Kenya: Updated product regulations

 

Kenya has published updates to its product regulations. The affected laws are:

• The Standards (Product Certification) Regulations, 2026
• The Standards (Scientific and Industrial Metrology) Regulations, 2026
• The Standards (Testing and Designation of Laboratories) Regulations, 2026

The Standards (Product Certification) Regulations, 2026 provide a regulatory framework for the administration and use of Product Certification Marks in Kenya, including the Standardization Mark and the Diamond Mark of Quality. The Regulations prescribe eligibility requirements, application procedures, evaluation processes, permit issuance and renewal, supervision and control measures, obligations of permit holders, enforcement actions, offences, and applicable fees. The Regulations also establish mechanisms for inspection, testing, conformity assessment, and maintenance of a register of certified products to ensure compliance with mandatory standards and approved specifications.

The Standards (Scientific and Industrial Metrology) Regulations, 2026 establish Kenya’s framework for scientific and industrial measurements, calibration, and metrology services. The Regulations designate Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) as the National Metrology Institute, provide for licensing of calibration service providers, and require mandatory calibration of specified medical, industrial, environmental, and laboratory equipment to ensure accurate, reliable, and internationally traceable measurements.

The Standards (Testing and Designation of Laboratories) Regulations, 2026 establish a legal framework for the designation, oversight, and operation of testing laboratories by the Kenya Bureau of Standards under the Standards Act (Cap. 496).  The Regulations provide for the establishment of KEBS laboratories as national reference laboratories, prescribe requirements and procedures for designation of external laboratories, and set obligations for designated laboratories including accreditation, proficiency testing, quality control, and reporting. The Regulations further provide procedures for sample handling, conduct of tests, issuance and review of test certificates, annual assessments, suspension or revocation of designation, appeals, and fees applicable to laboratory designation and assessment services.

To find out more about the planned updates as well as product compliance in Kenya, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.