Steps for Producer Registration with NEMA: The Complete Guide

The Sustainable Waste Management Act (SWMA) of 2022 has operationalized the "Polluter Pays" principle, shifting the burden of waste management from taxpayers to the producers who introduce products into the market.

Purpose of the Regulations

The primary goals of the EPR Regulations are to:

• Extend the responsibility of a producer over a product and its packaging during the entire lifecycle.
• Provide a framework for the establishment and operation of mandatory extended producer responsibility schemes.
• Ensure responsibility continues beyond the point of sale (collection, take-back, recycling).
• Encourage design for recyclability and sustainable materials.
• Operationalize Section 13 of the SWMA, 2022.

Who Does This Apply To?

The requirement for registration applies to all producers introducing products and packaging in Kenya.

A "Producer" refers to any entity that introduces goods, products, and packaging into the country using authorized means by:

• Manufacturing
• Importing
• Converting
• Filling or Refilling
• Repackaging or Rebranding

Steps to Apply for a NEMA Producer Registration Certificate

Follow this guide to complete your registration via the eCitizen Portal:

1. Go to the eCitizen Portal under NEMA services accessible via nema.ecitizen.go.ke.
2. Under Online Services, select Application for Producer Registration and click the "Apply Now" button.
3. Login with your eCitizen account (or Create an Account if you do not have one).
4. Fill in the online application form as per the following segments:
   • Applicant Details: Select Type of Applicant (Company).
   • Company Details: Fill in standard business information.
   • Producer Details: Indicate your category, list all products/packaging, and expected waste types.
   • Uploads: Attach Certificate of Registration & Products Certification (e.g., KEBS, PCPB, Importer CoC).
   • Declaration: Confirm all details are correct.
5. Make Payment: The fee is KES 5,050 (KES 5,000 Registration Fee + KES 50 Access Fee).
6. Approval: An approval notification will be sent via SMS or Email.

Important Notes & Support

The Producer Registration Fee is one-off under the Third Schedule of the regulations.

Pending Applications: If you have already submitted your application and received no response, please follow up via email at [email protected].