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Import/Export

United States to Kenya

Country or Territory Regulations Topics:

Commodity Specific Stipulations

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Kenya. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Shipments of drugs and medicines will be delayed for inspection. The Ministry of Health mandates special requirements for the importation of medicines. An Import License endured by the Ministry of Health is required for clearance. The generic or common name of the product should be included on the invoice.
Shipments of drugs and medicines will be delayed for inspection. The Ministry of Health mandates special requirements for the importation of medicines. An Import License endured by the Ministry of Health is required for clearance. The generic or common name of the product should be included on the invoice.
If ship or aircraft spare parts (spares) are in transit, the invoice should be clearly marked as “ship or aircraft spares in transit.” A letter from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, duly signed and endorsed, is required before clearance of aircraft spares or transshipment of ship spares can occur.
Data shipments require an invoice with the character of the USB stick (storing intercompany data) and the value of the USB Stick.

Prohibited or Restricted Commodities

Kenya Airways (used by UPS to ship to and from Kenya) have advised there is a permanent embargo on all lithium batteries (including items that have lithium batteries within the commodity) being accepted to travel on small package service as Courier. This applies to all shipments, even if they are packed in accordance to groups 965, 966, 967, 968, 969 and 970. These have to be rebooked to move as Freight mode causing additional time in transit.
Diskettes are prohibited.
Blank envelopes are prohibited.
Commercial films are prohibited, but promotional and training films are accepted as non-document shipments.
The consignee must have a license from the Ministry of Defense.
Paper and gum-backed labels are prohibited.
Kenya Airways (used by UPS to ship to and from Kenya) have an embargo on all Liquids being accepted to travel as Courier.
Category PI 965 of Lithium Ion Batteries-Lithium cells or battery only-cannot be forwarded with commercial carriers to Kenya.
Shipments of Lithium Metal Batteries are prohibited on Emirates Airlines flights which UPS uses to this destination country or territory.

Alternative arrangements are in place, but expect transit delays if the normal planned flow of the package is via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Time in Transit may be extended due to solution found.

Customers must use an authorized UPS / MBE (Mail Boxes Etc) Store or UPS Customer Center to ship personal effects.

The UPS Store, Mail Boxes Etc. or UPS Customer Center will be required to identify personal effect shipments on the shipping label by placing "Personal Effects" in the Reference Field of a UPS "smart" label or in the Special Instructions Field of a UPS waybill. They must also clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' shipment on the Commercial Invoice.

Personal Effects are classified as used items (owned for a minimum of 6 months) intended for the consignee's personal use. Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis. "Personal Effects" must be clearly stated on the invoice and goods description.

All of the following documents must be scanned into DIS/SIR and originals on the package:

  • An inventory list with estimated values with the reason for importation (holidays, move, relocation)
  • A confirmation that the goods are older than 6 months and that they are intended for personal use only
  • A photocopy of passport or ID card

Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis.

Excisable goods (for example, perfume, alcoholic drinks, tobacco), medicine and perishable food can not be cleared as personal effects.

Personal effects shipments are not allowed in combination with Return Services.

Products made in Iran are prohibited in our service due to a current embargo.
Blank stationery is prohibited.
Blank Stationery
Unused traveler's checks are prohibited, but used traveler's checks are accepted as a non-document shipment.
Wildlife trophies are prohibited.

NOTE: Information provided by UPS is provided AS IS, may not be current, and does not constitute legal advice. In no event shall UPS be liable for any errors in the information, forms or features made available by UPS, or by any third party site linked to from UPS. Selection and completion of proper forms for any given shipment is the sole responsibility of the shipper. All shipments are subject to the UPS Terms and Conditions of Service in effect at the time of shipping for the country or territory of origin.
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