Key points
- GlobalG.A.P. certifies the farm; KEPHIS phytosanitary certificates clear each shipment.
- MRL compliance is mandatory for the EU and UK — ask for recent test records.
- Traceability documentation ties every carton back to a farm and harvest date.
GlobalG.A.P. — the farm-level standard
GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) is the baseline certification most European and UK retailers demand. It covers food safety, pesticide handling, worker welfare and environmental practice on the farm. Always ask which of a supplier's farms hold it, and verify the certificate numbers.
Phytosanitary certificates — shipment-level clearance
Every consignment of fresh produce leaving Kenya is inspected by KEPHIS and issued a phytosanitary certificate confirming it meets your country's plant-health rules. No certificate, no customs clearance — your exporter should send you a scanned copy before every flight.
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MRL compliance — pesticide residue limits
The EU, UK and Gulf markets enforce maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides. Compliant exporters test produce regularly at accredited laboratories and keep records. Ask for recent results for the specific lines you are buying.
Food safety and packhouse standards
Beyond the farm, look for HACCP-based packhouse hygiene, GRASP or SMETA social compliance where your retailers require it, and organic certification (EU Organic, etc.) if you buy organic lines.
Traceability documentation
Certification is only useful if it connects to your cartons. Each box should carry codes tracing back to farm, block and harvest date, so a food-safety query can be answered in hours, not weeks.
What Zavora provides
We source from vetted, certified growers and supply the full document set with every consignment: phytosanitary certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill, and any market-specific certificates your programme requires. Ask us for the certification status of any line.
Start your first shipment
Message us on WhatsApp or email our sourcing team. We will confirm availability, packing options and pricing for your market.
Frequently asked questions
- Is GlobalG.A.P. mandatory for buying from Kenya?
- It is not a legal requirement, but most European and UK retailers will not list produce from uncertified farms. For those markets, treat it as essential.
- Who issues phytosanitary certificates in Kenya?
- KEPHIS — the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service — inspects every export consignment and issues the certificate your customs authority requires.
- How do I verify a supplier's certificates?
- Ask for certificate numbers and check them on the issuing body's public register (e.g. the GlobalG.A.P. database), and confirm the certified entity matches the farms actually supplying you.