Updated 1 November 2026
The KEBS S-Mark (Standardization Mark) is the mandatory quality mark for products made in Kenya. You apply on the KEBS KIMS portal, pay through eCitizen, host a factory inspection and sample test, and get a permit valid for two years. Inspection fees per production site are KSh 40,000 for large firms, KSh 20,000 for medium firms and KSh 10,000 for small firms, and large firms also pay a KSh 15,000 permit fee per product. Below are the exact fee bands, the documents KIMS asks for, each step and the mistakes that delay a permit.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the KEBS Quality Assurance Standardization Mark page and fee schedule. Confirm on qualityassurance.kebs.go.ke before you pay, as fees can change.
In this guide
What is the KEBS S-Mark?
The Standardization Mark is a mandatory product certification scheme under section 10 of the Standards Act (Cap 496). It applies to goods manufactured locally. A permit shows that a specific product, from a specific site, meets the requirements of a Kenya Standard or an approved specification. KEBS also notes that the S-Mark is the notified mark under the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act 2006, which matters if you plan to sell into other East African markets.
If you sell packaged food, water, cosmetics, building materials or most other manufactured goods, retailers and supermarkets will usually ask for the S-Mark permit number before listing your product. Selling uncertified products that fall under a mandatory standard can lead to seizure and penalties.
KEBS S-Mark fees in 2026
| Firm category | Annual turnover (KEBS definition) | Inspection fee per site (2 years) | Permit fee (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large (LME) | Over KSh 500,000 | KSh 40,000 | KSh 15,000 per product/brand/site |
| Medium (MME) | KSh 200,000 to KSh 500,000 | KSh 20,000 | Covers up to 3 products; KSh 10,000 per extra product |
| Small (SME) | Below KSh 200,000 | KSh 10,000 | Covers up to 3 products; KSh 10,000 per extra product |
Source: KEBS Standardization Mark page and KEBS fee schedule, checked 1 November 2026.
Some sectors are placed in the large category regardless of turnover. KEBS lists alcoholic beverage makers, animal feed millers, fortified maize and wheat millers, milk pasteurisers and bottlers, and containerised drinking water bottlers as LME. So a small water refill or bottling plant pays the large-firm rate. All fees are paid at application through eCitizen, and any later change to a permit costs KSh 1,000 once approved.
Worked examples
- Small honey packer, one site, two products: KSh 10,000 inspection fee for two years, with both products inside the three-product allowance.
- Medium snack maker, five products: KSh 20,000 inspection fee plus KSh 20,000 for the two products above the allowance, so KSh 40,000.
- Water bottler (always LME), one brand in two pack sizes treated as two products: KSh 40,000 inspection plus KSh 15,000 per product. Ask KEBS how it will count your pack sizes before paying.
You will also pay for the Kenya Standard document for your product from the KEBS Webstore, and for any corrective work if samples fail.
Documents you need for the S-Mark application
KEBS lists these details for the KIMS application:
- Company registration number (see our guide to the KRA PIN for a company, which you also need)
- KRA PIN
- Director’s ID number
- Yearly turnover (this sets your fee band)
- Line of business and nature of business
No product samples are needed when you submit. KEBS officers draw samples during the factory visit. Have your county trade licence ready too; our guide to the single business permit covers that step.
How to apply for the KEBS S-Mark: step by step
- Buy the standard. Get the Kenya Standard (specification and any sector code of practice) for your product from the KEBS Webstore, and check your process against it.
- Sign up on KIMS. Open the KEBS Information Management System at kims.kebs.org, create a manufacturer account and follow the Quality Assurance user manual.
- Apply and upload documents. Enter the details above for each product, brand and production site.
- Pay on eCitizen. KEBS now takes all payments only through eCitizen.
- Officer assignment. KEBS reviews the application for adequacy and assigns an inspector.
- Factory inspection. The officer checks your production process and controls, draws samples and agrees a scheme of supervision and control with you.
- Lab tests. Samples are tested at KEBS or another accredited or designated laboratory.
- Corrective action if needed. If samples fail or the officer finds nonconformities, you fix them and inform KEBS so it can confirm the fix.
- Permit issued. Once you comply, KEBS issues a permit with a unique number. Print the S-Mark logo and the permit number on your label.
How long is the S-Mark valid?
The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. During that time KEBS carries out surveillance inspections at your factory and in the market. Plan renewal early so your label never shows an expired permit. Certified products are listed in the KEBS online database, which buyers use to check you.
S-Mark vs Diamond Mark vs Fortification Mark
| Mark | Mandatory? | Validity | Local fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Mark | Yes, for locally made goods under a standard | 2 years | KSh 10,000 to 40,000 inspection, plus permit fee for LME |
| Diamond Mark | No, a voluntary mark of excellence | 4 years | KSh 220,000 plus VAT |
| Fortification Mark | Required for fortified flour and oils | 2 years | KSh 20,000 plus VAT per product |
Diamond Mark holders get the S-Mark automatically. For an overview of all KEBS charges, see our KEBS certification cost guide.
Common reasons S-Mark applications stall
- Declaring the wrong turnover band, which leads to a fee top-up.
- Starting production without reading the standard, so samples fail on labelling or composition.
- Premises not ready for inspection (no hygiene records, no batch records, no quality control tests).
- Treating several pack sizes or brands as one product when KEBS counts them separately.
Starting a factory? Our water bottling business guide shows how the S-Mark fits into the full licensing list.
KEBS contacts
KEBS Quality Assurance, Popo Road off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 54974-00200 Nairobi. Tel +254 20 694 8320, email info.qa@kebs.go.ke, toll free 1545.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the KEBS S-Mark cost?
Inspection fees per production site for two years are KSh 40,000 for large firms, KSh 20,000 for medium and KSh 10,000 for small firms. Large firms also pay KSh 15,000 per product; medium and small firms pay KSh 10,000 for each product above three.
How long is the S-Mark permit valid?
Two years from the date of issue, with surveillance inspections during that period.
Do I need samples when applying for the S-Mark?
No. KEBS officers draw samples during the factory inspection.
Where do I apply for the KEBS S-Mark?
On the KEBS KIMS portal, with payment through eCitizen.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
