Updated 1 November 2026
The KEBS Diamond Mark (D-Mark) is a voluntary product certification mark of excellence from the Kenya Bureau of Standards. A local manufacturer pays KSh 220,000 plus VAT for a four-year permit per product, brand and production site; a foreign manufacturer pays USD 16,000 plus the inspector’s travel costs. You apply on the KEBS KIMS portal with forms STA 1, STA 3 and SL1, and KEBS says many firms take around nine months from application to award. D-Mark holders also qualify automatically for the Standardization Mark (S-Mark) without paying again.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the KEBS Quality Assurance fee schedule, Diamond Mark page and FAQs. Check kebs.org before you pay, as fees can change.
KEBS Diamond Mark at a glance
| Item | What KEBS says |
|---|---|
| Type | Voluntary product certification, a “mark of excellence” |
| Who can apply | Manufacturers based in Kenya or abroad that meet the criteria |
| Permit validity | 4 years, subject to satisfactory quality performance |
| Fee, local firm | KSh 220,000 (excluding VAT) per product/brand/production site |
| Fee, foreign firm | USD 16,000 per product/brand/production site, plus inspector subsistence, economy return airfare, visa and local travel costs |
| Bonus | Automatic S-Mark with no extra payment |
| Typical time | Around nine months, depending on readiness |
| Where to apply | KEBS KIMS portal |
What the KEBS Diamond Mark is and why firms get it
The S-Mark is compulsory for many locally made products, while the KEBS Diamond Mark is optional. It tells buyers, supermarkets and procurement teams that the product has shown a consistently high level of compliance with Kenyan Standards over time, not just on one test. Because the D-Mark includes the S-Mark, a manufacturer that qualifies does not need to pay for both. For the compulsory mark and its costs, see our guide to KEBS certification cost and S-Mark fees.
The mark also helps importers. KEBS’s destination inspection manual lists products under the Diamond Mark scheme among those that can get lighter treatment at the port, and during the 2026 gap in pre-export inspection contracts KEBS told importers that product registration or Diamond Mark certification would speed up clearance.
KEBS Diamond Mark requirements
KEBS lists these requirements for a new application:
- Compliance history. For a new permit, product test results at intervals of at least three months over the last year (the KEBS marks page also describes this as three complying test reports in the last nine months). For renewal, results at intervals of at least one year over the last four years.
- Form STA 1, the Diamond Mark application form.
- Form STA 3, the factory assessment questionnaire, and STA 10 for first-time applicants.
- Form SL1, the standards levy notification form. You must be registered for the standards levy.
- Registration documents: your company registration certificate and CR12 for limited companies, or registration evidence for CBOs, cooperatives and self-help groups.
- The product standard (specification or code of practice) that applies to your product, bought from KEBS.
- A local agent, for foreign applicants.
KEBS says no product samples are needed when you submit the application. If you are still setting up, get your company KRA PIN and single business permit in order first.
How to apply for the KEBS Diamond Mark on KIMS
- Log in to KIMS and open the Diamond Mark tab, then click Make Application.
- Fill in the STA 1 details and choose Local or Foreign as the application type.
- Complete the STA 3 sections: quality control staff, materials or components, and manufacturing details.
- Upload your supporting documents and click Finish.
- Click Submit Application and confirm.
- Open Payment Details and pay by bank or M-Pesa STK push. The invoice changes to Paid once payment goes through.
- Track progress under Diamond Mark, then All My Applications.
What happens after you apply
KEBS reviews the application and assigns an inspector. The factory visit checks quality checks and sampling points, controls on incoming raw materials, in-process and finished goods, testing and quality records, how you handle rejects and non-compliances, your product recall plan, labelling, equipment calibration, complaints handling, hygiene and housekeeping, and environmental practice. The inspector may draw samples for testing and will agree a scheme of supervision and control with you. Any nonconformities must be corrected before the Permit Approval Committee (PAC) awards the permit.
Diamond Mark vs S-Mark
| Diamond Mark | Standardization Mark | |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory? | No, voluntary | Yes, for products covered by compulsory standards |
| Validity | 4 years | See the S-Mark fee schedule |
| Proof needed | A compliance history over time | Compliance with the relevant standard |
| Includes the other? | Yes, S-Mark included | No |
Costs to budget for beyond the KEBS Diamond Mark fee
- VAT on the KSh 220,000 permit fee.
- The cost of buying the relevant Kenya Standard.
- Laboratory testing to build your compliance history.
- The standards levy, which is separate from certification.
- For foreign firms, travel and subsistence for KEBS inspectors.
Manufacturers starting out can see how these costs fit into a full business plan in our water bottling business guide.
Source: KEBS Diamond Mark page and KEBS fee schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the KEBS Diamond Mark?
KSh 220,000 excluding VAT for a local firm, or USD 16,000 plus inspector travel costs for a foreign firm. The fee covers four years for each product, brand and production site.
How long is the Diamond Mark valid?
Four years, as long as quality stays satisfactory and you meet the permit conditions.
Do I need the S-Mark if I have the Diamond Mark?
No. KEBS says Diamond Mark holders qualify for the Standardization Mark automatically with no extra payment.
How long does it take to get the Diamond Mark?
It depends on how ready you are. KEBS says many firms take around nine months from the date of application.
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