What Documents Are Required for a Kenyan Avocado Exporter?

• Laboratory test report: Prior to the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate for the export of avocados, the consignment has to be sampled and tested to determine the maturity of the crop and oil content, among other factors. Sampling and analysis of the avocados are done by AFA Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), which issues a laboratory test report and clear the consignment for export. 

• Phytosanitary certificate (for fresh produce): A phytosanitary certificate certifies that plants & plant products are free from regulated pests and conform with other phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. Traders are required to obtain a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment and are expected to know the market requirements of their intended export market. The certificate is issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).

• Certificate of origin: The Certificate of Origin (COO) is an international trade document that certifies that a certain product being exported is wholly manufactured, produced, processed, or obtained from the exporting country.
• Non-preferential certificate of origin: A non-preferential certificate of origin is an export document issued by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) that confirms the country of origin of goods being exported. The AfCFTA certificate of origin is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Rules of Origin Section.
  
• Preferential certificate of origin: For the Free Trade Agreements that Kenya has; COMESA, AGOA, GSP, EAC, and EU.

• Export certificate: An export certificate is issued by AFA Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) to an exporter of horticultural produce (fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers) as an indication that AFA HCD has cleared the consignment for export.

Other certificates will be requested according to the country or region of destination.

As most of the Kenyan avocados are heading to the EU, the export requirement are based on the EU's  prerequisites

• Export license from HCDA
• Phytosanitary and conformity certificates from KEPHIS
• Euro 1 Certificate (For EU Market)
• Global GAP Certification
• MRL limit compliance (EU)
• For UK supermarkets, they require BRC certification