On March 5, 2026, we hosted a Pre-export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) breakfast meeting at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The event brought together over 200 attendees, primarily importers, creating an important platform for dialogue and clarification around the updated PVoC framework.
The meeting aimed to provide stakeholders with insights into the new PVoC contract that came into effect on February 19, 2026, while also reinforcing regulatory expectations and operational procedures related to imports into Kenya.
Supporting Importers Through the Updated PVoC Framework
The event opened with remarks from Ferideh Kilii of SGS, who provided a detailed overview of the PVoC procedures under the new contract. Her presentation focused on helping importers understand the updated operational processes, documentation requirements and compliance steps necessary for smooth pre-export verification.
She emphasized the importance of early engagement with SGS to ensure that products meet applicable Kenyan standards before shipment, helping importers avoid delays, additional costs or clearance issues at the port of entry.
Alignment with KEBS PVoC Guidelines
The regulatory perspective was presented by Benson Bundi from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). His session outlined the official PVoC guidelines as defined in the KEBS manual, providing clarity on regulatory expectations for products entering the Kenyan market.
Mr. Bundi highlighted how the PVoC program helps ensure that imported goods comply with Kenyan safety, quality and environmental standards. By reinforcing compliance at the country of export, the program protects consumers while facilitating smoother trade processes.
Understanding Country of Origin Requirements
The final presentation was delivered by Phanice Munandi from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), who discussed the importance of determining the correct country of origin for imported goods.
Her session explained how country-of-origin declarations affect customs procedures, tariff application and trade compliance. She also addressed common challenges importers face when documenting product origin and offered guidance on best practices to avoid complications during customs clearance.
Strengthening Collaboration with Importers
The breakfast meeting concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and seek clarification on PVoC procedures, regulatory requirements and customs processes.
With strong participation from the importing community, the event demonstrated SGS’s commitment to supporting businesses with clear guidance, regulatory alignment and efficient conformity assessment services.
We are committed to facilitating compliant trade while helping importers navigate evolving regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
Need support with PVoC requirements or the new contract procedures?
Get in touch with our team via our web form to discuss your needs and how we can help facilitate compliant trade.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
