Commercial LCL shipping from Canada to Kenya
Samples, spare parts, stock for a small shop or goods for a customer abroad do not need a whole container. A1 ships commercial cargo in shared ocean containers (LCL) from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Mombasa. The rate starts at USD 4 per cubic foot to Mombasa, and the carrier estimates 48–57 days in transit depending on the gateway and the city.
Kenya has extra requirements. Commercial goods need a Certificate of Conformity issued before shipment for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (through SGS or Intertek), and every shipment needs a 15-character ACD number. Plan these documents before booking.
Kenya's Single Window system (KenTrade) handles import documentation online, and the 15-character ACD number is generated there by the importer before the goods are shipped. Personal effects of returning residents and diplomats have separate procedures. Mombasa can be congested, so cargo for Nairobi should be cleared promptly to avoid storage charges.
Commercial goods to Kenya need two documents arranged early. A Certificate of Conformity for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (through SGS or Intertek) is required before shipment, and the importer supplies the 15-character alphanumeric ACD number. A commercial invoice is mandatory, customs clearance is at Mombasa, and ISPM 15 applies to pallets and crates. A1 accepts only cargo with an invoice value up to CAD 2,000 and no dangerous goods, delivered to our warehouse already palletized.
Kenyan importers should start the Certificate of Conformity before the goods reach our warehouse: without it, the consignment cannot be loaded, and the commercial invoice must match what the inspection certified.
Commercial cargo rates to Kenya
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | USD 7 / cu ft 48 days · min. USD 512.24 | USD 7 / cu ft 48 days · min. USD 512.24 | USD 4 / cu ft 57 days · min. USD 406.28 |
Example: a small commercial shipment from Vancouver to Mombasa
- A few cartons (0.4 CBM, 80 kg): USD 406.28
- One pallet, 120 × 100 × 150 cm, 350 kg (1.8 CBM): USD 519.30
- Two such pallets (3.6 CBM, 700 kg): USD 773.61
The totals include the A1 processing fee, surcharges and solar fee. The carrier charges by volume or by weight (1,000 kg per CBM), whichever is greater. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier before you pay; customs duties and taxes are paid by the importer in Kenya.
Which Canadian gateway: one pallet to Mombasa
- From Toronto: USD 710.03, about 48 days
- From Montreal: USD 710.03, about 48 days
- From Vancouver: USD 519.30, about 57 days
Vancouver is the least expensive gateway to Mombasa, Toronto the fastest: 9 days quicker for USD 190.73 more. Choose the warehouse you can reach; from other Canadian cities the calculator shows the lowest of the three.
Dense goods are charged by weight: 1 CBM of tiles or metal parts weighing 800 kg costs USD 406.28 to Mombasa, against USD 406.28 for 1 CBM at 200 kg.
Documents for commercial cargo
- Commercial invoice. Our commercial invoice (PDF): seller and buyer, a clear description of each item, quantity, unit value, total value, currency and country of origin. HS codes help customs in Kenya classify the goods.
- Packing list. The packing list (PDF) gives the pieces, packed dimensions and gross weight of every pallet, crate or carton, matching the invoice.
- Customs value. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
The importer's details that the carrier conditions below ask for (tax or registration numbers) go on the invoice and the booking. More help: commercial shipping documents.
Pallets and crates
Commercial cargo travels palletized or crated. Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped, or the cargo can be refused at the destination. Stack the cartons squarely on the pallet, no wider than the pallet itself, and stretch-wrap and strap them; label every piece with the consignee's name and city in Kenya. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver: A1 does not offer pickup and does not palletize. The warehouse measures and weighs the cargo, and the final price follows those measurements.
Carrier conditions for Kenya
- Commercial Invoice Required
- Certificate of Conformity for Kenya Bureau of Standards Required (SGS/Interek)
- Customs Clearance at Mombasa.
- Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations
- ACD number consists of a 15-digit alphanumeric code is required
How to book
Calculate the price in the calculator above with the cargo type "Commercial cargo", accept the quote and upload the commercial invoice and packing list on your booking page. After the carrier confirms the destination charges, you pay and receive the labels and the warehouse delivery instructions. Sending your own belongings rather than goods? See personal effects shipping to Kenya.
Shipping to Kenya by service
Questions and answers
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Kenya?
One pallet of 120 × 100 × 150 cm weighing 350 kg from Vancouver to Mombasa costs about USD 519.30 including all A1 fees. Destination charges, duties and taxes are confirmed separately.
Which documents does a commercial shipment to Kenya need?
A commercial invoice and a packing list, plus anything the carrier conditions for Kenya require. The customs value of the shipment may not exceed CAD 2,000.
Does A1 pick up or palletize the cargo?
No. You deliver the cargo, already palletized or crated, to our receiving warehouse in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
Rates valid through December 25, 2026; totals include A1 fees of USD 265.00. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier, duties and taxes are paid by the consignee, and transit days are the carrier's estimate.