KEBS Cracks Down on S-Mark Misuse in Khat-Infused Drinks

The Kenya Bureau of Standards has warned manufacturers and traders against putting its Standardization Mark on beverages that contain khat, saying the products fall outside its certification scheme.

In a public notice, the agency said it had established that some manufacturers were using certification permits issued for fruit juices and fruit drinks to market beverages containing khat. That practice, KEBS said, misrepresents the certification status of the products and may lead to enforcement under the Standards Act.

KEBS clarified that khat and its derivatives are excluded from its product certification scheme. It cited regulatory concerns over psychoactive compounds in khat, including cathinone and cathine, as the reason for the exclusion.

The bureau said it had revoked certification permits in cases where non-compliance was identified. It did not specify how many permits were cancelled or name the manufacturers and traders involved.

KEBS said it will continue market surveillance to identify and act against those misusing the mark. It also advised consumers to verify the certification status of products through official KEBS channels.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, safeguarding the integrity of the certification system and ensuring compliance with Kenya Standards.

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