How To Import From China To Kenya

Introduction

Kenya is a big East African country with growing economics.

There is a GDP of 106 billion USD in Kenya.

Kenya also has a significant export and import industry.

The most significant matter here is that the most considerable portion of importation of Kenya comes from China.

So, today we will have a brief discussion on how to import goods from China to Kenya.

We hope you will get a concise importing idea after reading the whole article.

Table Of Content

1. Before Importing From China To Kenya, Here’s What You Should Know

2. How To Source Goods To Import From China To Kenya?

3. How To Import Goods From China To Kenya?

4. Express Services From China And Kenya

5. Required License And Documents To Import From China To Kenya

5.1. Pre-Shipment Verification Of Conformity
5.2. Trading And Customs Clearance Documents
5.3. How To Get An Importation License?

6. Freight Forwarders From China To Kenya

7. Expenses For Importing Goods From China To Kenya

7.1. Freight Forwarding Expense
7.2. Ocean Shipping Expense
7.3. Air Shipping Expense
7.4. Import Tariffs

8. Time For The Shipment: How Long Would It Take To Ship From China To Kenya?

8.1. Lead Time For Ocean Shipment
8.2. Available Ocean Shipping Carriers
8.3. Lead Time For Air Shipment
8.4. Available Air Shipping Carriers

9. Comparison Of Sea Shipping VS Air Shipping.

10. Container Types

10.1. 20ft Container
10.2. 40ft Container

11. What is Chargeable Weight, And How To Calculate It?

12. Is Importing From China To Kenya A Feasible Business?

13. Importing Most Profitable Items From China To Kenya

14. Importing From China To Kenya: Forbidden Products

15. Kenya’s And China’s Main Ports

15.1. Kenya’s Main Sea Ports
15.2. Kenya’s Main International Airports
15.3. China’s Main Seaports
15.4. China’s Main Airports

16. Methods Of Payment For Importing Goods From China To Kenya

17. The Most Often Used Incoterms During The Importation From China To Kenya

18. China’s Best Online Marketplaces For Buying Things

19. Fulfillment By Jumia (FBJ) In Kenya

1. Before Importing From China To Kenya, Here’s What You Should Know

Before knowing about how to import from China to Kenya, you should be clear about some specific facts which will be critical factors for your importation.

It won’t be a wise decision to leap without knowing how to import goods from China to Kenya.

Here are some facts you should keep in mind before starting to import things from China to Kenya.

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 know the demandable products in Kenya from China.

Market research is the priority you should consider.

Know About Importation

Research to know about importation rules and regulations of Kenya between China.

You should know the importation process, documentation, customs clearance, importation laws, etc.

Find The Best Source For Product Sourcing

Search for the best product sourcing way for getting the best products for importing from China to Kenya.

You can do this in many ways to find out the best supplier and products.

But, you should find out what was precise.

We will discuss product sourcing in a later section.

Search For The Best Shipping Companies

If you are thinking about a third-party shipping company, you should search for the best shipping companies rather than import by yourself.

The best freight forwarder will help you to import things from China to Kenya in a feasible way.

2. How To Source Goods To Import From China To Kenya?

While you are thinking about sourcing goods for importing from China to Kenya, you have mainly three ways in your hand.

Let’s check on them.

Using A Local Sourcing Agent

A local sourcing agent is a citizen from the area or country from where you will source your goods.

They, or it might be a company, will help you find the best suppliers to source the most profitable items to import from China to Kenya.

They also might help you to determine what to import from China to Kenya as well.

Going To China In Person

Another and probably the most efficient way to find the best quality and most profitable item to import from China to Kenya is going there in person.

You can find out the best items, and check the samples to ensure their quality.

Also, the business interaction would be more fruitful in this way.

E-Commerce Or Online Marketplace

Another efficient and easy way to source your products to import from China to Kenya is the online marketplaces.

E-commerce is becoming the leading marketplace for doing business nowadays.

You can source goods from your place in Kenya and will get the goods delivered without moving anywhere.

Amazon, Alibaba, AliExpress, etc., are examples of leading online marketplaces.

3. How To Import Goods From China To Kenya?

Now you might have a question about how to import goods from China to Kenya.

Not to be worried about the shipping methods.

You have three major ways of transportation to import things from China to Kenya.

The two ways are sea freight and air freight.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the shipping method where ships transport goods from China to Kenya through the ocean.

Sea freight is the cheapest way of shipping from China to Kenya.

There are also two sea freight modes while importing from China to Kenya: FCL and LCL.

FCL

FCL stands for a full container load.

A full container load facilitates a full container for you to use.

In this case, you will hire an entire container of a ship (20ft, 40ft) and pay the container’s total hiring cost.

In the full container load mode, only you will use the entire container for your goods to import from China to Kenya.

No one can utilize the container that you hired.

FCL is the best solution for large shipments.

LCL

LCL stands for less than container load.

Less than container load facilitates you to hire spaces in a container with your need basis.

Like, you are importing a small shipment that doesn’t need a whole container.

In this scenario, you can hire spaces per your needs and pay the cost per your hiring portion.

Generally, LCL charges per cbm or per kg.

The differences are here between LCL and FCl:

Air Freight

Air freight is the shipping method where you import from China to Kenya by air.

Air freight is the fastest shipping method in the general sense as well as the expensive one.

You will get your products delivered in the fastest time with proper safety of your goods.

In the sense of weight limitation of air freight, this could be a little tricky to answer.

The largest passenger plane Airbus A-380 can load 84,000 kg and fly with this weight.

When it is a dedicated cargo plane, Antonov AN-225 is the biggest one which can hold 2,50,000 kg of load.

If you need more than 2,50,000 KG of product to ship, you could hire more than one cargo plane.

Just check on your importation goal and budget.

Also, the customs clearance procedures are quicker in the air freight than the sea freight.

Another significant fact about air freight is that express shipping takes place through the air freight.

We will discuss express shipping in the later section.

4. Express Services From China And Kenya

Express shipping is the fastest delivery method even than the typical air freight.

For this, you have to pay an extra payment to get the express services.

Basically, the express services are used for urgent shipping with small packages.

Generally, express shipping takes 24 to 72 hours.

There is express shipping available to import things from China to Kenya.

You might use express shipping for the most profitable items to import from China to Kenya.

From China to Kenya, all big express service firms have activities.

DHL Global
USPS
FedEx
TNT
China Post
China Express
UPS

HART Worldwide Logistics, a renowned freight forwarder, has relationships with large express shipping firms from China to Kenya.

Because HART delivers in bulk, you will receive a significant reduction in express shipping charges when compared to other express shipping providers.

5. Required License And Documents To Import From China To Kenya

So, you are going to import things from China to Kenya.

The most critical part of importing from China to Kenya is the documentation part.

When you want to import from China to Kenya, you have to prepare some necessary papers for passing the customs of both countries.

You will need different types of paperwork to import from China to Kenya.

Let’s check which paperwork you will need.

5.1. Pre-Shipment Verification Of Conformity

The Kenyan customs authority will ask for a Pre-Shipment Verification Conformity (PVOC) while you apply for importation permission.

PVOC is a program that ensures the conformity of the goods that meet Kenya’s requirements and quality standards.

Pre-Shipment Verification Of Conformity Form

After passing the PVOC standard, the exporter country, China, in this case, can export goods to Kenya.

5.2. Trading And Customs Clearance Documents

You will need several types of legal papers while importing from China to Kenya.

Following are the papers that ensure a flawless transportation and customs clearance of your goods from China to Kenya.

Import License

You will have to have an import license to import from China to Kenya.

Import license permits you to import from China to Kenya.

Commercial Invoice

Mainly a commercial invoice is the trading receipt of the goods you are importing from China to Kenya.

Commercial invoice ensures that you legally purchased the goods, contains trading information of the goods, HS code, the currency paid, etc.

Certificate of Origin

Certificate of origin ensures the exporting country name of the imported goods to Kenya.

It also shows where the goods are manufactured.

Customs Declaration

You will have to declare the items that you imported from China to Kenya.

For this, you will have to fill up a form provided by the Kenyan customs authority.

Bill of Lading

Bill of lading is the receipt issued by the shipping lines authority when you import things from China to Kenya by sea.

It ensures the receiving of the goods by the shipping lines and the agreement that the shipping lines are bound to transport the goods in the destined port.

This paper also ensures the ownership of the goods of the carrying person of it.

Airway Bill

Air waybill is the same as the bill of lading.

Air waybill is used when you ship your goods from China to Kenya by air.

Packing List

A packing list shows how the goods are packed to the shipping lines, importer, and customs authority.

It also tells the weight of every single packet of the items in transport.

Letter of Instruction

Letter of instruction is for the carrier that is transporting the items.

The letter of instruction is full of instructions to the shipping lines on how to carry the goods, how to handle them during transportation, etc.

5.3. How To Get An Importation License?

Firstly, it is more important to know how to get a license rather than how to import from China to Kenya.

When you apply for an import license from the trade ministry of Kenya, you have to fulfill several pre-requisitions.

You have to provide the following documents to apply for getting an import license in Kenya.

Personal identification number (PIN) certificate
Certificate of value-added tax (VAT) registration
Incorporation certificate
Certificate of tax compliance
Local trade license
Notice and Articles of Association
Most recent Audited Accounts and application Form (A)
Import declaration form
Bill of lading
Commercial invoice
Contract proof with the exporter

By providing these documents, you can fill out the application form for the import license in Kenya.

6. Freight Forwarders From China To Kenya

One of the essential facts is finding a reliable freight forwarding service for your shipment to import from China to Kenya.

A freight forwarder is a person or company that ships your goods on your behalf from one place to another as a shipping agent.

In this case, the freight forwarder will import things from China to Kenya on your behalf with all responsibilities.

The main job here for you is to find the right shipping agent.

When you choose the right and experienced freight forwarder they will import your goods from China to Kenya with proper responsibility.

There are many freight forwarders in China who know how to import goods from China to Kenya, ensuring the goods’ safety.

Here is a list of the experienced and reliable freight forwarding companies that you will find helpful in importing from China to Kenya.

HART Worldwide Logistics

Certificate Of Membership For CIFA For HART

Shanghai Trans-River International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.
DHL Global
Afrigate Cargo & Clearing Services Limited
EVERGREEN Logistics
Africa Freights S.L.
Basenton Logistics
Cambel Shipping and Logistics
Air Cargo Global Kenya Limited
Cargo Worth Alliance & Logistics Ltd.
Rolling Cargo Limited
DFH Global Logistics
Mornington Int’l Freight Co., Ltd In China
Salihiya Cargo & Shipping Agency
Distinct Cushy Freight
EarlyStar Logistics Cargo Limited
Shenzhen Sailing Logistics Co., Ltd
Laddercross Logistics Limited
Lechwe Maritime & Logistics Ltd. etc.

Check for more about freight forwarder:

7. Expenses For Importing Goods From China To Kenya

Shipping cost is another vital fact in importing from China to Kenya.

In most cases, your business profit depends on the shipping costs.

So, knowing about the shipping cost is also important.

By knowing different types of costs, costs for different shipping methods, etc., will help you to analyze and determine your shipping method.

The costs for importing from China to Kenya are divided into several categories.

Here we will discuss the different types of costs you may carry for your import.

7.1. Freight Forwarding Expense

The first cost you have to pay is for the freight forwarder who will import things from China to Kenya on your behalf.

You might import your goods on your own, but when you are importing bulk items, and you have no shipping agency, you should prefer a freight forwarder.

This will ease your shipping experience with proper safety.

So, where are we? In the freight forwarding cost.

How much will you pay the freight forwarder for your importation?

Freight forwarding costs are actually a sum of different types of costs.

It depends on various costs like,

Cost of picking up
The expense of moving
The expense of paperwork
Support for warehousing
The cost of logistics
Charges for customs clearance
Fees for delivery
Fees for shipping agencies, etc.

In this case. Your freight forwarder will estimate the costs for importing from China to Kenya.

For getting the exact cost for a certain shipment, you could ask for a quote from the freight forwarder.

7.2. Ocean Shipping Expense

We already came to know that there are two types of shipping methods available for importing from China to Kenya.

Sea shipping is the most common type of them.

Sea freight is comparatively much less costly since it ships bulk items at a time.

The cost for sea shipping for importing from China to Kenya also depends on several entities.

They include shipping season, the distance between ports, goods type, shipping mode type, etc.

There are two types of shipping modes available also, LCL, and FCL.

In the LCL method, it will cost you on an average of 220 USD to 270 USD per CBM, based on the situation and item types.

When you choose an FCL container, it would be about 900 USD to 1200 USD for a 20ft container.

For a 40ft container, it might cost 1100 USD to 1600 USD.

7.3. Air Shipping Expense

In international or domestic situations, air freight is an expensive shipping method.

So, expectedly it will cost you more when you import from China to Kenya by air.

Basically, the gross weight or the dimensional weight of your goods will determine the cost of your shipping items.

Based on different determiners, generally, the air freight costs 5 USD to 7 USD per kg of goods.

HART Worldwide Logistics is one of the cost-effective freight forwarders in China that may help you with the lowest possible air shipping cost.

7.4. Import Tariffs

Kenya uses the worldwide harmonized system (HS) of defining exactly to set tariffs.

And it implements the East African Community’s (EAC) Common External Tariffs taxes and levies.

Import duties in Kenya range from 0 to 100% based on the product types.

But, the average rate is 25%.

Sensitive items, on the other hand, are subject to a duty of more than 25%.

The imported goods that are excisable or not define the excise tariff rates.

The Excise Duty Act of 2015 establishes the rates.

The VAT for the importing items in Kenya is a rate of a flat 16%, which is imposed on the total value of CIF, customs duties, and other taxes.

An import declaration fee is 3.5% in Kenya.

8. Time For The Shipment: How Long Would It Take To Ship From China To Kenya?

Shipping time is another important fact in importation.

Since there are two types of shipping methods available, the shipping will be different from each other.

8.1. Shipping Time For Ocean Shipment

See, the average speed of a ship is about 20 nautical miles.

So, we consider the average speed and will show the shipping time based on it.

The average speed may vary depending on various things, then the time will also be changed.

Following is a chart table showing the shipping time between China and Kenya.

Origin Port (China)	Port of Destination (Kenya)	Shipping Time (day)
Port of Shanghai	Port Reitz	15-25
Port of Shanghai	Port of Mombasa	15-25
Port of Shenzhen	Port Reitz	12-20
Port of Shenzhen	Kilindini Harbour, Port of Mombasa	12-20
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan	Port of Mombasa	15-25
Port of Guangzhou	Port Reitz	12-20
Port of Hong Kong	Port of Mombasa	12-20
Port of Qingdao	Port Tudor	20-30
Port of Tianjin	Port of Mombasa	20-30
Port of Dalian	Port of Mombasa	25-35

Remember, this time is just for the shipping time when the ship will be on the sea.

The lead time will be more because the lead time is the sum of the total shipping time process.

It starts from the order to the delivery of the goods.

8.2. Available Ocean Shipping Carriers

Almost all of the world-leading shipping lines are operating to import from China to Kenya.

Here is a list of the shipping lines that you will get available to import from China to Kenya through them.

Moller–Maersk
Mediterranean Shipping Company
American President Line-APL
Pacific International Lines-PIL
Orient Overseas Container Line
COSCO Shipping Lines
HMM
Yang Ming
Hapag-Lloyd
CMA CGM Group
Evergreen Line
Ocean Network Express

8.3. Shipping Time For Air Shipment

Of the two shipping methods, air shipping is the fastest one.

As well as its expense, the transportation time is also fast here.

For a regular and typical air shipment, it needs 6 to 8 days for completing a shipment from China to Kenya from beginning to end.

8.4. Available Air Shipping Carriers

Also, the list of air shipping lines is full with leading shipping lines to import from China to Kenya.

Here is the list of airlines that you might use for your future use.

Turkish Airlines
Emirates Airlines
Qatar Airways
Cathay Pacific Airlines
Finnair
Air China
Czech Airlines, and so on.

9. Comparison Of Sea Shipping VS Air Shipping.

Now, we already got an overall idea about sea freight and air freight based on their usability.

If you want to pick one of them to import things from China to Kenya, then which one will you pick?

Let’s summarize the features of both of them.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the slower version of transportation.
It has a large capacity of containing goods one it at a time.
Also, ocean shipping is the cheapest shipping method also.
Sea freight is safe, reliable
LCL and FCL are two of the advantageous modes you get when needed
But, the time delay is a common phenomenon for sea freight.
Also, customs formalities take more time as well.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest shipping method undoubtedly
No time delay
Fewer customs clearance time is okay
Safe and secure
But, air freight is more expensive than the sea freight
Also, there is a weight limit on air freight

So, when while you are choosing one of them, you should compare and consider your needs

If you have a time concern with a comparatively small shipment, air freight could be your first choice.

On the contrary, if you have no time concerns, dealing with a large shipment, and need more cost-effectiveness, sea freight is the best choice for you.

10. Container Types For Sea Shipping

The container is the cubic carrier of goods in the ships.

When you import from China to Kenya by sea, you may think about containing mode and how to import goods from China to Kenya.

In this case, you have two container options: 20ft container, and 40ft container.

10.1. 20ft Container

A 20ft container is the standard size of the container in the shipping industry with a length of 20ft.

The inner volume of a 20ft container is 1172 cubic feet, which is 33.6 in cubic meters.

The dimension of a 20ft container is 20ft long (6.1m) x 8ft wide (2.44m) x 8ft 6 in high (2.59m).

The payload capacity of a 20ft container is 25 tons (25,000 kg), which becomes industry standard.

10.2. 40ft Container

A 40ft container is a shipping container that is 40ft in length.

A common 40ft container’s dimension is 40ft long (12.19m) x 8ft wide (2.44m) x 8ft 6in high (2.59m).

These make a 2330 cubic feet volume of the 40ft container, which is 66 in cubic meters.

The payload capacity of a 40ft container is 27.6 tons (27,600 kg).

You may be surprised, how could a 40ft container’s payload be almost the same as the 20ft container?

The reason behind this is that the 20ft container is mainly designed for carrying weighted items, whereas the 40ft container is designed for containing big-sized boxes.

11. What is Chargeable Weight, And How To Calculate It?

When you import from China to Kenya, you have to pay for your item based on the “certain type of weight”.

The weight which is considered for charging the payment of the shipment is called chargeable weight.

Here are things to be explained.

Let’s talk about them.

There are two ways to determine the chargeable weight of the goods you import from China to Kenya.

One is Gross Weight, another is Volumetric Weight.

For determining chargeable weight, wherever in sea freight, or air freight, the shipping lines authority will compare the gross weight and the volumetric weight.

They will consider the bigger one as the chargeable weight.

Gross Weight

Gross weight is the total weight of the items you are importing from China to Kenya.

It also includes the weight of the box you are carrying your items with.

Give an example.

You are importing 3000 kg of goods with a pallet weighing 500 kg.

In this scenario, the gross weight of your importing items is 3000+500= 3500 kg.

Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight is the dimensional weight of the pallet you are using to import goods.

How to calculate the dimensional weight?

The package you are using is 4 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 3 meters high in size.

The volume of the box is 4 x 2 x 3= 24 cubic meters.

Now the volume will be converted into weight.

The conversion factor is 167 for converting the volume into weight.

So, the volumetric weight of your package is 167 x 24= 4008 kg.

Now, the shipping lines authority will consider the volumetric weight as the chargeable weight of your shipment.

And, you have to pay based on the volume of your package in this case.

12. Is Importing From China To Kenya A Feasible Business?

Kenya, at the present time, is developing its business sector and has a significant economy.

Because Kenya does not manufacture every required commodity, there is always a high need for hundreds of items that must be imported from China or other nations.

Products imported from China are sold quickly in Kenya due to the constant demand for them.

We may claim that importing is a profitable business in Kenya since there is a significant market and need.

13. Most Profitable Items To Import From China To Kenya

Though the trading is flexible for almost all items since there are few items that are the most profitable items.

Here is a brief description of the most profitable items to import from China to Kenya.

Food

Food items are among the most profitable items to import from China to Kenya.

Kenya mainly imports rice and wheat, grains, sugar, etc., from China to fulfill the demand of the country.

Agricultural Machinery

Kenya mostly depends on agriculture.

A big portion of agricultural machinery comes from China, and it is one of the profitable sectors.

Makeup Products

There is a big market for beauty products, and you know, this market will sustain for a long time.

Automotive Parts

Automotive spare parts are the demandable products in Kenya, though there is a ban on used auto parts.

Electronics

Electronics such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and accessories are the hot import business in Kenya from China.

Medicines

In spite of having some medicine-producing companies in Kenya, they cannot fulfill the needs of medicine.

A big portion of drugs and medicine comes from China.

Toys and Gadgets

Most of the middle-class Kenyans love to have fancy gadgets.

They also love to purchase toys for their children.

These are the most portable items to import from China to Kenya.

Shoes, Handbags, And Ladies’ Items

You will not find anyone who does not like shoes.

Among men, ladies, and kids, shoes are one of the most popular items.

Ladies’ stuff is mainly the focused one though.

Ladies love to purchase ladies’ items most frequently.

14. Importing From China To Kenya: Forbidden Products

You have the flexibility of the most profitable items to import from China to Kenya.

Yet, there are barriers, to what to import from China to Kenya, and what not to.

There are restrictions on certain items that you can not import from China to Kenya.

You cannot import from China to Kenya the items in the following list.

Acids
All psychotropic medications
Any combustible material with a flashpoint of 14 degrees Fahrenheit or fewer Arms and ammunition
Fluid-containing auto components
Documents for the Bearer
Bio-based Products
Fencing foils, bows, arrows, and toys
Communistic Substances
Coral and other related materials
Antlers, hooves, nails, claws, beaks, tortoiseshell, whalebone, and hair are all examples of animal parts.
Traps with the potential to kill or catch animal’s natural sponges formed from animals
Ozone-depleting compounds, oxidizers
Makeup accessories
Various types of counterfeit products
Refined Alcohol Beverages Genetically Modified Foods
Environmentally hazardous wastes and how to dispose of them
Hippo teeth, Ivory
Liquids and liquor
Materials That Are Magnetized
Herbal Grass and Mangoes
Maps
Matches
The use of narcotics
Rhinoceros horn, progeny eggs
Active Radio Stations
Toiletry items
Paints and perfumes
Effects on the Individual
Poisons
Sexually explicit Content
Except for exquisite jewelry, powders, precious metals, and stones
Tires that have been used
Viagra
Mercury-containing soaps and cosmetics
Nuclear reactor spent fuel components
Telescope sights and other optical instruments that can be used with arms

15. Kenya’s And China’s Main Ports

Here is the list of China’s and Kenya’s main ports for your convenience.

15.1. Kenya’s Main Sea Ports

There are 15 seaports in Kenya combining domestic and international ports.

Port of Mombasa
Port of Shimoni
Kilindini Harbour‎
Kipevu Oil Terminal
Port of Kiunga
Port Reitz
Port of Mtwapa
Port of Mbaraki
Port Tudor
Shimanzi Oil Terminal
Port of Funzi
Port of Lamu
Port of Malindi
Port of Vanga
Port of Kilifi

15.2. Kenya’s Main International Airports

Kenya’s main 10 airports.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Mombasa Moi International Airport
Manda Airstrip
Malindi Airport
Eldoret International Airport
Kisumu Airport
Nanyuki Airport
Mara Serena Lodge Airstrip, Masai Mara
Nairobi Wilson Airport
Amboseli Airport

15.3. China’s Main Seaports

China has many seaports there.

Here are the main 10.

Port of Shanghai
Port of Shenzhen
Port of Guangzhou
Port of Qingdao
Port of Xiamen
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
Port of Hong Kong
Port of Dalian
Port of Yingkou
Port of Tianjin

15.4. China’s Main Airports

China’s top 10 airports.

Beijing Capital International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Kunming Changshui International Airport
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Xian Xianyang International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport

16. Methods Of Payment For Importing Goods From China To Kenya

There are many payment methods for paying the Chinese manufacturers, or suppliers.

Among them, 3 are described here.

They are,

Telegraphic Transfer/TT

You must prepay via your bank by putting 30% of the whole amount in early.

After producing and shipping the items to Kenya’s target port, you will be required to match the remaining 70% of the money.

It may appear perilous, but it is not at all.

This payment option is supported by the majority of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, and it is the most common payment method.

Letter of Credit/LC

Your bank pays the exporter after the things have been conveyed to you.

Also, the bank verifies the delivery first.

This is protected, in spite of the fact that it isn’t generally utilized among the suppliers.

Since it is hard for the maker or exporter to get cash for a drawn-out timeframe.

Alibaba Trade Assurance

The Letter of Credit and Alibaba Trade insurance are the same thing.

The biggest distinction is that distributors must deliver the package on schedule and ensure that the items match the specified quality.

17. The Most Often Used Incoterms During The Importation From China To Kenya

What Are Incoterms?

The International Chamber of Commerce provides a set of terminology to define the obligations and responsibilities of international buyers, sellers, carriers, and anybody else engaged in a transportation operation.

International Commercial Terms, or Incoterms, are the name given to these terminologies.

Incoterms help to untangle the complexities of global commerce agreements among producers and consumers.

Let’s look at some of the most commonly utilized Incoterms while importing from China to Kenya.

DDP- Delivery Duty Paid

The seller bears all responsibilities until the destination port.

EXW- Ex-Work

The seller makes products available in a predetermined location.

Then the buyer will take responsibility.

FCA- Free Carrier

The seller will load the goods to the buyer’s transport, will deliver the goods to the port, and clear the export customs clearance.

CPT- Carriage Paid To

The seller will clear the export customs clearance, and deliver the goods to the carrier.

Also, he will pay the shipping costs till the goods get delivered.

CIP- Carriage And Insurance Paid To

The seller will deliver the goods to a predetermined place, and then the buyer will be the responsible person for the shipment.

The seller is responsible for the insurance till the goods reach the predetermined place.

DAP- Delivery At Place

The seller is responsible for everything till the goods reach the destination port with goods unloaded.

DPU- Delivered At Place Unloaded

It is almost similar to the DAP, except where the seller will pay for the unloading.

The buyer will then take the responsibilities.

DDU- Delivery Duty Unpaid

Under the term of DDU, the buyer will pay the customs clearance charges and customs duties.

All other responsibilities are on the seller or the exporter.

FAS- Free Alongside Ship

The seller will deliver the goods alongside the vessel.

After that, the buyer will be the responsible person for the goods.

FOB- Free On Board

The seller will deliver the goods to a vessel nominated by the buyer.

Then the buyer will take the responsibilities when the goods are on board.

CFR- Cost And Freight

It is the extended version of the FOB.

The seller will bear all costs till the goods get delivered to the destination.

CIF- Cost, Insurance, And Freight

It is the same as the CFR.

Also, the seller will manage the insurance coverage.

The last four are only used for waterway shipping.

18. China’s Best Online Marketplaces For Buying Things

Nowadays, the online marketplace has become one of the most popular marketplaces worldwide.

In some cases, it is more popular, and the popularity of it is rising day by day.

Here is the list of top online marketplaces in China that may be the most reliable option for you.

Amazon
Alibaba
AliExpress
Jumia
Taobao
Kaola
JD Worldwide
Tmall Global, etc.

19. Fulfillment By Jumia (FBJ) In Kenya

Jumia Express, otherwise called Fulfillment by Jumia, is an African e-commerce business stage like Amazon.

The Distributor is at this point not needed to keep up with his stock.

Jumia-satisfied items would be conveyed to clients sooner, driving in higher consumer loyalty.

To acquire the Jumia Express assistance, you should initially present a solicitation, which will then, at that point, be surveyed relying upon the accessible distribution center limit.

In Kenya, Jumia Fulfillment is available.

Last Words

Hope you got a clear insight on how to import from China to Kenya.

It is happy to have a successful importation as well as a feasible importation process.

Importing from China to Kenya would be reliable when you get the best freight forwarder like HART Worldwide Logistics.

HART could help you with the most feasible and reliable process of import from China to Kenya with the lowest importation costs possible.

You might contact us to get the best services.

Ask for a quote today for your desired importation.