Kenya · Embassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for Kenya from India
Exporters and companies across India send us their bill of lading for use in Kenya. Here is exactly how it is legalised, what to send and how to avoid rejection.
- 1 Indian Chamber of Commerce
- 2 MEA attestation
- 3 Kenya High Commission, New Delhi
When you need a legalised bill of lading in Kenya
The bill of lading is the carrier's receipt for the goods and the document of title for sea cargo. It shows the shipper, consignee, vessel, ports and container details. The shipping line or its agent issues the bill of lading; for air cargo the equivalent is the airway bill.
Many African customs authorities and banks ask for legalised commercial invoices and certificates of origin, especially for shipments paid by letter of credit.
In Kenya, a legalised bill of lading is typically requested for proof of shipment for customs; it is also used for letter of credit documentation and cargo release at the destination port.
A bill of lading issued in India is attested by an Indian Chamber of Commerce, then by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and finally legalised by the High Commission of Kenya in New Delhi.
Key facts
- Document
- Bill of Lading issued in India
- Used in
- Kenya
- Route
- Indian Chamber of Commerce → MEA attestation → Kenya High Commission, New Delhi
- Final stamp
- Kenya High Commission legalisation
- Translation
- English or Swahili – sometimes requested – check with the authority
- Who we help
- Indian exporters, manufacturers and companies
- Our office
- New Ashok Nagar, New Delhi · courier from any city
The Kenya process for an Indian bill of lading
Confirm the requirement
Share the bill of lading and the instructions you received from Kenya. We check signatures, names and dates before you courier anything.
Indian Chamber of Commerce
An Indian Chamber of Commerce verifies the issuing authority's signature and your company's details, then stamps the bill of lading.
MEA attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi verifies the chamber's stamp and adds its attestation.
Kenya High Commission legalisation
The High Commission of Kenya in New Delhi adds its legalisation stamp. This is the final stamp needed in India.
Tracked return
We courier the legalised document back by Blue Dart or another tracked courier, or you collect it from our Delhi office.
What to send us
- Request letter on company letterhead
- Certificate of origin for the shipment
- Copy of the bill of lading or airway bill, certified by the exporter
- Matching commercial invoice and packing list
Avoid rejection
- Check that the company name is spelt the same way on every document; the Kenya High Commission compares names across the set.
- Consignee and notify party details must match the invoice.
- Use the final bill of lading, not a draft.
- Send the full shipment set together.
Bill of Lading attestation for Kenya: FAQs
Does Kenya accept the apostille on an Indian bill of lading?
No. Kenya is not an apostille country for Indian commercial documents, so the bill of lading needs MEA attestation and legalisation by the Kenya High Commission in New Delhi.
What is the process for bill of lading attestation for Kenya?
Indian Chamber of Commerce → MEA attestation → Kenya High Commission, New Delhi. We handle every stage from our New Delhi office and courier the bill of lading back to you.
Which papers should accompany the bill of lading for Kenya?
Usually: Copy of the bill of lading or airway bill, certified by the exporter; Matching commercial invoice and packing list; Certificate of origin for the shipment.
Can an airway bill be legalised the same way?
Yes. Airway bills follow the same chamber, MEA and embassy route as bills of lading.
What is the timeline for bill of lading attestation for Kenya?
It depends on the schedules of the chamber, the MEA and the Kenya High Commission at the time. We confirm a timeline in writing before you courier the bill of lading, and can plan around shipment or registration deadlines.
Is a translation needed for Kenya?
English documents are often accepted in Kenya, but some authorities ask for English or Swahili. Check with the receiving authority; we can arrange a certified translation if needed.
Other documents for Kenya
- Certificate of Origin Attestation for KenyaExport & shipping
- Shipping Bill Attestation for KenyaExport & shipping
- Packing List Attestation for KenyaExport & shipping
- Commercial Invoice Attestation for KenyaExport & shipping
- COPP Attestation for KenyaPharma
All commercial documents for Kenya → · Bill of Lading for every country →
Bill of Lading for nearby countries
Bill of Lading Attestation for TogoEmbassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for DjiboutiEmbassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for TanzaniaEmbassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for ChadEmbassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for SomaliaEmbassy legalisation
Bill of Lading Attestation for UgandaEmbassy legalisation
Send your bill of lading for Kenya
Send the document list and destination country on WhatsApp. We reply with the route, timeline and an all-inclusive quote.
Office: C-5 A/2, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi 110096, India. Drop off in Delhi NCR or courier from any city in India; documents return by Blue Dart or another tracked courier.