   
  
G/LIC/Q/KEN/1  
 
12 March 2020 
(20-1954) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 IMPORT LICENSING SYS TEM OF KENYA  
QUESTIONS FROM THE U NITED STATES TO KENYA  
The following communication, dated 11 March 2020 , is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the United States.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1. Does the Government of Kenya maintain a permitting regime for the importation of all me at, 
dairy, and poultry products?  In this case, permitting regime should be understood as any system 
that requires importers to first secure permission from the governme nt to import a product.  
 
(a) If so, what is the purpose of this regime?  
(b) We ask Kenya to provide clarity on any agricultural products, including but not limited to meat, 
dairy and poultry, that require permits for importation into Kenya.  
(c)  Does Ke nya maintain a list of products requiring permits according to HS code?  If so, where 
can this information be found?  
 
2. Can the Government of Kenya please outline the purpose of the Letter of Application to 
Import ?  
 
(a) What is the purpose and basis of t his document?  
(b) What persons or firms are eligible to submit this letter?  
(c) Where are applicants notified of the requirement to submit this letter?  
(d) How far in advance must this letter be submitted before a determination is made to allow 
importation?  
(e) What information are impor ters required to supply in this letter? For example, are importers 
required to disclose quantity, price, and origin?  
(f) How many Ministries/Offices must review this letter?  
 
3.  Can the G overnment of Kenya outline the purpose of the Letter of No Objection ? 
 
(a) Are Letters of No Objection  issued in all cases, provided the applicant submits all required 
documents?  
(b) What is the purpose and basis of this document?  
(c) Is this the final document that must be secured from the Government of Kenya before 
importation can take place?  Are there any formal permits issued to the importer once this 
letter has been authorized?  If so, how long are these permits valid?  
(d) How lo ng is the period for making a determination on whether to issuing the Letters of No 
Objection ?  
(e)  How many Ministries/Offices must process Letters of No Objection  before the Department of 
Veterinary Services approves the letter?  Can Kenya please provid e a list of relevant Ministries 
reviewing the letter?  
(f) Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?  
(g) Does a system of appeals in accordance with the domestic legislation or procedures exist for 
cases where the DVS refuse to issue a Letter of no Objection?  If so, how long does this 
process take and to whom must importers appeal?  
 
__________  