If you’re planning to ship a package to Kenya, there’s an important new customs requirement you need to know about before sending it on its way.
From 1 September 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires goods imported into Kenya to be accompanied by an Export Declaration or equivalent customs document issued by the relevant authority in the country the shipment is coming from.
It sounds like another piece of shipping paperwork, but it’s an important one. Having the correct document ready before your package leaves the country of export can help prevent unnecessary delays when it reaches Kenya.
What has changed for shipments to Kenya?
Previously, you could prepare your shipment using the standard documentation required for the type of goods you were sending.
Under the new requirement, shipments entering Kenya must now also have an Export Declaration or an equivalent customs document from the country of export.
Think of the Export Declaration as official proof that your goods have been properly declared for export before making their way to Kenya.
Kenyan customs authorities will use the document as part of the customs clearance process when your shipment arrives.
Does this apply to online orders and e-commerce shipments?
Yes.
The requirement applies to goods imported into Kenya, including e-commerce shipments and online purchases.
So whether you’re a business regularly shipping products to customers in Kenya or sending an individual shipment, you should check that the appropriate export documentation has been obtained before the goods leave the country of export.
What should be on the Export Declaration?
Before your shipment heads to Kenya, check that your Export Declaration or equivalent customs document contains the required information.
This includes:
- Exporter’s name and address
- Importer’s name and address
- Detailed description of the goods
- Quantity, value and tariff classification
- Country of export and destination
- Date of exportation
- Customs reference number issued by the relevant authority in the country of export
Missing or incorrect information could make the customs clearance process more difficult, so it’s worth checking the document carefully before shipping.
Why does this matter?
International shipping doesn’t end when your package gets on a plane.
Once a shipment arrives at its destination, customs authorities need the right information and documentation to determine whether the goods can be cleared for entry.
If you ship to Kenya without the required Export Declaration or equivalent document, your shipment could experience customs clearance delays while the necessary documentation is obtained or verified.
And nobody wants their package sitting at customs because of paperwork that could have been sorted out before departure.
The simple rule is:
Get the required export document before your shipment leaves the country of export.
Shipping from Nigeria to Kenya?
If you’re shipping from Nigeria to Kenya, this new requirement is particularly important to factor into your shipping preparation.
Before handing your shipment over for export, make sure you have the appropriate Export Declaration or equivalent customs documentation required for your goods.
You should also ensure that the information on your shipping and customs documents is accurate and consistent, particularly the details of the exporter, importer, goods, value and tariff classification.
A few extra minutes checking your documents before shipping can save considerably more time later.
A quick checklist before shipping to Kenya
Before sending your next package, ask yourself:
- Do I have the required Export Declaration or equivalent customs document?
- Does it correctly identify the exporter and importer?
- Are the goods clearly described?
- Are the quantity, value and tariff classification included?
- Does the document show Kenya as the destination?
- Does it contain the appropriate customs reference number?
- If everything checks out, you’re in a much better position for a smoother customs clearance process.
New customs requirements shouldn’t make international shipping unnecessarily complicated.
With Terminal Africa, you can compare international shipping rates, book shipments and manage deliveries from one platform.
Just remember that when shipping goods to Kenya, you’ll need to obtain the required Export Declaration or equivalent customs document before the shipment is exported.
Prepare your documents. Book your shipment. And send it on its way.
Ready to ship? Log in to Terminal Africa to compare available shipping rates and book your shipment to Kenya.
