The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is proposing sweeping new regulations to tighten control of imported goods, crack down on substandard products and strengthen consumer protection.
Under the proposed rules, importers of conditionally released goods would be required to provide a bank guarantee equivalent to five percent of the customs value. Non-compliant goods could face reworking, destruction or re-export under prescribed procedures.
KEBS also plans to overhaul product certification by establishing a legal framework for the Standardization Mark and Diamond Mark of Quality, alongside a public register of certified products and enhanced enforcement powers.
The proposed laboratory regulations would designate KEBS laboratories as national reference testing laboratories while subjecting external laboratories to stricter accreditation, licensing and regular assessment requirements.
New metrology regulations would further make calibration mandatory for specified medical, industrial and environmental equipment, with calibration service providers required to obtain KEBS licences.
The proposals were discussed by Samuel Chepkonga, Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation; Dr Chris Wamalwa, Chairperson of the National Standards Council; and Esther Ngari, Managing Director of KEBS.
KEBS says the reforms are aimed at curbing substandard goods, improving consumer safety, promoting fair competition and restoring confidence in Kenya’s testing and measurement systems.
