Sending a package to Kenya – costs, customs and delivery time
Safely ship goods from Germany to Kenya
Kenya is one of the most important trade and logistics hubs in East Africa. However, anyone shipping goods from Germany to Kenya must consider Kenyan customs and import regulations in addition to transportation.
- Shipping from Germany to Kenya
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Compare different carriers and services
- International shipment tracking
- Prepare customs data centrally
- DAP and available DDP solutions
- Solutions for B2B and e-commerce shipping
- Support with international customs processes
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Plan your shipment to Kenya correctly from the very beginning.
When sending parcels to Kenya, it's not just weight and dimensions that affect the process. The product description, the value of the goods, and the correct shipping method are equally important. Customs tariff number or HS code.
Furthermore, Kenya has quality and import regulations for numerous products. These should be checked before the shipment leaves Germany, if possible.
Choose the shipping method that best suits the product.
Small and time-sensitive shipments can often be sent by parcel or express service. For heavy or larger goods, pallet and freight solutions are more suitable.
Provide complete customs information
A precise product description facilitates processing. Therefore, please describe as specifically as possible what product it is, what material it is made of, and what it is used for.
Check Kenyan import regulations
Many goods are subject to standards or additional permits. Especially with technical products, food, medical devices, plants, or chemicals, import eligibility should be clarified before booking.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Kenya: Who covers the import costs?
For deliveries to Kenya, it should be determined who is responsible for customs and other import costs before booking.
With DAP (Delivered at Place), the shipper organizes transport to the agreed destination. Customs clearance and import duties are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
With DDP, on the other hand, the shipper covers the agreed import costs. This allows for a more transparent overall price, especially in e-commerce.
However, DDP for Kenya should always be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Import formalities, local import requirements, and the capabilities of the chosen carrier can all affect the processing.
We explain the differences in detail in our guide to DAP and DDP for international shipping.
What are the customs duties for imports into Kenya?
Kenya is part of the East African Community (EAC) and uses its common external tariff.
Different tariffs apply to goods from Germany, depending on the customs tariff number. The current tariff system includes, among other things:
0% for many raw materials and capital goods
10% for certain intermediate products
25% off numerous finished goods
35% for selected finished goods and protected product groups
Significantly higher tariffs may apply to sensitive goods. For certain foodstuffs, textiles, and other protected products, rates of 50 to 100 percent or combined tariffs are possible.
The specific burden can therefore only be determined based on the respective Customs tariff number can be determined immediately.
What is the import VAT rate in Kenya?
The regular Kenyan The VAT rate is 16 percent..
Upon import, VAT is generally calculated on the customs value plus any applicable customs duties and other import taxes. Certain products are exempt or subject to a zero VAT rate.
Therefore, the customs duty alone is not synonymous with the total import costs.
What is special about customs in Kenya?
Kenya has changed its import procedures several times in recent years. Therefore, there are a few points that shippers, especially those from Germany, should be aware of.
Conformity testing for goods from Germany
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) checks whether imported products meet Kenyan quality and safety standards.
Since February 2026, goods shipments from Germany are no longer routinely checked via PVoC before export. Instead, a so-called [procedure] is carried out for affected German goods. Destination inspection upon arrival in Kenya.
This may require documents such as an invoice, import declaration form, packing list, transport documents, customs declaration, and a certificate of free sale. Depending on the goods, test reports or other quality certificates may also be required.
Germany Trade & Invest currently lists a fee of [amount missing] for Destination Inspection. 0,6 percent of the customs valueMinimum $300 and maximum $3.500 per shipment. Additional inspection fees may apply.
Certificate of Origin
Since October 2025, imports to Kenya have generally been subject to a Certificate of Origin required. In certain exceptional cases, alternative export documents may be accepted after review by customs.
New document requirements since September 2026
Since September 1, 2026 Kenyan importers must also obtain and retain an export document from the exporting country. This may include an Export Declaration, Export Entry, Customs Export Certificate, or a similar document.
The documents must identify, among other things, the exporter, importer, description of goods, quantity, value, customs tariff number and export country, and must be kept by the importer for five years.
Especially for commercial deliveries to Kenya, it is therefore worthwhile to coordinate the documents with the importer before collection.
Sending a package to Kenya: What companies should know
Kenya is an important economic center in East Africa. Nairobi in particular serves as a regional base for many international companies, while Mombasa, with its port, plays a central role in the transport of goods in East Africa.
Trade in goods with Germany is also significant. In 2025, Germany exported goods worth approximately 279 million euros to Kenya.
However, the Kenyan market also presents additional challenges for shippers. Besides transport and standard customs clearance, product standards, conformity assessments, and specific import documents may also play a role.
What documents do I need for shipping to Kenya?
For commercial shipments of goods, the documents should be fully prepared.
Relevant documents may include:
Commercial invoice
Packing List
Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
Import Declaration Form
Certificate of Origin
Customs declaration
Permits (if applicable)
If applicable, certificates of conformity or quality
The Kenya Revenue Authority lists, among other things, the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and, if applicable, permits as relevant documents for import clearance.
If the goods are not sold, a pro forma invoice may be required instead of a commercial invoice, depending on the reason for shipment. You can find out more in our guide. Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice.
Carefully select the product description and HS code
When shipping to Kenya, the product description should be as clear as possible.
Instead of:
“Electronic Parts”
For example:
“Replacement power supply unit for industrial packaging machine”
significantly more meaningful.
Additionally, the goods need the correct customs tariff number. This affects the customs duty rate and can determine whether additional import regulations apply.
You can find information on this under Correctly determining the customs tariff number and HS code.
How much does shipping to Kenya cost?
The shipping price depends on the specific shipment. Key factors include weight, dimensions, pickup address, destination, and desired delivery time.
Therefore, a general uniform price should not be used for Kenya.
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Companies can compare available services for their shipment.
How long does it take to send a package to Kenya?
The delivery time depends heavily on the chosen shipping service.
Express shipments can reach Nairobi and other well-connected regions within a few business days in some cases. DHL currently estimates delivery times of 8 to 14 business days for standard parcel shipping.
Additional time may be required due to customs clearance, destination inspection, or missing import documents.
Avoid typical problems when shipping to Kenya
Not every delay in a package to Kenya is caused by the transport process. Often, important information or documents are missing upon import.
Particularly problematic are inaccurate product descriptions, incorrect customs tariff numbers, or missing import documentation.
Since the amendments in 2025 and 2026, companies should also pay particular attention to origin and export documents. The Certificate of Origin and the new documentation requirements for Kenyan importers may be relevant for customs clearance.
For goods subject to Kenyan quality standards, it should also be clarified which documents are required for the current Destination Inspection.
Another important point concerns regulated products. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, plants, seeds, pesticides, and various other goods are subject to additional requirements set by the relevant authorities.
The sooner these questions are clarified, the lower the risk of unnecessary waiting times after arrival.
What goods are frequently shipped from Germany to Kenya?
For German companies, Kenya is, among other things, a sales market for machinery, technical equipment, and medical products. Spare parts, electronic components, tools, and plant and machine components are also relevant for commercial shipment.
For example, German deliveries of food processing and packaging machinery to Kenya increased significantly in 2025. At the same time, Kenya imports a large portion of its medical technology, and German suppliers are among these importers as well.
However, for regulated goods, companies should check in advance which product documentation is required.
You can find more international shipping destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Kenya
What shipping methods are available to Kenya?
Depending on size and urgency, various transport options are available for Kenya.
Smaller shipments can often be sent as parcels. For time-sensitive goods, a different service is recommended. Express Shipping
Heavy or multiple packages, on the other hand, can be sent via a Pallet shipping or transported as a freight solution.
You can find an overview at international shipping methods.
How do goods get from Germany to Kenya?
Parcel and express shipments are predominantly transported via international air freight networks. Nairobi is the country's most important air traffic hub.
For larger quantities of goods, sea transport also plays an important role. The port of Mombasa is one of the central seaports of East Africa and also serves as a transshipment point for other countries in the region.
Depending on the quantity of goods, in addition to parcel and express shipping, another option may also be available. international freight solution be useful.
What import duties are levied in Kenya?
Several cost components can come together during import.
In addition to the actual import duty, the following charges may be particularly relevant:
16% VAT
Import Declaration Fee of generally 2,5%
Railway Development Levy of generally 2%
Excise tax (if applicable)
Additional product-specific taxes apply to certain goods.
The IDF and RDL are levied based on the customs value. Exceptions apply to certain goods. The rates mentioned remain valid even after the amendments of the Finance Act 2026.
You can find further basic information in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to Kenya cost?
Shipping costs are calculated based on the respective shipment data.
Weight, package dimensions, destination, and desired delivery time are particularly important. Additional charges may apply for special goods or remote delivery areas.
In addition, customs duties, VAT and other import costs may apply to shipments of goods.
With the Shipping cost calculator Available transport options can be compared.
Shipping to Kenya for online retailers
For online retailers, transparent communication of import costs is particularly important.
If the shipment is sent via DAP (Delivered at Place), customs duties and taxes may be charged to the recipient after the order has been placed. This can lead to additional costs before delivery.
If a DDP solution is to be offered, it should be checked in advance whether the carrier, type of goods and import structure allow this.
Equally important is accurate product data. Product description, value, origin, and customs tariff number should ideally already be stored in the shop or ERP system.
You can find more information in our guide to DAP and DDP.
What makes shipping to Kenya special?
Kenya combines classic customs regulations with comprehensive quality and product safety rules.
For German shipments, it is particularly relevant that since February 2026, conformity assessment for the affected goods has been conducted as a destination inspection in Kenya. Germany is not currently among the export regions for which a PVoC inspection service provider has been designated.
In addition, new requirements apply to origin and export documents.
Further import restrictions apply to certain products. These include, for example, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plants, seeds, and various technical or regulated goods.
Which shipping providers deliver to Kenya?
Kenya is well integrated into international parcel and express networks.
However, which carriers are available for a specific shipment depends on the pickup location, destination address, weight, dimensions and type of goods.
Paket International allows businesses to compare various available transport services. These are often suitable for urgent deliveries. international express services.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Kenya?
Yes. Packages, business shipments, and goods can be sent from Germany to Kenya. The available services depend on size, weight, contents, and destination address.
How long does it take to send a package to Kenya?
It depends on the shipping service. Express shipments can arrive within a few business days. DHL currently estimates a delivery time of 8 to 14 business days for standard parcel shipping.
Does a package destined for Kenya have to go through customs?
Yes. Kenya is not part of the EU. Therefore, shipments of goods from Germany must be documented for customs purposes, both for export and import.
What is the value added tax in Kenya?
The standard VAT rate is 16 percent. Certain products are exempt from VAT or are subject to a zero rate.
What are the customs duties in Kenya?
It depends on the customs tariff number. The EAC external tariff has regular tariff levels of 0, 10, 25, and 35 percent. Significantly higher tariffs may apply to sensitive goods.
What documents do I need for shipping to Kenya?
Depending on the shipment, documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, customs information, certificate of origin, and import declaration form may be required. For regulated products, additional permits or quality certificates may be necessary.
Do I need a Certificate of Origin for Kenya?
A Certificate of Origin is generally required for imports into Kenya. Full enforcement has been in effect since October 1, 2025. Alternative export documents may be accepted in certain exceptional cases.
Do I need a PVoC certificate for goods from Germany?
For goods shipments from Germany, the mandatory KEBS conformity assessment has generally been carried out as a destination inspection upon arrival since February 2026, because no PVoC inspection service provider has currently been designated for Germany. Special regulations may apply depending on the goods.
Can I ship DDP to Kenya?
Depending on the carrier, type of goods, and import conditions, DDP may be possible. Availability should be checked before booking.
Who pays customs duties and taxes in Kenya for DAP?
Under DAP (Delivered on Post) terms, the recipient is generally responsible for import clearance as well as any applicable customs duties and taxes.
What is an Import Declaration Form in Kenya?
The Import Declaration Form (IDF) is an important document in the Kenyan import process. It is required for importing goods and contains information about the shipment and the import itself. The Kenya Trade Authority (KRA) explicitly lists it as a relevant import document.
Which goods are subject to special regulations when imported into Kenya?
Additional rules apply to, among other things, medicines, medical devices, plants, seeds, pesticides, certain chemicals, and other controlled goods. Some goods may not be imported at all or only with a permit.
