Traders dealing in timber, charcoal, bamboo and other regulated forest products will have to apply for import and export permits through an electronic platform from October 31, 2026, as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) ends manual processing of the services at its offices.

In a notice issued jointly with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), the two agencies said the affected services would move to the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS) through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP).

The change is aimed at streamlining trade processes, improving transparency and traceability, and making service delivery more efficient.

"The onboarding is in line with the Head of Public Service Circular Ref. OP/CAB/9/83A dated June 4, 2019 and is intended to streamline trade processes, enhance transparency and traceability, and improve the efficiency of service delivery," reads the notice.

Under the new arrangement, applications for KFS import and export permits covering regulated forest products will be processed electronically from Saturday, October 31. The corresponding manual procedures at KFS offices will no longer apply.

The changes will cover applications for a No Objection Letter, also known as a Master Permit, the import and export of forest products, and the related KFS permits and fees.

The affected products include timber, plywood, sawdust, whittles, charcoal, bamboo, veneer, resin and myrrh (gum), tamarind, baobab, Gum Arabic, turpentine oils, rosin and resin acids, alongside other regulated wood products.

The agencies noted that the products would remain subject to the applicable KFS regulatory controls and Harmonised System (HS) codes used to classify goods in international trade.

Importers, exporters, transporters, customs and clearing agents, partner government agencies and members of the public have been urged to familiarise themselves with the new procedures ahead of the October 31 deadline.

All affected stakeholders will be required to conduct their KFS import and export permit transactions through the Trade Facilitation Platform once the changes take effect.

KFS and KenTrade said the shift was part of their commitment to improving trade facilitation through digitalisation. The agencies also seek to reduce paperwork and in-person visits, improve transparency and revenue collection, and support the timely and efficient clearance of regulated forest products.

Stakeholders seeking further information about the transition can contact the Kenya Forest Service through [email protected] or call 020-2014663, 020-2020285, or 020-2689882/3.