The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will stop processing manual import and export permits for regulated forest products from October 31, 2026, requiring traders to apply through a government electronic trade platform.
The transition, announced jointly by KFS and the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) on Wednesday, October 28, will see the affected services moved to the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), which operates under the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS).
In a public notice, the two agencies said the shift is intended to streamline trade procedures, improve transparency and traceability, and enhance service delivery.
“Effective 31 October 2026, the processing of KFS import and export permits for regulated forest products shall be undertaken electronically through TFP,” the notice stated.
The new arrangement will cover applications for No Objection Letters, also known as Master Permits, as well as import and export permits for regulated forest products.
Associated approvals and fees will also be processed through the electronic platform.
Once the changes take effect, traders will no longer use the existing manual procedures at KFS offices for the affected transactions.
The transition will affect importers, exporters, transporters, customs and clearing agents, as well as government agencies involved in the clearance of regulated forest products.
Products covered by the changes include timber, plywood, sawdust, withies, charcoal, bamboo, veneer, resin and myrrh gum.
Other affected products include tamarind, baobab, Gum Arabic, turpentine oils, rosin, resin acids and other regulated wood products.
However, the move to electronic processing will not remove the applicable KFS regulatory requirements.
The products will remain subject to existing controls and the relevant Harmonised System (HS) codes used to classify goods in international trade.
KFS and KenTrade have urged all affected stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new system before the October 31 deadline to avoid delays or disruptions when applying for permits.
The agencies said the transition aligns with a Head of Public Service circular dated June 4, 2019, under reference OP/CAB/9/83A.
The digitisation initiative forms part of the government’s wider efforts to modernise trade-related services, reduce paperwork and minimise the need for physical visits to government offices.
According to the agencies, the electronic system is also expected to strengthen trade facilitation, improve transparency, enhance revenue collection and support the timely clearance of regulated forest products.
Traders dealing in the affected products will therefore be required to complete their permit applications and related transactions through the designated electronic platform once the new arrangement takes effect.
