Exporting to Kenya from Egypt
Kenya is one of Egypt's COMESA Free Trade Area partners, so qualifying Egyptian goods can enter without import duty if the origin rules are met and proven. Check Kenya's product rules before shipping: imported products sold in Kenya must carry an ISM code showing KEBS certification, and plant products are regulated by KEPHIS. Use a confirmed letter of credit or advance payment for first orders.
Kenya is a gateway to East Africa, and its port of Mombasa serves much of the region. For Egyptian exporters it is one of the COMESA markets south of the Sahara. For Kenyan importers, Egypt is a source of goods within the same free-trade framework.
This guide lists what to check before a first shipment. It is general information, not customs or legal advice; confirm requirements with Kenyan authorities and your forwarder (information as of November 2026).
1. Kenya and Egypt: the trade framework
Kenya is a COMESA member and, per tralac's 2026 list, takes part in the COMESA Free Trade Area with Egypt. It signed the AfCFTA agreement in 2018. In practice, check the tariff for your HS code and the proof of origin your buyer's customs will accept. A good buyer's clearing agent will know the current practice.
2. Product standards: the ISM code and KEBS
According to the US Commercial Service's Kenya guide, imported products sold in Kenya must obtain an ISM code, which shows that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has certified them. Ask your buyer which products and which conformity procedure apply to yours, and who will obtain the certificate.
3. Plant products: KEPHIS
Fresh fruit, vegetables and other plant products are regulated for plant health by KEPHIS, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service. Before you ship, confirm with your buyer or KEPHIS whether an import permit is needed, and prepare a phytosanitary certificate from Egypt's plant protection authority. Goods that do not meet the requirements can be refused at the border.
4. Documents to prepare
- Commercial invoice with HS code, Incoterm and value.
- Packing list and transport document.
- Proof of origin for the duty preference.
- Phytosanitary certificate and any import permit for plant products.
- Product certificates and conformity documents your buyer asks for.
Agree the list with your buyer and forwarder before booking the shipment.
5. Payment terms for a new Kenyan buyer
For a first order, prefer advance payment or a confirmed letter of credit. Verify the buyer first: company registration, references, how they handle samples. After a few successful orders, you can offer softer terms, ideally with credit insurance behind them. Put the price, Incoterm, payment terms and claims procedure in a written pro forma invoice.
6. Route and timing
Most sea shipments reach Kenya through Mombasa. Ask your forwarder for transit time, the shipping line schedule and any port charges that fall on the seller under your Incoterm. For fresh produce, plan the cold chain and the shelf life on arrival, not only the departure date.
Sources
- US International Trade Administration — Kenya Country Commercial Guide: import requirements
- US International Trade Administration — Kenya Country Commercial Guide: trade agreements
- KEPHIS — Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
- Kenya Revenue Authority
- tralac — 16 countries now in COMESA Free Trade Area
Common questions
Do Egyptian goods enter Kenya duty-free?
Qualifying goods can, under the COMESA Free Trade Area, if the origin rules are met and proven. Confirm the current treatment with your buyer's clearing agent or the Kenya Revenue Authority before quoting.
What is an ISM code?
According to the US Commercial Service, it is a mark required for imported products sold in Kenya that shows KEBS has certified them.
Who handles the import permit for plant products?
Usually the Kenyan importer applies, but agree this in writing and check with KEPHIS before the goods ship.
Can you help us find Kenyan importers?
Yes. We shortlist importers from trade data, check them before any sample leaves, and manage the outreach and follow-up.
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