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.
