11/05/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING OF PRODUCTS REGULATIONS, 2023
The State Department for Parliamentary Affairs wishes to draw the public's attention to a notice issued by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, through the State Department for Industry, notifying all manufacturers, assemblers, investors, and the general public that the East African Community Assembly and Manufacturing of Products Regulations, 2023 shall come into force on 1st July, 2026.
The Regulations, issued under the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and adopted by the East African Community Council of Ministers, aim to promote the use of raw materials and goods manufactured in the Community in the assembly and manufacture of products. The key objectives are threefold: first, to provide for the registration of manufacturers and assemblers within the Community; second, to specify the raw materials or goods manufactured in the Community for use in the assembly and manufacture of products; and third, to specify the incentives accruing to assemblers and manufacturers for the use of raw materials manufactured in the Community.
Key provisions for stakeholders include mandatory registration with competent authorities, submission of time-bound localization plans, maintenance of records for at least five years, and duty remission incentives based on four distinct assembly levels. Raw materials or goods manufactured in the Community as specified in the Second Schedule shall be excluded from imported Completely Knocked Down and Semi Knocked Down kits, with importation of such items attracting full duties.
All stakeholders are encouraged to apprise themselves with the provisions of the Regulations and take necessary steps to ensure compliance ahead of the commencement date.
The State Department for Industry is currently undertaking stakeholder engagement and sensitization initiatives to facilitate smooth implementation.
The full Regulations can be accessed free of charge on the State Department for Industry's website at industrialization.go.ke.
Please refer to the attached notice for further guidance.
