Shipping Guide · UK to Kenya · 2026
Dangerous Goods &
Prohibited Items
UK to Kenya
Dangerous Goods UK to Kenya - what Triple A ships, what's blocked by KRA customs, and what can go by sea when air restrictions apply. Kenya-specific rules — not generic freight guides. Updated 2026.
Quick Status Guide
Triple A ships
Air & sea — including perfumes
Sea only
Vehicles on request — air & sea available
KRA Absolutely Blocked
Shisha & vaping products, narcotics, witchcraft, porn, counterfeits
£7.99/kg
Air freight
all-inclusive
all-inclusive
£2.95/kg
Sea freight
all-inclusive
all-inclusive
Azaanex
KRA licensed
clearance
clearance
Southall
Free UK address
UB2 5NA
UB2 5NA
47 Counties
Kenya door-to-door
delivery
delivery
Overview
Before You Ship — What You Need to Know
There are three distinct categories: items Triple A ships freely by air and sea (including perfumes and fragile goods), items that are restricted from air but can travel by sea, and items that are permanently banned by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regardless of how they're shipped. Sending a KRA-prohibited item risks seizure of your entire consignment and potential legal action against the importer.
⚠️ KRA enforcement is strict. Items that are prohibited under Kenyan law — including alcohol, pork products, witchcraft paraphernalia, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and pornographic material — cannot be cleared on arrival regardless of carrier. They will be seized and destroyed at Mombasa Port or JKIA Nairobi. The importer may face fines and prosecution. Do not attempt to ship these items.
Air Freight · Heathrow → JKIA · Every Monday
3–5
business days
£7.99/kg — All-Inclusive
- Clothing, shoes & fashion
- Electronics — phones, laptops, tablets
- Perfumes & colognes — Triple A ships these
- Medicines, vitamins, supplements
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Online shopping parcels
- Vehicle spare parts (non-hazardous)
- Documents and samples
- Aerosols (sea freight only)
- Flammable liquids & oils (sea only)
- Standalone lithium batteries (sea only)
Sea Freight · UK Port → Mombasa · 40–45 Days
40–45
days
£2.95/kg — All-Inclusive
- Everything air ships, plus:
- Aerosols — deodorants, sprays
- Flammable liquids — paints, solvents
- Cooking & vegetable oils
- Standalone lithium batteries
- Furniture & household goods
- Machinery & industrial equipment
- Vehicles — air on request, sea RoRo from £1,195
- Alcohol — blocked air & sea
- Pork products — blocked air & sea
- All KRA-prohibited items
Complete Reference
Dangerous Goods UK to Kenya Item Category — Air, Sea & KRA Status
Every major item category, its air freight status, sea freight status, and KRA customs position for import into Kenya. When in doubt, contact us before booking.
| Item / Category | Air ✈️ | Sea 🚢 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfumes & colognes — any volume | ✓ Triple A Ships | ✓ Yes | Triple A ships perfumes by air. Many carriers refuse — we've arranged compliant handling. All volumes accepted. |
| Aerosols (deodorants, hairspray, sprays) | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | Pressurised containers blocked from air by IATA. Sea freight only under IMDG regulations. |
| Cooking & vegetable oils | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | Classified as flammable liquid by IATA. Popular by sea — barrel shipping at £160/barrel available. |
| Paints, varnishes & solvents | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | Flammable liquid classification. IMDG-compliant packing required. MSDS provided. |
| Lithium batteries — in devices | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Phones, laptops, tablets ship by air with IATA PI 966/967 compliance — Triple A handles this. |
| Lithium batteries — standalone/spare | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | Standalone batteries and power banks blocked from cargo aircraft. Sea freight only under IMDG. |
| Clothing, shoes & fashion | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | No restrictions. Air popular for urgent personal orders and online shopping forwards. |
| Electronics — phones, laptops, TVs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | KEBS compliance documentation required. Triple A handles KEBS PVoC as part of clearance. |
| Cosmetics & skincare (liquid/cream) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | KEBS Certificate of Conformity required for commercial quantities. Included in Triple A clearance. |
| Medicines & vitamins | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Personal quantities ship freely. Commercial pharmaceuticals require Kenya Pharmacy Board permit. |
| Alcohol — beer, wine, spirits | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Triple A does not accept alcohol on any service. KRA import controls and religious/cultural import restrictions apply. |
| Pork & pork-derived products | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Triple A does not accept pork products on any service. Kenya import restrictions apply — not accepted on any Triple A shipment. |
| Witchcraft paraphernalia | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Prohibited from import into Kenya. Seized by KRA customs. Triple A will not accept these items. |
| Narcotics & controlled substances | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Criminal offence under Kenyan law. Penalties include imprisonment. Absolutely prohibited. |
| Firearms & ammunition | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Without a valid Kenyan government firearms import licence. Triple A does not handle firearms. |
| Counterfeit & pirated goods | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Seized and destroyed by KRA on arrival. Legal action against importer. No exceptions. |
| Pornographic material | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Illegal to import into Kenya under the Films and Stage Plays Act. Criminal penalties. |
| Adult toys & sexual products | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Prohibited under Kenyan obscene materials legislation. Not accepted on any service. |
| Used mattresses | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Triple A accepts used mattresses by air and sea. Declare correctly on packing list. KRA import duties apply. |
| Vehicles (all types) | On Request | ✓ Docs Required | Sea freight (RoRo) is standard from £1,195. Air freight available on request for urgent, high-value or specialist vehicles. RHD only. Max 8 years old. QISJ pre-shipment inspection mandatory. V5C required. |
| Plants & seeds | KEPHIS Permit | KEPHIS Permit | Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KEPHIS) import permit and phytosanitary certificate required. |
| Food products — commercial | KEBS/KEPHIS | KEBS/KEPHIS | KEBS product standards certificate required for most commercial food imports into Kenya. |
| Tobacco & vapes / e-cigarettes | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Triple A does not accept tobacco or vaping products on any service. |
| Explosives & pyrotechnics | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Without Kenyan government explosives import licence. Not accepted by Triple A under any circumstances. |
| Radioactive materials | ✕ Blocked | ✕ Blocked | Requires Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) licence. Not accepted by Triple A. |
Triple A Difference
We Ship Perfumes by Air.
Most Carriers Won't.
Many UK freight companies refuse perfumes and fragrances by air freight, citing flammable liquid classifications. Triple A has arranged compliant handling for perfumes and colognes — all volumes accepted on our weekly Friday air service to JKIA Nairobi. No 100ml limit. No sea freight wait.
Perfumes & Colognes
All volumes. Any brand. Personal gifts, stock orders, or family sends — all shipped by air.
Cosmetics & Beauty
Liquid foundation, creams, lotions, makeup — shipped by air with KEBS compliance included.
Skincare & Hair Products
Serums, oils, conditioners, hair treatments — personal and commercial quantities accepted.
Medicines & Vitamins
Prescription meds, OTC supplements, vitamins — shipped with correct documentation.
Electronics with Batteries
Phones, laptops, tablets — all shipped by air with IATA PI 966/967 compliance handled by us.
Online Shopping Parcels
Amazon, eBay, ASOS, Boots — use our Southall address, we ship everything to Kenya by Friday flight.
Clothing & Shoes
Garments, trainers, accessories — no restrictions. Air or sea depending on urgency.
Spare Parts & Machinery
Vehicle parts, industrial spares — air for urgent items, sea for bulk. All cleared via Azaanex.
Not Accepted — Any Service
Alcohol
Pork products
Witchcraft paraphernalia
Narcotics
Counterfeit goods
Pornographic material
Adult toys
Firearms
Tobacco & vapes
Explosives
Kenya Revenue Authority
Dangerous Goods UK to Kenya - KRA Absolutely Prohibited Items
These items are prohibited from import into Kenya by law. Shipping them risks seizure of everything in the consignment — not just the offending item — plus destruction, fines, and criminal prosecution. Triple A will not accept these on any service.
Witchcraft Paraphernalia
Items associated with witchcraft, occult practice, or black magic are prohibited from import into Kenya and seized by KRA. Not accepted on any Triple A service.
Narcotics & Drugs
All controlled substances without appropriate government licence. Subject to arrest and prosecution on arrival in Kenya. Criminal penalties including imprisonment.
Firearms & Ammunition
Without a valid Kenyan government firearms import licence. Illegal to ship. Penalties include imprisonment. Triple A does not handle firearms.
Counterfeit Goods
Fake branded goods, pirated material, replica products. KRA seizes and destroys on arrival. Legal action taken against the importer.
Pornographic Material
Illegal under the Films and Stage Plays Act of Kenya. Seized and destroyed. Criminal prosecution possible. Not accepted on any service.
Tobacco & Vapes
Tobacco products and vaping devices are not accepted on any Triple A service — air or sea.
Air Restricted — Sea Alternative
Blocked from Air?
Sea Freight Has You Covered.
Items that can't fly under IATA regulations can travel safely by sea under IMDG rules. Our sea freight service from £2.95/kg ships to Mombasa in 40–45 days — all-inclusive, KRA clearance via Azaanex, door-to-door Kenya delivery.
Aerosols
Deodorants, hairspray, body sprays, air fresheners, spray cleaners — all accepted by sea with IMDG-compliant packing.
Cooking & Vegetable Oils
Palm oil, sunflower, vegetable, olive oils — sea freight in bulk. Barrel shipping at £160 per 220L is popular for food importers.
Paints & Solvents
House paint, industrial coatings, thinners, varnishes — accepted on sea freight with IMDG declaration and MSDS.
Standalone Lithium Batteries
Spare batteries and power banks blocked from cargo aircraft. Sea freight under IMDG — we handle UN3480/3481 classification and packing.
Furniture & Household Goods
Full household moves, furniture sets, appliances — LCL groupage from £2.95/kg or FCL containers from £2,200 (20ft).
Machinery & Equipment
Industrial machinery, generators, tools — sea freight for bulk commercial equipment. All cleared by Azaanex at Mombasa.
Most Asked About
Lithium Batteries —
Full Rules
Whether your batteries can fly depends entirely on whether they're installed in a device. Triple A handles all IATA compliance documentation as part of your shipment.
✈️ In a Device — Can Fly
- Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras — all accepted by air
- Battery must be installed in the device, not loose
- Device must be switched off and protected from short circuit
- IATA Packing Instructions 966/967 — Triple A prepares this
- Personal quantities — no restrictions
- 10+ devices commercial — contact us before booking
🚢 Standalone — Sea Freight Only
- Spare batteries, power banks not in a device
- Blocked from virtually all cargo aircraft
- Sea freight via IMDG compliant packing — we arrange
- Must be in original or UN-approved packaging
- State of charge not to exceed 30% for bulk quantities
- UN3480 (standalone) or UN3481 (in equipment) — we advise
The Triple A Process
How We Handle Restricted Cargo
We screen every shipment before it leaves our Southall warehouse. If something needs documentation, we tell you at booking — not after your cargo lands in Kenya.
Pre-Shipment Screening
We review your goods list at booking. Any restriction is flagged before you drop cargo at Southall — not after it's flown.
Documentation Prepared
Packing list, commercial invoice, Dangerous Goods Declaration, and MSDS — all prepared at Southall before departure.
Right Mode Advised
If your item can't fly, we confirm sea freight, correct IMDG classification, and packing — you don't lose the shipment.
KRA Clearance via Azaanex
Azaanex Holdings Ltd — our licensed KRA partner — handles all declarations at JKIA Nairobi and Mombasa Port. Duties included.
KEBS PVoC Compliance
Electronics and regulated products requiring KEBS Certificate of Conformity — arranged with QISJ and SGS before goods leave Southall.
Zero Surprise Policy
What we quote covers clearance, duties and documentation. If special requirements exist, we tell you at booking. Never on arrival.
📍 Use Our Southall Warehouse as Your Free UK Delivery Address
Use our Southall warehouse as your UK delivery address when shopping from any retailer — whether you're buying everyday essentials, online shopping from Amazon, eBay, or ASOS, or ordering for Christmas, Eid, Black Friday, Boxing Day, Ramadan, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, or back-to-school season. Unit Z01, 8A Canal Yard, Hayes Road, Southall, UB2 5NA.
KRA Clearance
No mystery agents.
Named. Licensed. Included.
Many UK freight companies hand your shipment to unknown third-party clearing agents in Kenya — meaning an unexpected bill arrives after your goods land. Triple A works exclusively with Azaanex Holdings Ltd, our named KRA-licensed partner at both JKIA and Mombasa Port. All duties included in your quoted rate. You pay once. Nothing more at the airport.
✓
KRA Licensed Clearing Agent
Azaanex Holdings Ltd — licensed by Kenya Revenue Authority
✓
JKIA Nairobi & Mombasa Port
Air and sea cleared on the same in-house account — no split responsibilities
✓
All Duties Included in Quote
VAT 16%, IDF 3.5%, RDL 2% — no additional payment required in Kenya
✓
Zero Arrival Surprises
The rate quoted is the rate you pay — guaranteed. No extra invoices, ever.
Common Questions
Dangerous Goods — FAQs
Can Triple A ship perfumes by air to Kenya?
Yes — Triple A ships perfumes and colognes by air freight. Many carriers refuse fragrances, but we've arranged compliant handling for all volumes. Whether you're sending a personal gift, a beauty order from a UK retailer, or commercial fragrance stock, we accept it on our weekly Friday air service to JKIA Nairobi. No 100ml limit, no sea freight wait required.
Can I ship aerosols from the UK to Kenya?
Aerosols cannot travel by air freight — deodorants, hairspray, spray cleaners, and all pressurised containers are blocked from cargo aircraft by IATA regulations. However, aerosols can be shipped by sea freight to Mombasa under IMDG regulations. Contact us with your specific items and we will confirm packing and documentation requirements before booking.
Does Triple A ship alcohol to Kenya?
No. Triple A does not accept alcohol — beer, wine, or spirits — on any service, air or sea. This applies to all quantities. If you have questions about what we can ship instead, please contact our team.
Are pork products prohibited from shipping to Kenya?
Yes. Triple A does not accept pork meat or pork-derived products on any service. Kenya import restrictions apply. This applies to both air and sea freight, and there are no exceptions on any Triple A shipment.
What happens to witchcraft items at Kenyan customs?
Witchcraft paraphernalia is prohibited from import into Kenya and is seized by KRA customs on arrival. This applies regardless of how the items are labelled or packaged. Triple A will not accept these items on any service — if such items are discovered in a consignment, the entire shipment may be held or seized. Always declare your goods accurately and completely when booking.
Can I send cooking oil to Kenya?
Yes, by sea freight. Vegetable oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, and cooking oils are classified as flammable liquids by IATA and cannot travel by air. By sea, they can be shipped in bulk containers or barrels — our barrel shipping service at £160 per 220-litre barrel is popular for this purpose. KRA import duties apply on commercial quantities, which Azaanex handles on your behalf as part of the all-inclusive rate.
Can I send a phone or laptop with its battery by air?
Yes. Phones, laptops, tablets and other devices with lithium batteries installed can travel by air freight. The battery must be in the device (not a spare), the device should be switched off, and it must be declared correctly on our manifest. Triple A handles all IATA Packing Instruction 966/967 compliance — you just need to declare all devices when you book.
What happens if prohibited items are found in my shipment?
If KRA finds prohibited items in your consignment, they have the authority to seize your entire shipment — not just the offending item. The goods may be destroyed, and you could face fines and legal prosecution as the importer. This is why pre-shipment declaration is critical. Triple A screens shipments before dispatch, but we rely on you to declare everything accurately. If you're unsure about a specific item, WhatsApp us before booking and we will confirm within the hour.
Not Sure If Your
Item Can Ship?
Tell us what you're sending and we'll confirm within the hour — air or sea, documentation needed, all-inclusive rate. No guesswork.
📍 Unit Z01, 8A Canal Yard, Hayes Road, Southall, UB2 5NA
🇬🇧 +44 7800 648 660 · 🇰🇪 +254 111 81 81 81 · info@tripleafreight.co.uk
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30 · Sat 09:30–15:00
🇬🇧 +44 7800 648 660 · 🇰🇪 +254 111 81 81 81 · info@tripleafreight.co.uk
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30 · Sat 09:30–15:00
Related Services
