Waiver on seeds inspection fees at country of origin boosts traders
Friday, May 22, 2020 0:01
By GERALD ANDAE
Trade Secretary Betty Maina.
FILE PHOTO | NMG
Traders and farmers are set to benefit after the government permanently waived mandatory inspection fee on seed and pesticides at the country of origin, which will lower the cost of the inputs.
Last month, Trade Cabinet secretary Betty Maina had waived the pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) from the country of origin for six months after the Agriculture ministry made the request due to importer complaints.
“This is a welcome move that will go a long way in benefiting farmers in the country as it will cut the cost of imports leading to cheap and readily available seed for farmers,” said Duncan Onduu, chief executive at Seed Trade Association of Kenya.
Since the introduction of the certificate of conformity rules last year, seed importers have incurred Sh24 million in penalties for lacking the conformity certificate, increasing their cost of doing business.
