A Hides and Skins Dispatch Note must accompany every consignment of hides and skins being moved or sold in Kenya. The dispatch note is issued after inspection of the hides and skins by DVS officers, who check the consignment for quality, origin, and compliance with handling standards. An inspection report is issued together with the dispatch note.
The requirement exists under the Hides, Skins and Leather Trade Act and is regulated by the DVS. The dispatch note serves to trace hides and skins from slaughterhouses through to processors (tanneries and bandas) and traders, ensuring that only legally sourced and properly handled hides and skins enter the supply chain.
Hides and Skins Dispatch Note Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Dispatch Note (per consignment) | As prescribed by DVS |
| Inspection Fee | DVS rate |
Export Fees for Hides, Skins and Leather (DVS — L.N. 166 of 2021)
| Item | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Export Certificate — Skins of Wild Animals (per consignment) | 2,000 |
| Export Certificate — Ostrich Skins (per piece) | 50 |
| Export Certificate — Drums made of Hides/Skins (1–100 pieces) | 1,000 |
| Export Certificate — Drums made of Hides/Skins (over 100 pieces) | 2,000 |
Contact the DVS for the current dispatch note fee schedule. All hides and skins consignments without a valid dispatch note are liable to seizure.
Contact: Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kangemi, Nairobi | Tel: +254 20 2718870
