Steps to Import Goods from China, Turkey, UK, and Dubai to Your Small Business in Kenya

Whether you are planning to diversify your business or leverage cheaper-made products, importing from China, Turkey, the UK, or Dubai can be a game-changer for your small business. However, before you rush to place your first order, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

Here are simple business tips to guide you through the process of identifying marketable products and successfully importing them to Kenya.

Step 1: Identify What to Import

Before diving into importing, ensure you have a clear understanding of what you want to bring in and its demand in the local market. Some profitable product categories include:

Electronics & Accessories – Smartphones, laptops, power banks, Bluetooth speakers
Fashion & Jewelry – Watches, handbags, shoes, belts, sunglasses
Home & Office Equipment – Sanitary ware, plumbing fittings, electrical fittings, furniture, tiles
Automobile Accessories – Car batteries, tires, dashboard accessories
Beauty & Personal Care – Hair extensions, cosmetics, skincare products
Industrial & Machinery Parts – Welding machines, solar panels, generators

Regulatory Compliance:

Consult the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to ensure that the products you intend to import comply with Kenyan laws. Also, obtain a valid KRA PIN for customs clearance purposes.

Step 2: Find Reliable Suppliers

Several online platforms connect buyers with reputable suppliers, including:

China: Alibaba.com, Aliexpress.com, DHgate.com, Made-in-China.com, 1688.com
Turkey: Trendyol.com, Turkishexporter.net, Hepsiburada.com
UK: eBay.co.uk, Amazon.co.uk, WholesaleDeals.co.uk
Dubai: Dubizzle.com, Tradekey.com, DubaiTrade.ae

How to Verify Suppliers:

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Check reviews and ratings – Choose suppliers with high ratings and positive feedback.
Request samples – Always ask for samples before bulk orders.
Use a local sourcing agent – Having a Kenyan contact in the supplier’s country can help verify the legitimacy of the business and inspect product quality.
Negotiate terms – Ensure the supplier accepts secure payment methods such as PayPal, Trade Assurance (Alibaba), or Escrow.

Step 3: Calculate Your Import Costs

Importing comes with various costs, including:

Product Cost (Supplier price)
Shipping Charges (Air freight or sea freight)
Customs Duties & Taxes (KRA import duty, VAT, KEBS inspection fee)
Clearing & Forwarding Fees
Storage Fees (In case of delays in clearance)
Local Transportation Costs (Moving goods from port to final destination)

Simple Cost Calculation Formula:

To estimate the total cost, use this formula:

If you are importing a bunch of cosmetics that cost Ksh100,000 in total all you need to do is to multiply 100,000×1.6=Ksh160,000. So Ksh160,000 is roughly the amount you need to cater for all expenses along the way.

This gives you a rough estimate of how much capital you’ll need.

Step 4: Choose a Shipping Method & Port of Loading

Shipping Options:

Air Freight: Faster but expensive. Ideal for lightweight goods like electronics and jewelry.
Sea Freight: Cheaper but slower. Best for bulky items like tiles, furniture, and automobile accessories.

Major Shipping Companies:

China: Salihiya Cargo, DHL, EMS, FedEx, Sino Shipping
Turkey: UPS, Turkish Cargo, Aramex
UK: DHL, Royal Mail, Freight Forwarders UK
Dubai: Aramex, Emirates SkyCargo, DubaiTrade

Main Ports:

China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao
Turkey: Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin
UK: London Gateway, Felixstowe, Southampton
Dubai: Jebel Ali Port

Once you choose a shipping method, instruct your supplier to deliver your goods to your chosen logistics partner.

Step 5: Clear and Collect Your Goods in Kenya

Upon arrival in Kenya, you’ll need to clear your goods through customs. Here’s how:

Engage a Clearing Agent – They will handle customs paperwork and inspections.
Pay Import Duties – Use KRA’s Simba system to determine your tax obligations.
Customs Inspection – KEBS may conduct quality checks to ensure compliance with Kenyan standards.
Collect Your Goods – If delivered via air, pick up from JKIA; if via sea, collect from Mombasa Port.

6 Don’ts When Importing to Kenya

Don’t buy in bulk before testing samples.
Don’t trust suppliers who refuse to send samples.
Don’t pay with an ATM card; use secure methods like PayPal or Escrow.
Don’t import counterfeit products; it’s illegal and risky.
Don’t order too many items on your first purchase. Start small and scale gradually.
Don’t ignore shipping insurance; it protects you in case of losses. Join our whatsapp Community, Click here

Final Thoughts

Importing goods from China, Turkey, the UK, or Dubai can be a lucrative business opportunity if done correctly. Take time to research products, verify suppliers, and calculate costs before making any commitments.

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