How to Import from China to Kenya

“How to Import from China to Kenya
Bilateral trade ties between Kenya and China are strengthening day by day.
As we all know, the Chinese economy is also growing
The country is by far the largest exporter of goods to Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
These, among others, have created numerous opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs, especially in the import business.

Still, for many Kenyans, importing from China into Kenya has never been cheap meat.
Sourcing, shipping and customs clearance are some of the challenges Kenyan importers have had to deal with over the years.
So it’s for these reasons, plus the many questions we’ve been having on how to import from China to Kenya, that I’ve written this guide.

Before knowing how to import from China to Kenya, you should be aware of some specific facts that will be the key factor in your import.
Jumping is not a wise decision without knowing how to import goods from China to Kenya.
Here are some facts you should keep in mind before you start importing things from China to Kenya.
How to Import from China to Kenya
Bilateral trade ties between Kenya and China are strengthening day by day.
As we all know, the Chinese economy is also growing
The country is by far the largest exporter of goods to Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
These, among others, have created numerous opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs, especially in the import business.
Still, for many Kenyans, importing from China into Kenya has never been cheap meat.
Sourcing, shipping and customs clearance are some of the challenges Kenyan importers have had to deal with over the years.
So it’s for these reasons, plus the many questions we’ve been having on how to import from China to Kenya, that I’ve written this guide.

Before knowing how to import from China to Kenya, you should be aware of some specific facts that will be the key factor in your import.
Jumping is not a wise decision without knowing how to import goods from China to Kenya.
Here are some facts you should keep in mind before you start importing things from China to Kenya.
1. What to import from China to Kenya?
The priority should be what to import from China to Kenya.
Dive into the market and get data from the internet to understand Kenyan demand products from China.
Market research is a priority you should consider.

2. Learn about imports
Research to understand import regulations between Kenya and China.
You should understand the import process, documentation, customs clearance and import laws, etc.
3. Find the best source for product sourcing
Find the best way to source the best products from China to Kenya.
You can find the best suppliers and products in many ways.
However, you should find out what is precise.
We’ll discuss product sourcing in a later section.
4. Search for the best shipping company
If you are considering a third party shipping company, you should look for the best one instead of importing it yourself.
The best freight forwarders will help you import things from China to Kenya in a feasible way.
5. Identify products to import
According to my research, the following categories sell like hot cakes in Kenya:
TVs and other electronic products,
A smartphone for all budgets.
Tablets, especially for children
Beauty accessories, including fragrances and jewelry.
Fashion items like sneakers and smart loafers.
But don’t take my word for it…take the time to thoroughly research what you want to buy from China to Kenya.
Make no mistake…it doesn’t have to be magic.
In fact, sometimes a very humble product can give you a huge boost.
6. Identify suppliers
Hats off to Tim Berners Lee and others who brought the internet to us.
You see, because of these guys, you don’t have to leave Kenya to learn how to buy directly from China.
Instead, a simple Google search will introduce you to hundreds of potential suppliers from China’s multi-million dollar wholesale market.
Of course, you can ask around or attend a fair or exhibition that brings together the various suppliers of Kenyan importers.
How to import goods from China to Kenya?
ocean freight
Sea freight is the method of transport by which ships transport your goods from China to Kenya by sea.
Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to Kenya.
There are also two shipping methods for importing from China to Kenya: FCL and LCL.
FCL
FCL stands for Full Container Load.
Full container loading allows you to use a complete container.
In this case, you will rent the entire ship’s containers (20ft, 40ft) and pay the total container rental fee.
In full container loading mode, only you will use the whole container to import your cargo from China to Kenya.
No one can use your rented container.
FCL is the best solution for bulk cargo.
LCL
LCL stands for less than container load.
Less than a container load helps you rent space in a container as needed.
Like, you’re importing small batches that don’t require a whole container.
In this case, you can rent the space as needed and pay for each rental portion.
Usually, LCL is charged per cubic meter or per kilogram.
air transport
The main advantage of air freight is that you can save a lot of time. You can receive your goods within 2-3 days, and you may receive your goods within 2 weeks. But understandably, the fees are very high. Air freight is only feasible if you need the goods urgently and the goods are light in weight. Heavy or bulky cargo is not suitable for air freight.
Delivery Service
Express shipping is the fastest delivery method than typical air shipping.
For this, you have to pay extra for courier service.
Basically, courier services are used for urgent shipping of small packages.
Generally, express delivery takes 24 to 72 hours.
There are couriers that can import things from China to Kenya.
You can use express shipping to import the most profitable items from China to Kenya.
From China to Kenya, major express service companies have activities.
DHL Global
United States Postal Service
FedEx
TNT
China Post
China Express
ups
What are the paperwork requirements for importing from China to Kenya?
You need to submit numerous documents to successfully import goods from China to Kenya.
These documents include;
1. Certificate of Origin
2. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
3. Commercial Invoice
4. Inspection certificate
5. ISM (Import Standard Mark) certificate
6. Packing List
7. Import License
How to Import Goods from China to Kenya: Dos and Don’ts
Insist on seeing samples first, especially if you plan on mass production. No real supplier will ever think twice about sending you a sample unless he’s marketing a scam.
Please avoid using your credit/debit card in the first place as your card details are secure. Stick with PayPal or bank transfer until you have complete confidence in the supplier’s integrity.
Stay away from counterfeit products – they may not even get through customs!
Start with small batches and gradually escalate orders as you understand the market. This reduces the risk of importing slow-moving goods.
The priority should be what to import from China to Kenya.
Dive into the market and get data from the internet to understand Kenyan demand products from China.
Market research is a priority you should consider.
2. Learn about imports
Research to understand import regulations between Kenya and China.
You should understand the import process, documentation, customs clearance and import laws, etc.
3. Find the best source for product sourcing
Find the best way to source the best products from China to Kenya.
You can find the best suppliers and products in many ways.
However, you should find out what is precise.
We’ll discuss product sourcing in a later section.
4. Search for the best shipping company
If you are considering a third party shipping company, you should look for the best one instead of importing it yourself.
The best freight forwarders will help you import things from China to Kenya in a feasible way.
5. Identify products to import
According to my research, the following categories sell like hot cakes in Kenya:
TVs and other electronic products,
A smartphone for all budgets.
Tablets, especially for children
Beauty accessories, including fragrances and jewelry.
Fashion items like sneakers and smart loafers.
But don’t take my word for it…take the time to thoroughly research what you want to buy from China to Kenya.
Make no mistake…it doesn’t have to be magic.
In fact, sometimes a very humble product can give you a huge boost.
6. Identify suppliers
Hats off to Tim Berners Lee and others who brought the internet to us.
You see, because of these guys, you don’t have to leave Kenya to learn how to buy directly from China.
Instead, a simple Google search will introduce you to hundreds of potential suppliers from China’s multi-million dollar wholesale market.
Of course, you can ask around or attend a fair or exhibition that brings together the various suppliers of Kenyan importers.
How to import goods from China to Kenya?
ocean freight
Sea freight is the method of transport by which ships transport your goods from China to Kenya by sea.
Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to Kenya.
There are also two shipping methods for importing from China to Kenya: FCL and LCL.
FCL
FCL stands for Full Container Load.
Full container loading allows you to use a complete container.
In this case, you will rent the entire ship’s containers (20ft, 40ft) and pay the total container rental fee.
In full container loading mode, only you will use the whole container to import your cargo from China to Kenya.
No one can use your rented container.
FCL is the best solution for bulk cargo.
LCL
LCL stands for less than container load.
Less than a container load helps you rent space in a container as needed.
Like, you’re importing small batches that don’t require a whole container.
In this case, you can rent the space as needed and pay for each rental portion.
Usually, LCL is charged per cubic meter or per kilogram.
air transport
The main advantage of air freight is that you can save a lot of time. You can receive your goods within 2-3 days, and you may receive your goods within 2 weeks. But understandably, the fees are very high. Air freight is only feasible if you need the goods urgently and the goods are light in weight. Heavy or bulky cargo is not suitable for air freight.
Delivery Service
Express shipping is the fastest delivery method than typical air shipping.
For this, you have to pay extra for courier service.
Basically, courier services are used for urgent shipping of small packages.
Generally, express delivery takes 24 to 72 hours.
There are couriers that can import things from China to Kenya.
You can use express shipping to import the most profitable items from China to Kenya.
From China to Kenya, major express service companies have activities.
DHL Global
United States Postal Service
FedEx
TNT
China Post
China Express
ups
How to Import Goods from China to Kenya: Dos and Don’ts
Insist on seeing samples first, especially if you plan on mass production. No real supplier will ever think twice about sending you a sample unless he’s marketing a scam.
Please avoid using your credit/debit card in the first place as your card details are secure. Stick with PayPal or bank transfer until you have complete confidence in the supplier’s integrity.
Stay away from counterfeit products – they may not even get through customs!
Start with small batches and gradually escalate orders as you understand the market. This reduces the risk of importing slow-moving goods.”