A clearing agent for coffee and tea exporters supports a business with premium product, tight timing and a changing rulebook. Kenya’s new Coffee Act 2026 has reorganised licensing, direct trade is outpacing the auction on price, and the EU deforestation regulation is turning farm-level geolocation into a condition of access to the market that takes most of Kenya’s coffee. Exporters need logistics and documentation that keep up.

Licensing Under the New Coffee Act

The Kenya Coffee Act 2026 introduced a three-tier licensing regime covering the Coffee Board, counties and the Capital Markets Authority, with multiple licence categories and annual renewal cycles. Check that your licence category matches your activity and renewal date before you contract a shipment. Our coffee and tea export guide explains the structure.

Auction or Direct Trade

Coffee reaches buyers through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange or through direct relationships, and direct trade fetched a notable premium over the auction average in early 2026. Direct sales, however, demand tighter coordination of samples, contracts, documentation and shipping dates, because you carry the relationship and the risk. Tea runs through its own auction and registration system in Mombasa.

EUDR: The Deadline That Shapes Your Season

The EU takes a majority share of Kenya’s coffee exports, and the EU deforestation regulation requires farm-level geolocation data. Compliance dates fall on 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and 30 June 2027 for small and micro operators. Plan traceability data collection now, since buyers will ask for it before they accept contracts.

Export Documentation That Buyers Care About

Typical export documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary certificate, export declaration and the right Certificate of Origin for the buyer’s market, since preferential access depends on it; see our guides on export documentation, EU and UK trade agreements and clearing agents for exporters. Errors here cost buyers duty, which is felt on your next order.

Compliance Chain Beyond Customs

Exporters also need business registration, tax registration and a current tax compliance certificate, plus KEPHIS plant health clearance, as outlined in our fresh produce export guide. Processed coffee exporters often pursue KEBS quality marks; see our KEBS marks guide.

Logistics: Containers, Timing and Moisture

Coffee and tea are sensitive to moisture and odour. Choose containers and packaging that protect quality, agree loading and port-cutoff dates with your agent, and book space ahead of peak periods. Keep your export declaration data consistent with buyer documents, since discrepancies create payment and clearance problems.

Working With Clearon Logistics for Coffee and Tea Exporters

We coordinate documentation, KEPHIS and port logistics so your shipments leave on time with documents your buyers’ customs will accept, and we help you keep records ready for traceability requests.

Exporting coffee or tea from Kenya? Talk to Clearon Logistics before your next shipment, and we’ll check the documents your buyer’s market requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Coffee Act change licensing? Yes. The Kenya Coffee Act 2026 introduced a new licensing framework with multiple categories and annual renewals. Check your category and dates.

What is the EUDR deadline for coffee exporters? 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and 30 June 2027 for small and micro operators.

Is direct trade better than the auction? Direct trade has fetched a premium, but requires more coordination and carries more relationship risk.

Which Certificate of Origin should I use? It depends on the buyer’s market and applicable trade agreement, so confirm with your agent before shipment.