Certificate of Conformity (COC) in Kenya: Complete Guide

If you are importing goods into Kenya, one document you cannot afford to ignore is the Certificate of Conformity (COC). Many shipments get delayed, fined, or rejected at ports simply because importers don’t understand what a COC is, when it is required, or how to obtain it correctly.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Certificate of Conformity in Kenya, why it matters, how to get it, and how Delta Cargo Connections helps importers avoid costly mistakes.

What Is a Certificate of Conformity (COC)?

A Certificate of Conformity (COC) is an official document issued by authorized inspection agencies confirming that imported goods comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) regulations.

The COC proves that your products meet Kenya’s:

• Safety standards

• Quality requirements

• Health and environmental regulations

Without a valid COC, your cargo may face clearance delays, penalties, or rejection at Mombasa Port, JKIA, or ICD Nairobi.

Why COC Is Mandatory in Kenya

Kenya enforces the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program to protect consumers from substandard, unsafe, or counterfeit goods.

Under this program:

• Goods must be inspected before shipment

• Compliance must be confirmed in the exporting country

• A valid COC must be presented during customs clearance

Failing to comply leads to severe consequences.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a COC?

Importing without a valid COC can result in:

• Delays at port or airport

• Heavy penalties (up to 5-20% of CIF value)

• Additional testing at the destination

• Storage and demurrage charges

• Cargo rejection or re-export

• Confiscation in extreme cases

This is why COC compliance is critical for importers.

Goods That Require a Certificate of Conformity

Most regulated imports into Kenya require a COC, including:

• Electrical & Electronics: Appliances, computers, etc.
• Automotive: Spare parts, vehicles
• Chemicals: Paints, detergents, cosmetics
• Textiles & Household Goods: Apparel, general household items
• Toys & Childcare Products: Including prams, baby equipment
• Food & Food Contact Materials: Processed foods, packaging
• Medical Devices & Equipment: Various medical supplies
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety gear

Some items may be exempt, but this depends on HS code classification.

Authorized COC Inspection Agencies

• Bureau Veritas (Bureau Veritas)
• China Certification & Inspection (Group) Inspection Co. Ltd (CCIC) (CCIC)
• China Hansom Inspection & Certificate Co. Ltd
• Intertek International Limited (Intertek)
• Société Générale de Surveillance S.A. (SGS) (SGS)
• TÜV Austria Turk (TÜV Austria)
• World Standardization Certification & Testing Group (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd (WSCT)

Only certificates from these agencies are accepted in Kenya.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC)

The COC process follows several steps:

1. Product Classification

Your product is classified using the HS Code, which determines:

• Whether COC is required

• Applicable standards

• Inspection level

Incorrect HS codes cause rejection or delays.

2. Application for Inspection

The exporter or importer submits:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Product specifications

• Test reports (if available)

• Manufacturing details

3. Product Inspection

The inspection agency:

• Examines product quality

• Confirms labeling requirements

• Verifies packaging standards

• Checks safety compliance

This is done before shipment.

4. Testing (If Required)

Some products require laboratory testing, especially:

• Electronics

• Cosmetics

• Chemicals

• Children’s products

Testing ensures compliance with Kenyan standards.

5. Issuance of COC

Once the product passes inspection, the Certificate of Conformity is issued and sent to the importer.

This certificate must be presented during customs clearance in Kenya.

Types of PVoC Routes for COC

KEBS categorizes COC issuance into routes:

Route A – For Occasional Exporters 

This route is designed for random, one-off shipments or for high-risk goods not eligible for other routes (e.g., used clothes, sugar, cereals). 

Route B – For Frequent Exporters 

This route offers a faster clearance process for suppliers who frequently export homogeneous products to Kenya and can demonstrate consistent quality

Route C – For High-Volume Manufacturers

This route is for manufacturers and their authorized representatives who have consistently high compliance levels and can prove the existence of an elaborate quality management system (QMS). 

Common COC Mistakes Importers Make

Many importers face problems because of:

1.  Applying for COC after shipping
2. Using the wrong HS codes
3. Incomplete documentation
4. Working with unapproved inspection agencies
5. Poor product labeling
6. Ignoring KEBS standards
7.  Assuming small shipments are exempt

Any of these can delay clearance.

COC vs PVOC vs KEBS Explained

Many importers confuse these terms:

• PVoC – The overall compliance program

• COC – CoC stands for Certificate of Conformity. It is the essential document or certificate issued after a product successfully passes the PVoC process.

• KEBS – The authority enforcing standards

You need all three aligned for smooth clearance.

COC Requirements for Imports Through China, Dubai & Turkey

Imports from major markets like China, Dubai, India, and Turkey require strict COC compliance.

High-risk products from China often need:

• Factory inspection

• Test reports

• Detailed labeling checks

Early planning saves time and money.

How Delta Cargo Connections Helps With COC Compliance

At Delta Cargo Connections, we help importers avoid COC-related delays by offering:

• Pre-import consultation
• HS code classification
• COC requirement assessment
•  Coordination with approved inspection agencies
•  Document preparation & verification
• Clearance support at Mombasa, JKIA & ICD Nairobi

We ensure your cargo is compliant before shipping, not after arrival.

COC Costs and Timeline

COC Cost

Varies based on:

• Product category

• Inspection route

• Testing requirements

• Country of export

Timeline

• Inspection: 2–5 days

• Testing (if required): 5–10 days

• Certificate issuance: 1–2 days

Starting early avoids delays.

Do All Imports Require a COC?

Not all goods require COC. Exemptions may apply to:

• Personal effects

• Used household goods

• Diplomatic cargo

• Machinery under specific exemptions

However, exemptions must be confirmed before shipping.

Final Thoughts: Why COC Compliance Matters

The Certificate of Conformity is not optional—it’s a critical compliance requirement for importing goods into Kenya. Without it, you risk delays, penalties, and financial losses.

By understanding the process and working with experienced logistics professionals, you protect your investment and ensure smooth clearance.

Delta Cargo Connections helps importers navigate COC requirements with confidence, accuracy, and speed—so your cargo moves without costly disruptions.