From October 1, 2025, importers bringing goods into Kenya will be required to present a Certificate of Origin (COO) with every consignment, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confirmed.

The Authority explained that the law has already taken effect but will be strictly enforced after the September transition period.

“All consignments imported into Kenya must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by a competent authority in the country of export. This requirement took effect on July 1, 2025,” the statement said.

KRA noted that the rule is backed by Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, CAP. 4698, as revised by the Finance Act, 2025.

It also stressed that all importers are expected to comply unless they fall under the limited exemptions provided in customs regulations.

The Authority pointed out that certain documents may be used temporarily if a COO cannot be provided at the time of clearance.

“Origin Declaration bearing origin details, Export Permit or License issued by the exporting country’s competent authority, Customs Export Declaration from the exporting country, and PVOC issued by authorised Kenya Bureau of Standards appointed agents” may be accepted, it stated.

KRA also clarified the goods exempted from the requirement.

“Goods imported by privileged persons and institutions, as provided in the Fifth Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 (EACCMA 2004), used goods including used motor vehicles, personal baggage, personal effects, mailbags and postal parcels imported by post, human remains, imported samples of no commercial value, temporary imports, small packages of medicaments under a doctor’s prescription, and individual courier packages that do not exceed the prescribed weight and value” are among those excluded, the Authority outlined.

On addressing concerns raised by traders, the Authority assured importers that difficulties will be handled in line with the law.

“Any challenges that may be encountered during implementation shall be addressed on a case to case basis taking into account the existing legal framework,” it added.

The new directive is expected to tighten checks at points of entry, reinforce compliance, and provide greater clarity on the origin of goods entering the Kenyan market.