Get a sugar import or export licence and permit from the Kenya Sugar Board
Kenya Sugar Board · sources read 3 Oct 2026
You need an import or export licence from the Kenya Sugar Board, plus a pre-import permit or pre-export approval for each shipment. Imported sugar also pays a Sugar Development Levy of 4% of its CIF value.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Deadline
- Sugar Development Levy on imported sugar: due by the 10th day of the month after import.
- Where
- Kenya Sugar Board (formerly the AFA Sugar Directorate). We could not reach the Board's website, so contact the Board directly for its application forms.
What you need
- Evidence that the sugar you want to import is not available in the local market
- A sample of the sugar and a pre-import verification certificate from the country of origin
Steps
- Get a valid import or export licence from the Kenya Sugar Board.
- Before each import, give the Board evidence the sugar is not available locally, a sample, and a pre-import verification certificate from the country of origin.
- Get a pre-import permit (or pre-export approval) from the Board for the shipment. Don't ship without it.
- Pay the Sugar Development Levy (4% of CIF value) by the 10th of the month after the sugar was imported.
- Report your imports, sales and stock to the Board as it requires.
Watch out
- Sugar may only be imported when there is a sugar deficit, and only for a set tonnage.
- Importing or exporting without a licence and permit can mean up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to KSh 10 million, or both.
- On top of normal import duties, imported sugar pays a 4% Sugar Development Levy on each consignment's CIF value.
Who can apply
- Anyone who imports or exports sugarcane or other sugar crop, sugar, or sugar by-products.
Official sources (2)
- The Sugar Act, 2024 (No. 11 of 2024), Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 200 libraryir.parliament.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- The Sugar (Sugar Development Levy) Order, 2025 (L.N. 113 of 2025) libraryir.parliament.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026