Get a fish import or export permit, certificate of compliance or fish health certificate
Kenya Fisheries Service · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply on the KenTrade single window: KeFS issues an export or import permit for each consignment, and a fish export health certificate (KSh 1,500) after inspecting it. To export processed fish you also need a KeFS-licensed processing facility and a certificate of compliance (KSh 35,000 per product line).
- Fee
- KSh 1,500Fish export health certificateKSh 35,000Certificate of compliance, other fish products (Nile perch, tilapia), per product lineKSh 35,000Certificate of compliance, high value products (tuna and maw), per product line
- How long
- Permit: about 30 minutes after you upload the application and invoice. Health certificate: within 7 working days. Certificate of compliance: within 15 working days.
- Where
- Online on the KenTrade single window (Kenya National Electronic Single Window System). KeFS head office: 13th Floor, SHA Building, Community Area, Nairobi.
What you need
- Exporting processed fish (smoked, dry, chilled, frozen): fish processing licence, registration certificate of the local fishing vessel, certificate of compliance and fish health certificate
- Exporting live fish: KeFS certificate of compliance, KeFS export permit and a fish health certificate from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS)
- Importing processed (dry, chilled or frozen) fish: import permit and a fish health certificate from the country of origin
- For each consignment: the invoice (export or import), uploaded with the application
Steps
- To export processed fish, first get your processing plant or vessel licensed by KeFS.
- Apply on KenTrade for a certificate of compliance for each product line.
- For each consignment, apply on KenTrade for the KeFS export or import permit and upload the invoice. For imports, also upload the health certificate from the country of origin.
- KeFS inspects the export consignment and issues the fish health certificate. Depending on the destination you apply through KenTrade, TRACES (EU) or the Chinese system.
Watch out
- On top of the certificates, KeFS charges 0.5% of the value of fish you export.
- Imports cost more: KeFS charges 5% of the value of fish you import.
- Live fish exports also need a fish health certificate from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), not just KeFS papers.
Who can apply
- Businesses importing or exporting fish and fish products
Official sources (4)
- Import/Export kefs.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- KeFS Service Charter kefs.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- FAQs kefs.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- KenTrade registration portal registration.kentrade.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026