Kenya Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Program

The Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Program is a conformity assessment program applied to products at the respective exporting countries, to ensure their compliance with the applicable Kenya standards, approved specifications, and other applicable regulations

The program is overseen by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). KEBS is a statutory body established under the Standards Act, CAP 496 of the Laws of Kenya. KEBS inspects imported goods either in the country of exportation, through PVoC or at the destination at done at ports of entry.

Following the expiry of PVOC contracts for General Goods on 31st March 2022, ALL products (General Goods) shipped on board on or after 1st April 2022 will be subjected to destination inspection at a fee equivalent to 0.6% of the approved customs value, subject to a minimum of USD 265 and a maximum of USD 2700 exclusive of testing charges. Testing charges shall be paid on a case-by-case basis. This is the same fees that would have been charged had the goods been subjected to inspection in the country of exportation by the PVoC agents

The program requires that all regulated goods imported to Kenya be assessed at the country of origin and a certificate of conformity (COC) or certificate of inspection (COI) is issued as evidence of compliance of the goods to local or approved international standards. KEBS requires these bodies to conduct one or a combination of the following: Inspection, sealing of containers, if need be, sampling, testing of goods (must be an ISO 17025 Accredited lab) or factory audits with respect to the required ISO standards or any other required requirement.

The PVoC program has subdivided the globe into zones. Each zone has one inspection body that will provide the services on behalf of KEBS. For North America (U. S. A.) will be serviced by SGS.

PVoC Exemption
There are PVoC Exempted goods which include raw materials, machines and spares imported by registered local manufacturers; products certified by KEBS under the Diamond Mark of quality product certification and products waived by the government through the Cabinet Secretary of Industry, Trade and Cooperative Development.

Destination Inspection

The Destination Inspection process mentioned above is temporary for now as KEBS is in the process of signing the new contracts with new PVoC Agents. 

Inspection bodies that were awarded the contract

1. SGS    
2. Bureau Veritas
3. World Standardization Certification & Testing Group (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd
4. China Certification & Inspection Group Co. Ltd
5. TUV Austria Turk
6. China Hansom Inspection & Certificate Co. Ltd

Normally, the destination inspection program is specific for goods imported from countries where KEBS has no pre-inspection arrangements.

For More Information Contact:
Judy.Magondu@trade.gov