NAIROBI, Kenya — All importers bringing goods into Kenya will now be required to obtain an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) import certificate before their products enter the country, following a new directive by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The requirement takes effect on March 14, 2026, and will apply to all imported products entering the Kenyan market.
According to NEMA, the certificates must be processed through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESW), which is operated by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).
“Effective 14th March, 2026, all importers will be required to obtain the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Import Certificate lodged through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESW),” NEMA said in a statement.
Strengthening waste accountability
The directive is aimed at tightening oversight of waste management by making manufacturers, importers, and brand owners responsible for the entire lifecycle of products placed on the Kenyan market.
NEMA said the move is anchored in the Sustainable Waste Management Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations 2024 issued by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
Under the framework, producers — including importers and manufacturers — must take responsibility for managing the environmental impact of their goods and packaging even after consumers have finished using them.
The approach is aligned with the “polluter pays” principle, which requires producers to finance the collection, recycling, or disposal of waste generated by their products.
Digital clearance for import approvals
Authorities say integrating the EPR certificate into the NESW system will allow importers to apply for the document alongside other regulatory clearances required when bringing goods into the country.
The digital integration is expected to reduce paperwork, streamline approvals, and improve coordination among border control agencies responsible for clearing imported cargo.
To comply with the framework, businesses must first register with NEMA as producers under the Extended Producer Responsibility programme before applying for the import certificate through the government trade portal.
Stakeholder sensitisation underway
To help businesses understand the new requirement, NEMA has begun a nationwide sensitisation programme targeting importers, manufacturers, and logistics players.
The regulator held a virtual stakeholder webinar on March 13 to explain the implementation framework and compliance procedures.
Additional forums are planned across several regions, including Nairobi, coastal counties, central Kenya, and western trade corridors that connect major border entry points used by cross-border traders.
A coastal session scheduled in Mombasa will target counties such as Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Tana River, Voi, and Taveta, which host key maritime and land trade routes.
NEMA says the policy shift is intended to strengthen corporate responsibility for waste management while supporting Kenya’s broader environmental protection strategy.
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