Countries / Middle East & Africa

Kenya

Many consumer categoriesChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemEGMS, Excisable Goods Management System (Kenya Revenue Authority)
Code on the productExcise stamps with QR codes; only licensed manufacturers and importers can order them
AggregationNo.
First stepHold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Tobacco and alcohol are stamped since 2013. Since 13 November 2019 juices, soda, energy drinks and other non-alcoholic drinks carry excise stamps too, and keg beer joined in 2022. Bottled water was stamped from 2019 until 1 July 2026, when the Finance Act 2026 removed its excise duty. Shoppers can check a stamp with a phone.

If you supply this market

  1. Hold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
  2. Order stamps from the authority for each batch: EGMS.
  3. Apply a stamp to every unit before release and activate it in the system.
  4. Keep stock and reports in line: unstamped goods can be seized.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2013Tobacco and alcohol stamps
  • 13 Nov 2019Bottled water, juices, energy drinks, soda, other non-alcoholic drinks
  • 1 Feb 2022Keg beer
  • 1 Jul 2026Bottled water: excise duty abolished, stamps no longer required (Finance Act 2026)

What the code looks like

TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Kenya?

Yes. Codes are required on many consumer product groups through EGMS.

What is already in force?

2013: Tobacco and alcohol stamps; 13 Nov 2019: Bottled water, juices, energy drinks, soda, other non-alcoholic drinks; 1 Feb 2022: Keg beer; 1 Jul 2026: Bottled water: excise duty abolished, stamps no longer required (Finance Act 2026).

What code goes on the product?

Excise stamps with QR codes; only licensed manufacturers and importers can order them.

Is aggregation required?

No.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with KRA: EGMS go-live for non-alcoholic drinks. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.