How to import flowers from Kenya to the UK

Kenya stands proudly as one of the world’s top exporters of cut flowers, with the United Kingdom as a key and valued partner. Thanks to the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, vibrant Kenyan flowers currently enjoy advantageous duty-free access to the UK market, with the standard 8% import duty suspended (Source: Boost for flower farmers as UK suspends duty fee). However, to fully capitalize on this benefit and ensure your beautiful shipments clear without issues, it’s essential to navigate the UK’s import regulations with care and precision, alongside a high-quality, high-volume supplier from Kenya.

To bring fresh Kenyan flowers into the UK smoothly, several key requirements must be diligently met. Every shipment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), confirming the blooms are pest- and disease-free. UK authorities also require importers to pre-notify them of the shipment via the IPAFFS system at least four hours before arrival (See: Import plants and plant products from the EU to Great Britain.

While the duty on flowers is currently waived, importers are still responsible for 20% VAT on the goods' value (details on Paying VAT on imports from outside the UK to Great Britain and from outside the EU to Northern Ireland). Crucially, the flowers must comply with strict plant health regulations enforced by DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (refer to Import plants and plant products from non-EU countries to Great Britain).

Navigating these details correctly is the key to seamless entry. This information is for general guidance only—some details may be outdated or omitted. Please seek professional advice to ensure full compliance with current regulations.

On the Kenyan side, meticulous preparation by flower exporters is essential for a smooth journey to the UK. This includes providing the phytosanitary certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, and an export license from the Kenya Revenue Authority. A certificate of origin is also vital to confirm the flowers qualify for duty-free access. To preserve their delicate freshness and vibrant appeal during transit, flowers are flown to the UK using specially ventilated packaging, moisture-retaining materials, and unwavering adherence to strict cold chain procedures.

The Kenya Awaits Advantage: We partner closely with our carefully selected and vetted Kenyan flower producers. This ensures all their export preparations, from flawless documentation to cold chain management, are well handled, Ensuring the quality and compliance of your shipment from the Kenyan farm right through to freight.

Sourcing flowers directly from Kenya can present unforeseen challenges for UK businesses without a trusted, on-the-ground partner. Many smaller farms, while capable of producing excellent quality, may struggle to consistently meet the specific UK standards or required volumes. Some exporters may not always guarantee supply reliability, especially during peak demand periods like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, potentially leaving your orders unfulfilled. Without deep local knowledge and established relationships, UK businesses might invest significant time in sourcing, only to face unexpected delays, or receive products that don't meet their exacting quality standards. Managing the intricate logistics and compliance process independently can also be unexpectedly time-consuming and often costly.

The Kenya Awaits Advantage: With us as your strategic sourcing partner in Kenya, focused on bringing you exceptional value. Our direct connections to a select network of certified farms mean we bypass unnecessary intermediaries, allowing you to secure premium UK-standard flowers more cost-effectively and protect your margins. We leverage our deep local insight and diligent oversight to minimize risks, ensuring you partner with outstanding producers who deliver both quality and tangible financial benefits to your business

Kenya Awaits solves this problem by helping UK businesses source flowers directly from vetted Kenyan farms. We ensure quality standards are met, documents are in order, and shipments arrive on time. Our team in Kenya handles inspections, packaging, and logistics so that you can focus on your core business.

If you're looking for a reliable, transparent, and supportive way to import fresh, high-quality flowers from Kenya—at scale, with assured quality, and complete expert export support—Kenya Awaits is your trusted partner.

To discover how we can tailor a sourcing solution for your specific needs, get in touch with us to request varieties, prices, and lead times: kenyaawaits.com/contact