Get a NEMA licence to make, import, export or use plastic packaging (flat bags and plastic film)
National Environment Management Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply online on the NEMA licensing portal with Form A details and an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan, and pay a fee of KSh 3,000 to KSh 50,000 depending on how many kilograms you handle a year. NEMA issues the licence within 21 working days and it lasts 12 months.
- Fee
- KSh 3,0001 to 50,000 kg a yearKSh 5,00051,000 to 100,000 kg a yearKSh 10,000101,000 to 500,000 kg a yearKSh 20,000501,000 to 1,000,000 kg a yearKSh 50,000Over 1,000,000 kg a year
- How long
- Within 21 working days
- Where
- Online on the NEMA licensing portal
What you need
- Application for a licence in Form A (details of the applicant, type of plastic packaging, products to be packed and quantity)
- An Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan for managing the waste
- KEBS certification, where it applies
Steps
- Apply online on the NEMA licensing portal.
- Fill in the Form A details and attach your EPR plan and the other required documents.
- Pay the fee for the total kilograms you make, import, export or use in a year.
- NEMA approves, asks for more details or rejects the application within 21 days, and issues the licence in Form B if approved.
Watch out
- The licence lasts 12 months, so plan to apply again every year.
- Importers must also declare the quantity and purpose of plastic packaging at the port of entry.
- If you disagree with NEMA's decision, you can appeal to the National Environment Tribunal within 60 days.
Who can apply
- Manufacturers, importers, exporters and users of flat plastic bags or plastic film (up to 250 microns thick).
- You need NEMA's authorization before you make, import, export, keep, use or sell flat bags, plastic bags or plastic film.
Official sources (4)
- NEMA Service Charter 2025-2027 (booklet) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- EMC (Management and Control of Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024 (L.N. 181 of 2024) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NEMA Customer Service Delivery Charter 2025-2027 nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Public notice to all manufacturers, exporters, importers and users of plastic packaging materials (15 January 2025) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026