The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a public notice mandating that all imports into Kenya must now be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (CoO), effective from July 1, 2025. This is in accordance with Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, CAP. 469B, as amended by the Finance Act, 2025.
The new directive marks a major shift from previous policy, where Certificates of Origin were only necessary for goods under preferential trade arrangements. The move is aimed at tightening import regulations, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that goods entering Kenya are compliant with origin verification standards.
A valid Certificate of Origin must be issued by a competent authority in the country of export and must include detailed information such as:
- Name and address of both exporter and importer
- Port of origin
- Accurate description and quantity of goods
- Country of origin
- Country of destination
Failure to comply with the new requirement may lead to serious penalties, including seizure or forfeiture of goods by the Commissioner or authorized officers.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the KRA has provided a grace period until 30th September 2025. During this time, importers are encouraged to engage with their suppliers to ensure the necessary documentation is in place. The importers are also encouraged to only source from exporters who can provide valid Certificates of Origin as well as to avoid doing business with non-compliant suppliers, as this could expose them to penalties
The Authority clarified that only goods accompanied by a valid CoO will be allowed entry into Kenya. KRA reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while upholding full compliance with the law.
