Kenya Import Restrictions
In order to enter Kenya, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Kenya government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Kenya, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Kenya.
Import regulations
Senders should determine import restrictions from Kenyan authorities before posting:
- Animals and animal products
- Chemicals matches or prepared matchwood
- Drugs: Prescription and non-prescription
- Foodstuffs
- Fish products
- Parasites, insects and weed killers
- Printed papers
- Plants and plant products
- Vegetables
- War materials
- Weapons.
EDN’s and export permits are required for:
- Kangaroo skins
- Crocodile skins
- Emu oil
- Fish oil
- Bunker oil
- Coal
- Petroleum bases products
- Tobacco and tobacco products
- Any other alcohol including beer and spirits all volumes.
Used clothing
Kenya accepts used clothing only if addressed to a genuine charitable organisation.
Special documentation requirements
Senders should label commercial goods invoice enclosed, and enclose a dated and signed invoice.
The sender and receiver details must be addressed with a valid street address in English. A Post Office Box address is not acceptable.
The sender is responsible for finding if the destination country may impose duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees that may be applied on the item that is being sent. Please contact the consulate office of the country you are sending to or contact the ECI customer contact centre on 1800 007 678.
Prohibitions
In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Kenya prohibits:
- Animals and animal products
- Airline tickets, blank stock
- Asbestos
- Bullion and currency
- Dangerous goods, haz or comb materials
- Furs
- Invoices, blank
- Inorganic chemicals
- Ivory and other animal-based carving material
- Jewellery, precious stones and metals
- Pornography
