Exporting China ➜ Kenya? Cotecna is Now Issuing Kenya Pre- Verification of Conformity Certificates
Cotecna is pleased to announce that it has resumed support for exporters in China shipping regulated goods to Kenya under the Pre‑Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Programme.
Cotecna has been awarded the contact by the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to support the issuance of Certificates of Conformity (COC) for regulated products exported from China to Kenya.
Kenya PVOC Programme Overview
The Pre‑Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Programme is a mandatory conformity assessment scheme implemented by KEBS. It applies to regulated products before shipment and ensures compliance with:
- Applicable Kenyan Technical Regulations
- Mandatory Kenyan Standards or approved specifications
A COC is a compulsory document for Customs clearance in Kenya. Shipments that arrive without a valid certificate may be detained and subjected to destination inspection by Kenyan authorities.
Scope of Products
All products are subject to the PVOC programme except prohibited, restricted, and officially exempted products.
Motor vehicles are exempt, as they are covered under a separate conformity scheme requiring a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR).
For detailed confirmation of whether a product is regulated or exempted, exporters are advised to consult our team from Kenya or China office.
Conformity Assessment Process
Depending on the exporter’s profile and shipment history, conformity assessment may include one or more of the following activities conducted in the country of export:
- Physical inspection of goods
- Sampling and testing in ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited laboratories
- Factory audits where applicable
The level of verification is determined through the applicable PVOC compliance route.
Guidance for Exporters
Exporters shipping goods from China to Kenya are strongly encouraged to verify PVOC requirements before shipment to avoid delays, additional costs, or rejection at the port of entry.
To initiate the certification process, the following documents are typically required:
- Request for Certification (RFC)
- Pro forma or commercial invoice
Additional technical documentation may be requested depending on product category.
Cotecna’s teams are available to support exporters with Kenya PVOC requirements for goods originating from China and to provide guidance on product scope, documentation, and certification procedures. For further information or assistance, please contact Cotecna.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.