Shipping Labels
Shipping Labels for Exporters in Kenya
May
Kenya’s export industry has become a vital contributor to the national economy, with a consistent rise in demand for horticultural products, cut flowers, fresh avocados, and vegetables. The country’s strategic air freight connections—through carriers like Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo), Emirates SkyCargo, and Qatar Airways Cargo—have made it easier for exporters to reach markets across Europe, the USA, and the UAE.
But amid all this logistical growth, one small element can either make or break your export operations: the shipping label.
In this article, we’ll break down why shipping labels are critical for Kenyan exporters, what the standard formats are, and how businesses can ensure compliance and efficiency when sending products internationally.
Kenya’s Booming Export Industry
Kenya is currently a top global exporter of fresh produce and floriculture, with key export commodities including:
- Roses and flowers from Naivasha and Eldoret
- Avocados from Murang’a, Kisii, and Kiambu
- French beans, snow peas, and baby carrots from Central and Rift Valley
- Herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary
These goods are highly perishable and require fast, accurate, and traceable logistics. That’s where thermal shipping labels come in.
What is a Shipping Label?
A shipping label is an adhesive tag that carries essential information needed to transport your product from Kenya to its final international destination.
A standard export shipping label includes:
- Exporter name and address
- Receiver/importer information
- Barcode or QR code for tracking
- Carrier info (e.g., Emirates, DHL, KQ Cargo)
- Flight/waybill number
- Contents description, batch, or lot number
- Customs declarations or phytosanitary reference
It may seem simple, but missing or incorrect data on a shipping label can lead to delays, fines, rejection at customs, or lost cargo.
Why 4” x 6” (100mm x 150mm) is the Global Standard
The 4” x 6” (100mm x 150mm) label size is globally recognized by major freight carriers and customs authorities.
Accepted By:
Emirates SkyCargo- Kenya Airways (KQ Cargo)
- Qatar Airways Cargo
- Ethiopian Airlines
DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex
EU & US Customs Systems
This size allows for enough space to:
- Include all necessary barcode data
- Display sender and receiver information clearly
- Comply with IATA & airway bill label specifications
- Fit seamlessly into automated sorting machines
Using the wrong label size can result in delays or packages being rerouted manually—slowing down your entire export process.
Why Every Exporter in Kenya Should Use Thermal Shipping Labels
Export logistics is a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Traditional printing with inkjets or handwriting is no longer viable.
Key Benefits of Thermal Labels for Exporters:
- No ink or toner needed – lower running costs
- Fast printing – up to 100mm/s for bulk packaging
- Smudge-proof – withstands cold storage and humidity
- Barcode-ready – ideal for customs and tracking
- Professional and compliant – meets airline standards
Thermal shipping labels are self-adhesive and print clearly on every surface—whether you’re labeling cardboard, plastic crates, or wooden boxes for exports.
Use Case Examples
1. Floriculture Exporter – Naivasha
- Prints 4×6 labels with receiver name, EU barcode, and export code
- Ships 2,000 flower boxes daily to the Netherlands via KQ Cargo
- Labels reduce handling errors and speed up airport clearance
2. Avocado Exporter – Murang’a
- Loads 4×6 labels with batch numbers, weight, and destination (e.g., Dubai, Doha)
- Uses thermal label printers to generate 500+ labels per day
- Labels adhere to both plastic bins and cardboard cartons
3. Vegetable Packhouse – Athi River EPZ
- Prepares labels with commodity name, lot number, and export certification QR
- Ships to supermarkets in the UK and Germany
- Thermal labels withstand humid cold-room environments and remain readable after arrival
What You Need to Start
To create export-ready shipping labels in Kenya, you only need three things:
1. Thermal Label Printer
A model like the E41 Pro is compact, reliable, and supports 100x150mm labels.
- USB and Bluetooth connectivity
- Works with Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS
- Fast printing speeds
- Barcode and QR code ready
2. 4” x 6” Thermal Labels (100mm x 150mm)
- Available in roll or fanfold stacks
- Durable adhesive
- Water-resistant and cold-chain friendly
3. Label Design Software or Templates
You can print from:
- Microsoft Excel or Word
- Custom ERP or export software
- Courier-specific software (e.g., DHL EasyShip, FedEx Ship Manager)
- Integrated packing stations with barcode scanners
Export Compliance & Label Accuracy
Exporters must meet strict standards from:
- KEPHIS
- KRA Customs
- KEBS
- Destination country regulators
A proper shipping label improves:
- Customs clearance speeds
- Traceability (from farm to shelf)
- Proof of compliance
- Shipment consolidation and tracking
For example, flower consignments to the Netherlands must include traceable codes, weight, farm registration, and shipping route information. These are all printed via the shipping label.
Where to Get Shipping Labels and Printers in Kenya
We supply both 4×6 thermal shipping labels and label printers to exporters across:
- Nairobi
- Naivasha
- Mombasa
- Athi River
- Thika
- Limuru
- Eldoret
What We Offer:
- Label rolls and bundles
E41 thermal label printers with Bluetooth- Same-day delivery in Nairobi
Setup support and printable templates
Bulk pricing for exporters
Whether you are using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport for your freight, we provide compliant shipping solutions that ensure your packages are correctly labeled for international transit.
If you’re in the business of exporting flowers, fruits, vegetables, or herbs, shipping labels are not optional—they are essential.
They help reduce customs delays, ensure your cargo gets to the right destination, and maintain your brand’s professional image in competitive global markets. By adopting 4×6 thermal shipping labels, exporters in Kenya can eliminate bottlenecks, cut costs, and scale operations with ease.
Don’t let poor labeling cost you time or revenue. Make the switch to thermal shipping labels today.
