The Kenya market for Indian henna powder
Strong demand in North and East Africa through re-packers; Nigeria requires NAFDAC registration for retail cosmetic packs.
Indian community in Kenya (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 80,000 (PIO 60,000 + NRI 20,000).
Henna Powder specification for Kenya orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Lawsone content | 1.5-3% depending on crop and grade; higher for body-art quality (typical) |
| Fineness | 150-200 mesh; triple-sifted for body art (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 8-10% (typical) |
| Sand / silica | ≤ 2% (typical) |
| Colour | Green to khaki-green powder; dye result orange-red to deep red (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Kenya requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Kenya
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary | KEPHIS | Import permit; PSC |
| Registration | KEBS / Pharmacy & Poisons Board | KEBS standardisation mark; PPB registration for pharma |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping henna powder to Kenya
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Mombasa: 9-15 days. Via Salalah/Jebel Ali or direct East Africa loops; KEBS PVoC CoC issued in India before shipment
Supply window: Indian henna powder is mainly produced or harvested Mustard flow Dec-Feb; litchi Apr; eucalyptus/multiflora Mar-May (ASSUMPTION; ICRIER lists mustard/litchi/eucalyptus as main flows). Allow 9-15 days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Kenya customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~14-18 MT in 25 kg bags, 40' HC ~22-25 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA; CIF Mombasa is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Kenya
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Inland (~480 km); Port of Mombasa via SGR to Nairobi Inland Container Depot (Embakasi) · J | Indian-Kenyan (Parklands/Ngara) grocery & spice importers, pharma distributors & KEMSA tenders, textile/garment wholesalers (Eastleigh) |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import henna powder into Kenya?
Key requirements: Phytosanitary — KEPHIS (Import permit; PSC); Registration — KEBS / Pharmacy & Poisons Board (KEBS standardisation mark; PPB registration for pharma). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Kenya take?
Typically 9-15 days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Mombasa, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Kenya have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Kenya trade governed by MFN tariffs (EAC Common External Tariff) [S7 — Kenya not mentioned] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to henna powder from India?
Usually HS 140490. Kenya applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is lawsone and why does it matter?
Lawsone is the dye molecule in henna leaves. A higher lawsone percentage gives a stronger, darker stain.
Do you supply black henna?
No. 'Black henna' usually contains PPD, which causes severe skin reactions and is banned for skin use in many countries. For darker hair shades we supply declared henna-indigo blends.
When is fresh crop available?
Leaves are harvested after the monsoon, so fresh-crop powder is generally available from about October (ASSUMPTION - season varies).
Related guides
Request a quote: henna powder to Kenya
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Kenya. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.