Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormLiquid Syrup
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Sweetener)
Market
Glucose syrup in Kenya functions primarily as an imported food ingredient used across industrial food manufacturing and the baking/confectionery trade. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) show Kenya imported HS 170230 (glucose and glucose syrup, containing <20% fructose) worth about USD 14.51 million (about 25.7 million kg) in 2023, with India and Egypt among the main suppliers. Imports are cleared through Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs processes and typically require conformity assessment under the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) PVoC program for regulated products. Bulk shipments are typically landed via the Port of Mombasa and distributed through importer/distributor warehouses to manufacturers.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleIndustrial sweetener/functional syrup used as a food-manufacturing input
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by import shipments and inventory management rather than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Compositional Metrics- Codex glucose syrup definition: purified concentrated aqueous solution of nutritive saccharides obtained from starch and/or inulin
- Codex minimum dextrose equivalent (DE): not less than 20.0% m/m (expressed as D-glucose on a dry basis)
- Codex minimum total solids: not less than 70.0% m/m
Grades- Food-grade glucose syrup typically specified by dextrose equivalent (DE) and total solids (per Codex sugar standard definition)
Packaging- Bulk liquid packaging commonly used for industrial supply (e.g., drums or IBCs); buyer/importer specifications apply
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas starch sweetener producer → bulk packaging (drums/IBCs) → sea freight to Mombasa → Kenya TradeNet single-window documentation workflows → KEBS conformity clearance (PVoC/CoC where applicable) and KRA customs release → importer/distributor warehousing (commonly Nairobi-area) → delivery to food manufacturers/bakeries
Temperature- Ambient-stable for transport; protect from excessive heat exposure during storage and distribution to preserve quality
Shelf Life- Shelf-life performance depends on solids content and hygienic packaging integrity; align purchase specs to Codex-based definition and buyer requirements
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to obtain or present required import compliance documents—especially a KEBS PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) where the product is regulated, and the Import Declaration Form (IDF)—can block or significantly delay customs release.Confirm upfront whether the specific glucose syrup shipment is within the PVoC scope; ensure the supplier completes PVoC steps and issues a valid CoC before shipment, and ensure the clearing agent lodges the IDF and customs entry correctly.
Logistics MediumAs a freight-intensive bulk liquid ingredient commonly imported via sea into Mombasa, port congestion, shipping schedule disruptions, and freight-rate volatility can disrupt supply continuity and raise landed costs.Use multi-origin sourcing where feasible, hold buffer inventory for critical SKUs, and specify packaging/handling requirements (e.g., drums/IBCs) to reduce damage and leakage risk.
Food Safety MediumSpecification mismatches (e.g., dextrose equivalent/total solids outside declared spec) or non-alignment with applicable standards can trigger buyer rejection and compliance issues.Contract against a Codex-aligned specification for glucose syrup (DE and total solids thresholds) and require shipment-specific test documentation consistent with buyer and regulatory expectations.
FAQ
Which HS subheadings are commonly used for glucose syrup imports into Kenya in UN Comtrade data?UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS report Kenya imports under HS 170230 (glucose and glucose syrup, containing <20% fruc) and HS 170240 (glucose and glucose syrup, containing >=20% but). Importers should confirm the correct classification for their exact formulation and description at clearance.
What documents are commonly required to import glucose syrup into Kenya?Kenya Revenue Authority guidance lists Import Declaration Forms (IDF), the customs declaration (Entry), a KEBS PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for regulated products, an Import Standards Mark (ISM) when applicable, and valid commercial and pro forma invoices. Transport documents such as a Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air) are also part of standard clearance documentation.
What minimum compositional thresholds does Codex set for glucose syrup?Codex defines glucose syrup as a purified concentrated aqueous solution of nutritive saccharides obtained from starch and/or inulin, with a dextrose equivalent (DE) of not less than 20.0% on a dry basis and total solids of not less than 70.0%.