Kenya - Apply for Avocado Export License

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Procedure

How to Apply Step 1: Register with the Agriculture and Food Authority Integrated Management Information System (AFA IMIS) portal - Horticulture Crops Directorate (HCD).

1. Browser the AFA Integrated Management Information System, once on the homepage hover the mouse cursor over the “REGISTER NOW” tab and click on it.
2. This will facilitate the online registration of AFA IMIS stakeholder system users and organization details, page to open.
3. Populate all the available fields accurately before clicking on the “Submit Application” tab. Upon successful submission, the applicant will receive a Registration submission notification on their device.
4. Upon receipt of the registration request, the Agriculture and Food Authority Registration office will start the vetting process to ensure that the applicant is a legitimate company. After approval, the IMIS system will forward an email with the credentials that will be sent to the user's registered email address to facilitate access to the portal.
5. Once logged in to the portal the applicant will be prompted to change their password.
6. The time frame for processing the registration is usually 10-30 minutes.

Step 2: Meet the eligibility requirements:

1. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for obtaining an avocado export license. The specific requirements may vary, but generally, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:
2. Registration as an exporter with the AFA IMIS Horticulture Crops Directorate (HCD)
3. Compliance with relevant quality and safety standards
4. Adherence to phytosanitary and plant health regulations
5. Compliance with international trade regulations
6. Access to certified avocado farms or producers
7. Adequate post-harvest handling and storage facilities

Step 3: Obtain the necessary documents:

1. Gather the required documentation for your application. This may include:
2. Copy of your national identification card or passport
3. Business registration documents (if applicable)
4. Exporter registration certificate from the HCD
5. Farm registration documents or contracts with avocado producers
6. Proof of compliance with quality and safety standards
7. Phytosanitary certificates
8. Any other documents specified by the licensing authority

Step 4: Complete the application form:

1. Obtain the application form for an avocado export license from the HCD or their designated offices. Fill out the form accurately and provide all the required information.

Step 5: Apply:

1. Submit your completed application form along with the supporting documents to the designated office of the HCD. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 6: Pay the required fees:

1. There may be licensing fees associated with your application. Inquire about the applicable fees and pay them as instructed by the licensing authority. Retain copies of the payment receipts for your records.

Step 7: Application review:

1. The HCD will review your application and supporting documents. Before the license is given, there will be an inspection of the farm, transport vehicles, and packhouse facility (this applies to facility owners). KEPHIS is responsible for carrying out periodic field inspections, keeping monitoring records of quarantine pests and pest management measures implemented as well as carrying out phytosanitary treatment of the fresh avocado fruits by fumigation before export.

Step 8: License issuance:

1. If your application is approved, you will be issued an avocado export license. The license will outline the terms and conditions for exporting avocados from Kenya.

Note:

1. After being issued with the export license, the next step is to register as an exporter with the Electronic Clearing System (ECS) to obtain user credentials and an ECS user rights letter, which helps to facilitate the process of the verification of the origin of goods.
2. NB: ECS is an electronic method of fund transfer from one bank account to another. It is generally used for bulk transfers performed by institutions for making payments.

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Required Documents

Register with the Agriculture and Food Authority (Integrated Management Information System, AFA IMIS) Requirements:

• Valid identity card (ID /Passport Number)
• Certificate of Incorporation in case of a local company OR
• Certificate of Compliance in case of a foreign company (Company Registration Number)
• Kenya Revenue Authority Pin Certificate ( KRA Pin Number)

Export License Requirements:

• Certificate of business registration: This document proves that your business is legally registered and recognized by the relevant authorities in Kenya.
• Tax compliance certificate: It verifies that your business has fulfilled its tax obligations to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
• Phytosanitary certificate for avocados: This certificate ensures that your avocados comply with the phytosanitary requirements, indicating they are free from pests, diseases, and other contaminants that could harm agricultural or natural ecosystems.
• Export marketing plan: This plan outlines your strategies for exporting avocados, including target markets, marketing efforts, distribution channels, and market analysis.
• Quality control and grading certificates: These certificates demonstrate that your avocados meet the required quality standards and have been properly graded according to industry guidelines.
• Packaging and labeling specifications: Details of how your avocados will be packaged and labeled for export, including information on packaging materials, labeling requirements, and product identification.
• Proof of compliance with international standards: Any relevant certifications or documentation that demonstrate your compliance with international standards for avocado exports, such as Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) certification.
• Any other documents specified by the licensing authority

Office Locations & Contacts

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) - Head OfficeAddress: Tea House; Naivasha Road, off Ngong RoadP.O Box 37962 - 00100, NairobiCell Phone: +254-722200556/734600944Wireless: +254 - 020 - 2536869/2536886E-Mail: [email protected]: Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)

Eligibility

To be eligible for an avocado export license in Kenya, you would generally need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Business registration: Your business should be legally registered in Kenya. This typically involves obtaining a business registration certificate from the Registrar of Companies or relevant government authorities.
• Compliance with regulations: You must comply with the regulations set by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) for avocado exports. This includes adherence to international quality standards, phytosanitary measures, packaging and labeling requirements, and grading standards.
• Capacity and infrastructure: You should have the necessary capacity and infrastructure to handle avocado exports. This includes having appropriate facilities for packaging, storage, and transportation, as well as the capability to meet the demand and volume requirements of potential export markets.
• Financial stability: You should demonstrate financial stability and capability to carry out avocado export operations. This may involve providing evidence of financial resources, such as bank statements, audited financial statements, or proof of access to funds.
• Compliance with tax obligations: You should be up-to-date with your tax obligations and hold a valid tax compliance certificate issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

NB: It's important to note that the specific eligibility criteria may be subject to change or additional requirements may be imposed by the Agriculture and Food Authority.

Fees

The fees associated with obtaining an avocado export license in Kenya may vary and are subject to change. It's essential to consult with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)

• Application fee: There is typically an application fee that must be paid when submitting your application for an avocado export license. The amount of the application fee can vary.
• License fee: If your application is approved, you will be required to pay a license fee to obtain the avocado export license. The license fee is usually an annual fee, and the amount can vary depending on factors such as the size of your business and the volume of avocado exports.
• Inspection fees: The Agriculture and Food Authority may conduct inspections or assessments of your premises and processes to ensure compliance with regulations. In such cases, inspection fees may be applicable.
• Other fees: Depending on the specific requirements and services provided by the AFA, there may be additional fees related to services such as phytosanitary certification, quality control, or grading.

Validity

• The validity of an avocado export license in Kenya can vary. Generally, an avocado export license is valid for a specific period, often one year from the date of issuance. However, it's important to note that the specific validity period may be subject to change and can depend on the regulations set by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) or other relevant authorities.

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Processing Time

• The processing time for obtaining an avocado export license in Kenya can vary depending on various factors, including the efficiency of the licensing authority and the completeness of your application.
• Typically, the processing time can range from a few weeks to several months. The process involves the review of your application, verification of documents, inspections (if required), and assessment of your compliance with regulations. Delays may occur if there are any missing or incomplete documents, or if further clarification is needed from the applicant.

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Required Information

Business details:

• Name of your business or company.
• Contact information, including address, phone number, and email.
• Business registration number or certificate.

Exporter information:

• Details of the person or entity responsible for exporting avocados.
• Contact information of the exporter, including name, address, phone number, and email.

Market information:

• Target export markets for your avocados.
• Details of the countries or regions you intend to export to.

Export plan:

• Description of your export strategy, including marketing efforts and distribution channels.
• Market analysis, identifying potential customers and competitors.
• Packaging and labeling specifications for your avocados.

Avocado production and sourcing:

• Details of your avocado production, including the volume of avocados produced annually.
• Information on the sourcing of avocados, such as whether they are sourced from your farm or other producers.

Compliance and quality control:

• Information on your compliance with international quality standards for avocado exports.
• Details of any certifications or quality control processes implemented.

Phytosanitary measures:

• Information on the phytosanitary measures you have in place to ensure the avocados are free from pests and diseases.
• Proof of compliance with phytosanitary requirements, such as phytosanitary certificates.

Financial information:

• Details of your financial stability, including access to funds or financial resources to support avocado export operations.
• Proof of tax compliance, such as a tax compliance certificate.

Need for the Document

The avocado export license is required in Kenya to ensure that avocado exports meet the necessary regulatory standards and comply with international trade requirements. The license serves several purposes:

• Compliance with regulations: The avocado export license ensures that exporters adhere to the regulations set by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and other relevant authorities. These regulations may cover quality control, packaging, labeling, phytosanitary measures, and other requirements aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of consumers and preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
• Quality assurance: The license ensures that exported avocados meet specific quality standards. This helps maintain the reputation of Kenyan avocados in international markets and ensures consistent quality for consumers.
• Market access: Many countries require that avocados imported into their territories be accompanied by the necessary export documentation, including an export license. Obtaining the license enables exporters to access these international markets and participate in the avocado trade.
• Trade facilitation: The license streamlines the export process by providing a standardized framework for avocado exports. It helps ensure that the necessary documentation, inspections, and certifications are in place, reducing trade barriers and facilitating smooth transactions.
• Consumer protection: The avocado export license contributes to consumer protection by verifying that the avocados meet the required standards for quality, safety, and traceability. This enhances consumer confidence in Kenyan avocados and protects the reputation of the industry.

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External Links

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (EXPORT) ACT

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