Kenya requires mandatory C/O for all imported goods

According to the Import-Export Department - Ministry of Industry and Trade , the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has just announced the application of mandatory regulations on Certificate of Origin (C/O) for all goods imported into the country from October 1, 2025, after a transition period ending on September 30, 2025.

This is the content stated in the Note of the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok sent to the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, citing Article 44A of the Tax Procedures Law, Chapter 469B, as amended by the Finance Law 2025. According to the new regulation, all shipments imported into Kenya must have a C/O issued by a competent authority of the exporting country's Government , certifying that the goods have a clear origin.

Kenya Customs will not process import procedures for shipments that do not present a valid C/O. Based on the information provided by Kenya, the Import-Export Department requests ministries, branches, industry associations, and trade promotion organizations to promptly inform businesses, especially those with export activities to the Kenyan market.

The Department recommends that enterprises proactively contact the competent C/O issuing agency for guidance, ensuring that each export shipment has a C/O in accordance with regulations to avoid risks of delayed customs clearance, additional costs and contract disruption.

Source: Import-Export Department