If you are looking to venture into the European market or just looking to send individual parcels from Kenya to Portugal, then understanding your shipping options is crucial. Shipping goods from Kenya to Portugal requires proper planning and execution due to the distance between the two countries.

The major shipping methods for cargo going to Portugal from Kenya is mainly air freight and sea freight. When it comes to execution, a reputable logistics partner is a crucial part of process. At Wakah logistics, we ensure successful shipments by navigating all the customs regulations in both Kenya and Portugal. Below, is a guide to help you understand all the essential steps to prepare for your next shipment.

Portugal Trade Relations

Before we dive into the dos and don’ts when it comes to shipping from Kenya to Portugal, you need to understand the trade relations between the two countries. While not primary trading partners historically, Kenya and Portugal are steadily growing their bilateral trade footprint. Kenya exports various agricultural and handmade products, while Portugal is a reliable source for processed goods, electronics, and automotive components.

Key Kenyan Exports to Portugal:

  • Tea and coffee
  • Fresh flowers and horticultural products
  • Textiles and handcrafted goods
  • Essential oils and spices

Common Portuguese Imports to Kenya:

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Industrial and agricultural machinery
  • Wines and alcoholic beverages
  • Electronics and consumer appliances

Portugal’s EU membership further expands trade advantages through duty-preference programs and consistent trade protocols. For Kenyan businesses, this opens up a reliable European gateway. For Portuguese firms, Kenya offers a strategic hub into the East African Community (EAC).

Export Services from Kenya to Portugal

At Wakah Logistics, we facilitate seamless exports by simplifying complex processes. Here’s how we assist Kenyan exporters every step of the way:

Step-by-Step Export Guide:

Product Selection: Choose your export-ready products based on EU compliance and demand in Portugal.

Packaging: Ensure adherence to European standards, particularly for perishables and fragile items.

Documentation Support:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Coo)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants and food)
  • Export permits (where applicable)

Freight Options:

Air Freight: Nairobi (JKIA) to Lisbon or Porto – Ideal for urgent, high-value goods

Sea Freight: Mombasa Port to Lisbon/Setúbal – Ideal for bulk, low-cost shipments

Intermodal: Combine sea/air/road for time-cost balance

Special Cargo:

  • Fresh produce
  • Flowers and plants
  • Essential oils
  • Handicrafts

Ports of Origin:

  • Nairobi (JKIA)
  • Mombasa (Port of Mombasa)
  • Eldoret (for consolidated cargo)

Ports of Destination:

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Setúbal

Import Services from Portugal to Kenya

Importing from Portugal to Kenya is straightforward with Wakah Logistics managing the process.

Common Imports:

  • Construction materials and tiles
  • Wines, olive oil, and food products
  • Furniture and interior décor
  • Heavy machinery and vehicles

Kenya Import Compliance Steps:

KEBS Requirements: Ensures product quality and safety

PVoC (Pre-export Verification of Conformity): Mandatory for regulated goods

KRA iTax Registration: Necessary for clearance

Wakah Logistics offers pre-clearance document review, cargo inspection support, and smooth customs liaison

Duties & Taxes:

  • VAT: 16% (standard rate)
  • Import Declaration Fees (IDF)
  • Railway Development Levy (RDL)

We offer both port-to-port and door-to-door delivery depending on your preference.

 

Freight Mode

Transit Time

Cost

Best For

Sea (FCL)

25–40 days

Low

Bulk goods

Sea (LCL)

30–45 days

Moderate

Small shipments

Air Freight

3–7 days

High

Urgent, high-value items

Intermodal

10–20 days

Variable

Mixed cargo types

 

Consolidated Cargo and Special Handling

Wakah Logistics provides efficient cargo consolidation from Kenya to Portugal, ensuring cost-sharing benefits. If you are looking to send several smaller parcels, then consolidated shipping is the right option for you. Instead of paying separate fees for each parcel you are sending, this shipping option allows you to combine all your items into one large shipment sent to your desired destination.

What is Consolidation?

Combining multiple shipments into a single container to reduce costs. The process is often referred to as freight consolidation, cargo consolidation, or groupage consolidation. The core benefit is that you will cut on shipping costs as international shipping rates are based on weight and volume with a minimum charge. The minimum charge usually makes sending of small individual parcels expensive.

When to Use LCL:

  • Startups or SMEs shipping smaller volumes
  • E-commerce exporters
  • Personal effects

Special Handling Services:

  • Cold chain for perishables (flowers, fruits)
  • Fragile cargo (glassware, electronics)
  • Custom crating and packaging
  • Hazardous goods (with proper documentation)
  • We offer GPS-enabled tracking and in-transit status updates through our portal.

Customs Clearance & Documentation

Navigating customs can be a headache – but not with Wakah Logistics.

Export Documents (Kenya):

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (if applicable)
  • Export Permits (for restricted goods)

Import Documents (Portugal):

  • EUR1 Certificate (for EU customs preferences)
  • EORI Number (for EU importers)
  • Health/safety compliance for food & beverages

Import Documents (Kenya):

  • PVoC Certificate
  • KEBS Clearance
  • KRA PIN & iTax registration
  • IDF Receipt

We ensure documentation meets both Kenyan and EU requirements, ensuring zero delays.

Wakah Logistics ensures end-to-end coordination for seamless shipping between Kenya and the EU. We handle documentation, customs, and logistics with precision—empowering businesses with real-time updates, transparent processes, and tailored shipping solutions. Our goal is to simplify cross-border trade with reliability, speed, and full compliance.

Trade Compliance and Regulations

Regulatory compliance is crucial for uninterrupted shipping between Kenya and Portugal. The following are the regulations for the European union  and Kenya respectively.

European Union Regulations:

  • General Product Safety Directive (GPSD)
  • REACH (for chemicals)
  • CE marking for machinery/electrical goods
  • Food import safety protocols (for meat, dairy, etc.)

Kenyan Import Regulations:

  • Pre-shipment inspection by authorized bodies (SGS, Bureau Veritas)
  • Labeling and packaging requirements
  • Tax obligations

Prohibited/Restricted Items:

  • Counterfeit goods
  • Certain chemicals and flammable substances
  • Restricted animal products
  • Wakah ensures full compliance with customs, food safety, labeling, and transport regulations.

Why Choose Wakah Logistics for Kenya–Portugal Shipping

Wakah Logistics is your reliable trade partner between Kenya and Portugal. We offer simplified shipping will ensuring that all shipments are complaint to avoid any delays. With our experienced staff and extensive network both locally and internationally, you are guaranteed efficiency and reliability for all your shipments.

Why Businesses Trust Wakah:

  • Custom Logistics Plans: Whether air, sea, or multimodal
  • Daily Pickups: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
  • Cold Chain Management: For flowers and perishables
  • Partner Networks in Portugal: For clearance and local delivery
  • Cargo Insurance: Coverage for damage/loss
  • 24/7 Tracking: Real-time updates through our digital platform
  • Dedicated Client Service: Logistics experts available anytime

 FAQs – Kenya to Portugal Shipping

How long does shipping from Kenya to Portugal take?
Sea freight takes 25–45 days, while air freight ranges between 3–7 days depending on connections.

What is the cheapest way to ship from Kenya to Portugal?
Consolidated LCL sea freight is the most affordable option for small to medium cargo.

Do I need a customs broker in Portugal?
Wakah Logistics works with reliable Portuguese agents to handle clearance on your behalf.

Can I send food products to Portugal from Kenya?
Yes. However, strict EU food safety and labeling standards must be met. Wakah provides packaging and documentation support.

How do I track my shipment with Wakah Logistics?
You’ll receive a tracking number upon booking. You can monitor shipment status via our online portal or mobile app.

What is the import duty from Portugal to Kenya?
Depends on the HS code of the product. Common rates range between 10% to 25% plus VAT.

Is there support for personal effects or student cargo?
Yes, Wakah handles student shipments, excess baggage, and personal effects with special packaging and clearance procedures.

Need to ship between Kenya and Portugal?
Reach out to Wakah Logistics today for a free consultation or shipping quote.

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