Editor's Review

NEMA has issued a notice to importers and clearing agents ahead of the implementation of Phase 2 of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Import Certificate requirement.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a notice to importers and clearing agents ahead of the implementation of Phase 2 of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Import Certificate requirement through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWIS).

In a notice on Wednesday, October 14, the Authority said the new requirements will take effect on October 30, 2026, and will require all importers to register as producers under the EPR framework and obtain an EPR Import Certificate.

Under Phase 2, the certificate requirement will move from the current pre-clearance stage to the customs clearance and declaration stage. 

The adjustment is intended to facilitate the implementation of the requirement through the electronic system.

NEMA also announced a temporary suspension of the EPR Import Certificate service on October 29, 2026, to allow for the transition to the new system.

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The service will be unavailable from 5 pm to 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the planned go-live date the following day.

In its notice, NEMA advised importers and their clearing agents to complete pending applications before the system transition to avoid disruptions.

"Importers and their clearing agents are advised to complete all pending pre-clearance applications before the scheduled transition," the notice read.

File image of NEMA Director General Mamo Boru

This comes weeks after NEMA announced changes to the processing of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) permits.

In a notice Thursday, September 24, that authority said the new system will affect importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders using the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), with the changes taking effect on September 28, 2026.

"The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in collaboration with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) wishes to inform the general public, importers, clearing agents, and all relevant stakeholders that the PIN Opting process for NEMA Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) permits on the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) has been fully automated effective from 28th September, 2026," the notice read.

According to NEMA, the automation will enable importers to have their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs opted in directly when applying for NEMA EPR certificates through the Single Window System.

"Under this enhanced automated workflow, importers can seamlessly have their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs for NEMA EPR certificate applications opted in directly via Single Window System (Trade Facilitation Platform), completely eliminating the need for opting in by officers," the notice added.

NEMA said the changes were designed to improve the efficiency of EPR permit applications while making the service available to users around the clock.

"This enhancement is intended to result in: Fast, seamless and efficient EPR Application and Processing 24/7 Service Availability, elimination of manual intervention, enhanced user experience and improved operational efficiency," the notice further read.