China Leads Kenya’s Tyre Import With 2.5 million Units: What exporters Must Do Before 1 March 2026

Kenya remains one of Africa’s most dynamic tyres import markets, relying heavily on foreign manufacturers to meet growing demand. According to 2024 Trade Map database from the International Trace Centre (ITC), Kenya imported 2,502,190 units of new pneumatic tyres from China in 2024, valued at USD 82.18 million, making China the country’s leading tyre supplier. As regulatory requirements tighten, exporters who do not prepare early may face delays, penalties, and supply‑chain disruptions. 

Why Chinese Tyre Brands Dominate Kenya’s Market 

• Competitive pricing
• Large-scale manufacturing capacity
• Wide product range across passenger, SUV, commercial and motorcycle tyres
• Strong distribution networks through East African wholesalers
• Growing demand for affordable tyre brands in Kenya and East Africa 

New Mandatory Requirement Effective 1 March 2026 

Kenya will enforce the Certificate of Conformity (COC) requirement for all tyre shipments starting 1 March 2026. Exporters in China and importers in Kenya must complete pre-export conformity assessment before shipping.  

Cotecna is officially approved to issue COCs for tyres and other regulated products exported from China to Kenya. 

If tyres are shipped without a CoC: 

• The shipment will undergo inspection at destination. 
• Importers will be charged 5% of the approved customs value, as per Legal Notice No. 78 (2020). 
• Clearance may be delayed or refused. 
• Non‑compliant shipments can also damage long‑term commercial relationships between exporters and Kenyan buyers. 

What Chinese Exporters Must Do 

1. Verify Compliance with Kenyan Standards 

Ensure your tyres meet Kenyan’s technical, safety and labelling requirements. Check compliance against KS 2525 standards where applicable. 

2. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity Before Shipping 

Approved inspection companies such as Cotecna will conduct: 

• Documentation review 
• Physical inspection
• Laboratory testing
• Factory audits (where required) 

Cotecna offers local support teams in China to streamline inspections and reduce certification lead times. 

3. Prepare All Documents Early 

Commonly required documents include: 

• Request for Certification (RFC)
• Commercial or pro forma invoice
• Technical specifications
• Existing conformity documents or test reports 

Exporters can request a pre‑submission document check from Cotecna to avoid delays. 

4. Do Not Ship Without a COC  

Tyres shipped without a CoC risk delays, penalties, or rejection at the port. 

What Kenyan Importers Should Do 

• Inform all Chinese suppliers of the 1 March 2026 deadline.
• Ensure each tyre brand has been tested and certified under the Kenya Pre‑Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) programme.
• Adjust procurement timelines to accommodate preshipment inspection and certification.
• Work with suppliers who maintain updated test reports and product specifications to speed up certification. 

Start Your Application  

Our China teams can guide you through the complete tyre certification process, from document preparation to final COC issuance. To begin, contact us today to avoid last‑minute delays, or download our free Kenya PVOC Exporter Guide for more information.  

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.