EPRA online clearance: LPG and petrol imports go digital

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EPRA online clearance for LPG and petrol imports will move border paperwork onto the National Electronic Single Window System. A joint public notice from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and KenTrade says Phase 1 covers petroleum and LPG, with coal to follow. Mandatory use starts only after the November regional forums close and EPRA names an effective date.

What EPRA online clearance will require

According to the EPRA–KenTrade public notice, the proposed process will:

• Require importers, exporters, transporters and related stakeholders to clear Coal, Petroleum and LPG documentation on NESWS (the Trade Facilitation Platform).
• Require licensed transporters to submit journey plans electronically.
• Let EPRA officers verify importer, exporter, transporter and driver licences on the integrated platform under the Petroleum Act, Cap. 308.

Phase 1 starts with Petroleum and LPG. The notice says the mandatory start date will be announced after sensitisation and preparatory work.

Sensitization dates for EPRA online clearance

Public forums include Meru (2 November), Nairobi Hilton Building (4 November), Mombasa (6 November), Kisumu (9 November), Eldoret (11 November) and Nakuru (13 November). Written comments can go to info@epra.go.ke or to EPRA’s regional offices listed in the notice.

Once mandatory, clearing agents who still use paper workflows at the border risk delays when EPRA officers check licences only on the integrated platform. Transporters that cannot file electronic journey plans will not meet the proposed rules. The notice does not publish a fee schedule for the new EPRA steps; any charges would come in later operational circulars.

What importers should do now

EPRA advises stakeholders to keep licences and compliance documents valid before onboarding. For general KenTrade registration steps, see our guide to the KenTrade Single Window System. The new notice is specifically about moving EPRA petroleum, LPG and coal clearances onto that platform.

Frequently asked questions

Is EPRA online clearance mandatory today?

Not yet. EPRA will announce the effective date after sensitisation and preparatory activities.

Which products are in Phase 1?

Petroleum and LPG consignments. Coal follows in later phases.

Where do I send comments?

Email info@epra.go.ke or deliver written memoranda to EPRA’s Nairobi headquarters or regional offices named in the notice.

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