Waiver of Pre Export Verification of Conformity by KEBS

KEBS had started implementing a legal notice 183 that required all imports into the country undergo a Pre Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC). This requirement subjected all imports to verification in the country of origin before being allowed into the country. Only a few products were exempted from this requirement.

The PVoC translated into increase in prices of various agricultural inputs such as seed and agrochemicals. Due to this, agricultural players spearheaded by STAK, KEPSA and NPCK have been lobbying for these inputs be exempted from this requirement. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Enterprise Development has granted this request for a period of 6 months to allow necessary policy and legal frameworks be developed and well aligned. This is because seed trade is guided by a protocol under the International Plant Convention, while agrochemicals are regulated by Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).

Attached is the ministry directive of the suspension.