Importing steel from China to Kenya
Kenya operates a strict pre-shipment conformity regime. Regulated imports, including steel, must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme run for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) before the goods leave the country of supply.
Shipping without a valid CoC leads to heavy penalties, destination inspection, or rejection. Combined with the usual grade and weight risks on Chinese steel, the paperwork discipline is what protects buyers on this lane.
Required certification
- Regulator
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Scheme
- PVoC — Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Steel imports are subject to PVoC: an accredited agency inspects and tests the goods in China against Kenyan/relevant standards and issues a Certificate of Conformity before shipment. Without a valid CoC, KEBS applies penalty surcharges and can block clearance. Confirm your supplier will support the PVoC process before you order.
Customs & clearance
- Arrange PVoC inspection and obtain the Certificate of Conformity before shipment.
- Confirm the supplier will cooperate with the accredited PVoC agency in China.
- Match certificates and test reports to the actual steel and heat numbers.
Main entry ports: Mombasa
Top fraud risks on this lane
- Shipment without valid PVoC certificateMissing or forged conformity documents trigger penalties and clearance delays at Mombasa.
- Grade substitutionLower-grade steel supplied against the ordered specification.
- Theoretical-weight billing on rebarUnder-rolled rebar billed on nominal weight delivers less steel than paid for.
Pre-payment checklist for Kenya
- 1Confirm the PVoC route and get the Certificate of Conformity before shipment.
- 2Verify the supplier is genuinely able to pass independent conformity testing.
- 3Specify settlement on actual weighed weight for rebar and coil.
- 4Book PMI and pre-shipment inspection before paying the balance.
Frequently asked questions
What is PVoC and is it mandatory for steel?
PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) is Kenya's mandatory pre-shipment inspection and certification programme for regulated goods, including steel. An accredited agency tests the goods in the country of supply and issues a Certificate of Conformity, which you need for smooth clearance at Mombasa.
What happens if steel arrives without a Certificate of Conformity?
It faces penalty surcharges, destination inspection, and possible rejection. Always secure the CoC through the PVoC process before the goods are shipped from China.
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