FAQs – Kenya Bureau of Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Quality Assurance

What are the marks of quality issued by Quality Assurance?
- Standardization mark
- Diamond mark
- Fortification Mark
What do I need to apply?

Each Mark of Quality has its own application process which may include filling the nessary forms and a physical or chemical testing.

Diamond Mark
Standardization Mark
Does KEBS accept lab test results from other laboratories?

KEBS accepts test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs. The test reports shall, however, be evaluated before acceptance in the certification process.
What are accredited/designated laboratories?
- Accredited laboratories are those labs that have valid accreditation to ISO-IEC 17025 by accrediting bodies such as KENAS (Kenya National Accreditation Service).
- A designated Lab is one that has been designated by KEBS as such, having met the requirements of EAC-SQMT act of 2006
Where can one get the contacts/details of accredited/designated laboratories?

The list of KENAS accredited testing laboratories can be found under the Directory of Accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies on the KENAS website (https://kenas.go.ke/testing-and-calibration)
Change of Fees?

Whenever the KEBS wishes to alter the fees a written notification shall be sent at least two calendar months before the implementation of the changes.
Can the permit be used/transferred to other sites, branches?

All permits are issued per manufacturing site and are not transferable to other sites/branches or firms

Standardization Mark (S-Mark)

How can a manufacturer/ consumer verify validity of the standardization mark?

a) By visiting the KEBS website https://www.kebs.org/

b) Verify by installing the KEBS app from Google Playstore or Appstore

c) By sending an SMS message SM#PERMIT NUMBER to 20023

d) By calling the KEBS toll free number 1545
What is the Standardization Mark?

The Standardization Mark is a product certification mark issued by KEBS under the Standards Act for products made in Kenya that demonstrate conformity to the relevant Standards or approved specifications. It is valid for 2 years and is renewable. It is also referred to as S-Mark or SM
What is an S-MARK scheme?

It is a product certification process that results in the issuance of the standardization mark Permit. The standardization mark permit is valid for 2 years.
Who should apply for the Standardization Mark?

Manufacturers operating in the Republic of Kenya.
Who issues the Standardization Mark?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards issues the Standardization Mark on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
What is the acquisition procedure?

a) Access the KIMS portal through the link https://kims.kebs.org and sign up. Follow the application procedure as guided by the platform (KIMS-Manufacturer_User_Interface_Manual-QualityAssurance ) .

b) Payment of the applicable fees

c) Factory inspection to check compliance with the requirements set in the relevant product standards or codes of practice.

d) Developing and execution and signing of a scheme of supervision and control through signing

e) Review, approval of the application and issuance of the standardization mark permit.
How long does it take upon application to be granted a Standardization Mark?

The actual duration depends on the manufacturer’s readiness and effectiveness of quality control measures in place. A manufacturer can acquire the Standardization Mark within 8 weeks from submission of the application form to KEBS provided all requirements in No. 4 above are complied with.

Further, the KEBS service charter stipulates timelines at every step.
What is the applicable fee for the S-Mark?
(Valid for 2 Years — Exclusive of VAT)

Note: All permits are issued per manufacturing site/product/brand and are not transferable to other sites, branches, or firms.

1. LME (Large Manufacturing Enterprise)
- Inspection Fees (Per Production Site): KSH 40,000
- Permit Fees (Per Product/Brand/Production Site): KSH 15,000
- Remarks: Charged per product/brand/production site
2. MME (Medium Manufacturing Enterprise)
- Inspection Fees (Per Production Site): KSH 20,000
- Permit Fees:
3. SME (Small Manufacturing Enterprise)
- Inspection Fees (Per Production Site): KSH 10,000
- Permit Fees:
What are the turnover limits/firm categories for LME, MME and SME?

LME - Large Manufacturing Enterprise: Annual turnover over Kshs 500,000

MME - Medium Manufacturing Enterprise: Annual turnover over Ksh 200,000 and up to Kshs 500,000

SME -Small Manufacturing Enterprise: Annual turnover up to 200,000
What documents do I need to apply?
- Company Registration Number
- KRA Pin
- Director’s Id Number
How do I apply for Standardization Mark

Application is done by Logging in to https://kims.kebs.org/

Diamond Mark (D-Mark)

What is the Diamond Mark?

The Diamond mark is a voluntary product certification mark of excellence that covers both locally manufactured and imported products. It is issued by KEBS on behalf of the Kenya Government. It is valid for 4 years. It is also referred to as the D-Mark.

The mark is issued on a product that demonstrates compliance to the requirements of applicable Kenyan Standards.
Who should apply for the Diamond Mark?

Any manufacturer who meets set criteria for Diamond Mark.
What benefits does the Standardization Mark and Diamond Mark bring to my business?

The product is assured of market access within the East African Community (EAC) member countries due to mutual recognition of the marks issued by the respective National Standards Bodies in the region.

The product enjoys consumer confidence.

The product quality is underpinned by the national quality system
What is the acquisition procedure?
1. Application using the Standardization Mark Permit Application Form (STA/1) and Factory Assessment Form (STA/3) form - view application process
2. Payment of applicable fees. Click here to view the fee schedule
3. Compliance to requirement of relevant standards.
4. Assessment and award by the Permit Approval Committee (PAC)
What is the fee for the Diamond Mark?
Firm Category Permit Fees for 4 Years

1. Local Firm
- Permit Fees: KSH 220,000
  (Exclusive of VAT)
- Other Fees: None
Remarks: Applicable per product/brand/production site

2. External (Foreign) Firm
- Permit Fees: USD 16,000
- Other Fees:
- Remarks: Applicable per product/brand/production site
How long does it take to get the Diamond Mark?

The period depends on state of readiness. Many enterprises take around nine months from the date of application.

Fortification Mark

What is the Food Fortification mark/logo?

It is a mandatory product certification scheme that allows manufacturers to apply for a fortification logo for Packaged Dry Milled Maize Products and Wheat flour (Zn, Fe or Vitamin A) , and Edible Fats and Oil (Vitamin A) administered by KEBS on behalf of Ministry of Health
What is needed before applying for the Fortification Mark?

Any manufacturer applying for Fortification logo must have acquired the S-Mark/ D-Mark in accordance with KEBS procedures.
Which products are mandatory to fortify?
1. Wheat Flour – with Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A
2. Dry Milled Maize Products- with Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A
3. Vegetable Fats and Oils- with Vitamin A
What is the payable fee?

The fees payable for acquiring Food Fortification Mark is Kshs. 20,000 (add VAT) per product per brand per site.

All permits (Standardization Mark, Fortification Mark and Diamond Mark) are issued Per Product / Brand / Manufacturing site and are not transferable to other sites/branches or firms

In line with the government’s directive to digitize all payments for improved revenue collection and service delivery, all KEBS payments must now be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform. This platform allows for seamless and secure online payments using your preferred payment method.