Kenya’s sweeping plastic packaging rules now in force, targeting 100% recyclability by 2030

KENYA – Kenya’s updated plastic packaging regulations have officially taken effect, imposing strict licensing, extended producer responsibility, and recycled content requirements on manufacturers, importers, and distributors under Legal Notice 181 of 2024.

The regulations apply to plastic carrier bags, flat bags, and plastic films, including packaging on imported goods, and form part of Kenya’s broader push to control plastic waste and improve recycling rates.

With the country generating close to one million tonnes of plastic waste annually and only about 8 percent currently recycled, the stakes could not be higher.

Licensing and Supply Chain Controls

Companies must now obtain licences from the National Environment Management Authority before producing, importing, exporting, or using plastic packaging materials.

This applies across the value chain, manufacturers, retailers, and logistics operators alike. Businesses may only source packaging from licensed suppliers, creating unprecedented oversight.

For global suppliers, market access now depends on meeting Kenya’s regulatory requirements.

Imported goods with plastic packaging must comply with the same rules as locally produced items, with non-compliance carrying penalties under existing environmental laws.

Extended Producer Responsibility Takes Centre Stage

A cornerstone of the framework is extended producer responsibility.

Companies placing plastic packaging on the Kenyan market must take full responsibility for its waste management.

This means setting up or joining systems to collect, recycle, or safely dispose of plastic materials.

Businesses must submit EPR plans to authorities outlining how they will manage packaging waste and meet recovery targets.

Regular reporting on volumes introduced and collected is mandatory. By February 2026, enforcement had begun in earnest, with retailers barred from stocking non-EPR-compliant products.

Labelling, Recycled Content, and Reporting

The regulations introduce clear product standards.

Packaging must carry labels showing the producer, material type, and Resin Identification Codes to improve traceability and support recycling processes.

PVC and polystyrene are classified as non-recyclable, signalling their eventual phase-out.

In some cases, companies must meet minimum recycled content requirements.

This aligns with the Kenya Plastics Pact’s 2030 targets: 100 percent reusable or recyclable plastic packaging, 40 percent effective recycling, and 15 percent average recycled content across all plastic packaging.

Businesses must keep detailed records of production, imports, and usage, submitting annual reports to regulators. For importers, packaging materials must be declared at entry points, adding another layer of control.

Implications for International Trade

The regulations are likely to influence how companies design, source, and manage packaging for goods sold in East Africa. Global suppliers may need to adjust materials, labelling, and compliance processes to meet the new standards.

The rules align Kenya with wider international efforts to reduce plastic waste and increase accountability in packaging.

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