Do products need a KEBS mark? Compulsory standards and the law
Standards Act · sources read 5 Oct 2026
Once a KEBS standard for a product is made compulsory by a Gazette order, it is an offence to make or sell that product unless it meets the standard. Only a holder of a KEBS permit, with goods that comply, may put the standardization mark on them; a first offence can mean up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to KSh 1 million, or both.
- Deadline
- 14 days from being notified of a KEBS decision to appeal to the Standards Tribunal.
- Deadline
- 14 days from the notice of an order to destroy goods to appeal it to the Tribunal.
- Where
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS); appeals to the Standards Tribunal
Steps
- If you will make a product under a compulsory standard, notify KEBS. If it is satisfied you can meet the standard, it issues a permit to use the standardization mark.
- Goods you suspect break a compulsory standard can be raised with KEBS. Its inspectors can enter premises, take samples and seize goods for testing.
- If you disagree with a KEBS decision (for example on a permit), you can appeal in writing to the Standards Tribunal within 14 days.
Watch out
- A person or trade can be exempted by Gazette notice where meeting the standard is temporarily impossible or impractical.
- A repeat offence can mean up to 3 years in jail, a fine, or both.
- On conviction, the court can also order the goods confiscated and destroyed at the offender's cost.
Who this covers
- Anyone who makes or sells a product covered by a compulsory Kenya Standard, after the date set in the Gazette order.
- Anyone who puts the KEBS standardization mark on goods: they need a KEBS permit and the goods must meet the standard.
Official sources (1)
- Standards Act (Cap. 496), version of 10 July 2026 new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026