 8th February 2026,” the notice reads.
What This Means for Importers
KEBS explained that it is currently in the process of procuring inspection companies for the next three-year PVoC contract cycle.
Updates will be provided once the procurement process is finalized and services resume.
In the meantime, imports shipped from February 9, 2026, without a valid Certificate of Conformity will be subjected to Destination Inspection at the Ports of Entry.
Importers will be required to pay an inspection fee equivalent to 0.6 percent of the approved customs value.
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Steps to Ensure Smooth Clearance
To avoid delays, KEBS has advised importers to take proactive measures before bringing goods into the country.
First, importers are encouraged to obtain the relevant Kenya Standards from KEBS and share them with suppliers.
Products should be tested by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory before export to Kenya.
Second, importers may register their products with KEBS or seek certification under the KEBS Diamond Mark Scheme before importation.
Those with the required quality documents must submit them through the National Single Window Trade Facilitation Platform for processing under Pre-Arrival arrangements.
Additionally, importers must provide proof that the goods are freely sold and compliant with regulations in the country of origin.
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Special Provisions for EAC and Used Vehicles
KEBS clarified that goods from East African Community (EAC) Partner States will continue to be handled under the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act, 2006.
The bureau also confirmed that the PVoC contract for used motor vehicles, mobile equipment, and spare parts remains unaffected.
These inspections will continue to be conducted by Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ).
“All used motor vehicles, mobile equipment, and spare parts shall continue to be inspected by QISJ,” KEBS stated.
Consignments arriving without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) or CoC will undergo Destination Inspection in line with Legal Notice No. 78 of April 2020.
Contact Information
KEBS urged stakeholders seeking clarification to contact the bureau through its official channels, including its website, www.kebs.org, or via email at pvoc@kebs.org and info@kebs.org.
The bureau emphasized its commitment to quality assurance and transparency, noting that it implements an Anti-Bribery Management Policy accessible on its website.
The notice was issued by the Managing Director as part of KEBS’ mandate under the Standards Act, CAP 496, Laws of Kenya, to safeguard the quality of imports into the country.
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Notice released by KEBS notifying about the expiry of PVoC contracts
PHOTO/MyGov
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