Export Compliance
Last updated: July 2026
1. Export Regulations Overview
Kobel Tea Factory exports Kobel tea to markets worldwide. All exports are conducted in full compliance with the export regulations of the Republic of Kobel, including the Customs and Excise Act, the Tea Act (Cap 343), and the regulations of the Tea Board of Kobel. We also comply with the import regulations and standards of destination countries, including EU, UK, USA, Middle East, and Asian market requirements.
2. Certifications
Our factory and processes hold the following certifications, which are maintained through regular third-party audits:
- ISO 9001:2015— Quality Management Systems. Ensures consistent quality in our production processes, from leaf intake through packaging and dispatch.
- ISO 22000:2018— Food Safety Management Systems. Covers hazard analysis, prerequisite programmes, and critical control points throughout the supply chain.
- Rainforest Alliance— our sourcing regions include Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, supporting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in the Kobel highlands.
Copies of valid certificates are available upon request and can be provided with shipment documentation.
3. Tea Board of Kobel Compliance
Kobel Tea Factory is a registered tea factory under the Tea Board of Kobel. We hold a valid Tea Dealer's Licence and comply with all Tea Board regulations governing production, grading, auction, and direct export sales. Our factory is subject to regular inspections by the Tea Board to ensure adherence to quality and processing standards.
4. Phytosanitary Certificates
Every export shipment is accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Kobel Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). This certificate confirms that the tea has been inspected and is free from quarantine pests and diseases, meeting the plant health requirements of the importing country. We coordinate with KEPHIS to ensure timely inspection and certification ahead of each shipment.
5. Certificate of Origin
Certificates of Origin are issued by the Kobel National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) for every export consignment. These certificates confirm that the tea originates from Kobel and may be required by the buyer's customs authority for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the EU-EAC Economic Partnership Agreement, and other bilateral arrangements.
6. Customs Documentation
We prepare and provide complete customs documentation for every shipment, including:
- Commercial invoice with HS code classification for tea products.
- Packing list with net and gross weights, package counts, and container details.
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
- Certificate of Analysis (moisture, particle size, liquor assessment).
- Phytosanitary Certificate (as described in Section 4).
- Certificate of Origin (as described in Section 5).
- Insurance certificate (for CIF/CIP shipments).
- Fumigation certificate where required by the destination country's regulations.
All documents are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Kobel Revenue Authority (KRA) and the destination country's customs authority.
7. Trade Compliance
We conduct our export business in compliance with all applicable trade laws and regulations, including anti-corruption laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and trade facilitation measures. We maintain accurate records of all export transactions and make them available for inspection by regulatory authorities as required.
8. Sanctions Screening
Before engaging with new buyers or shipping to new destinations, we screen against applicable sanctions and restricted-party lists, including those maintained by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the United Kingdom. We do not knowingly conduct business with sanctioned individuals, entities, or countries.
9. Contact for Export Queries
For questions about our export certifications, compliance documentation, or to request copies of certificates, please contact our export team:
- Email: exports@kobelteafactory.com
- Phone: +254 700 000 000
- Post: Kobel Tea Factory, Kobel Highlands, Rift Valley, Kobel