Get a PPB import or export permit for medicines and health products
Pharmacy and Poisons Board · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Create a base document (IDF) on KRA iCMS, then apply for the PPB permit on the KenTrade single window and pay on eCitizen where a fee applies. Commercial medicine and medical device permits cost 0.75% of the FOB value; export permits are free.
- Fee
- The import permit fee is 0.75% of the FOB value.
- Where
- Online: KRA iCMS for the base document, KenTrade single window for the permit, eCitizen for payment; PPB inspects at the port of entry
What you need
- Proforma or commercial invoice
- Product registration/retention certificate (or emergency or compassionate use authorisation)
- Your wholesale dealer's licence
- For vaccines: batch release certificates or letters of concurrence
Steps
- Get your logins for KRA iCMS, KenTrade and PPB's PRIMS, and make sure your company KRA PIN is activated.
- Create a base document (BD/IDF) on KRA iCMS with the correct HS code, and note the BD number.
- On KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform, create a UCR, pick the right PPB permit type, port of entry and transport mode, attach the documents and submit.
- If the permit is paid for, pay on eCitizen: choose PPB and 'trade permit'.
- When the goods arrive, PPB inspectors check the documents and the consignment at the port before customs releases it.
Watch out
- The fee for commercial medicine, medical device and commercial narcotics/psychotropics permits is 0.75% of FOB value. If you under-declare the value, PPB will bill the difference.
- A permit is for one shipment only, can't be transferred and can't be altered once issued. It is valid for one year (narcotics and psychotropics: six months).
- Export permits are free; only commercial import permits are charged.
Who can apply
- Commercial medicine imports: a business holding a PPB wholesale dealer's licence, importing registered (or otherwise PPB-authorised) products
- You need logins for KRA iCMS, KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform and PPB's PRIMS
Official sources (3)
- Guideline on Import and Export of Health Products and Technologies (Rev. 2, February 2026) web.pharmacyboardkenya.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Trade Affairs web.pharmacyboardkenya.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- PPB products portal (Exports and Imports Permit) products.pharmacyboardkenya.org · read 2 Oct 2026