Import Standardization Mark Licence Fees / Charges, Kenya

The Import Standardization Mark (ISM) is a mandatory requirement for all imported products intended for sale in the Kenyan market. It is implemented by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to confirm that imported goods conform to the relevant Kenya Standards. The ISM replaced older sticker-based systems and is now operated alongside the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme, under which KEBS-appointed international inspection agents certify goods in their country of origin before shipment. Goods arriving without a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from a PVoC-appointed agent are subject to destination inspection at a penalty fee equivalent to 15% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value — a significant cost sanction.

ISM Fee Summary Table

Fee Component	Amount	Notes
ISM sticker cost	KES 0.49 per sticker	Per sticker affixed to each retail unit
Destination inspection penalty (no CoC)	15% of CIF value	Applied where goods arrive without PVoC CoC
Importer application fee	As billed by KEBS	Based on product category and consignment volume

Importers apply for ISM through the KEBS online portal, submitting copies of the Certificate of Conformity, Import Declaration Form (IDF), and Customs Entry Certificate.

Application Process

Importers must: (1) obtain a PVoC Certificate of Conformity from a KEBS-appointed agent (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or others) in the country of supply; (2) submit the CoC, IDF, and Customs Entry to KEBS on arrival; and (3) purchase and apply ISM stickers to each retail unit before sale. Products from EAC Partner States (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) are generally exempt from the ISM requirement due to EAC mutual recognition.

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