The second-hand clothes (mitumba) business has been flourishing in Kenya for decades and has seen many young people make money selling clothes online.
Locally, Gikomba - ranked as the latest second-hand clothes distributor in the country - remains the go-to market for imported products.
However, few people know about the paperwork required to import bales of clothes into the country.
Kenyans.co.ke explains the list of permits one requires before importing clothes into the country.
Certificate of registration
For importers of second-hand clothing, one is required to register with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The application form for the certificate of registration can be found at the InfoTrade Kenya website infotradekenya.go.ke.
TFP Certificate
One needs to register and train with the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP). The training is for two days with each session lasting four hours.
TFP is run by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade). KenTrade is a government agency mandated with easing cross-border trade.
After the training, TFP puts the name of the registered entity into the National Electronic Single Window System.
Some of the items covered in the TFP two-day course include a Local Certificate of Conformity (LOC), Import Declaration Form (IDF), and consignment documents.
“The Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) is an electronic system that facilitates the online application, processing, approvals, and issuance of export and import permits, and declaration of goods,” explains the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Local Certificate of Conformity (COC)
This certificate is issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
It is meant to ensure the merchandise being imported conforms to the required standards and specifications.
After successful inspection and verification of the consignment is carried out by KEBS the certificate is issued. Additionally, one can choose to have the goods inspected in the country of origin or in Kenya.
Import declaration form (IDF)
IDF shows one's intent to bring in goods from a foreign country. One needs a go-ahead from KRA and KEBS before getting this form. Getting an IDF is free of charge.
“All importers are required to obtain an import declaration form (IDF) for each consignment prior to importation of any commodity.
“Application of the IDF should be done before the goods leave the country of origin,” explain Infotrade Kenya.
Certificate of radioanalysis
KRA advises importers to get this crucial document as a prerequisite to importing. It is meant to ensure that commodities are free of radioactive elements.
The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) is mandated to offer this certificate.
One gets this document online through the TFP system.
One needs to contract a licensed clearing agent to clear the clothes for you from the point of entry. The most common point of entry is the Port of Mombasa and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
On November 2, 2022, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria noted that he intends to make Kenyan-made clothes more competitive to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported second-hand clothes.
“I don't need to ban mitumba and I will not ban mitumba, but I will make mitumba not competitive.
“I will make sure people are able to buy clothes made in Kenya at cheaper prices,” Kuria stated.
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