Import Rules and Regulations on Japan used cars in Kenya

Kenya lies on the equator have diverse geography. Japan has been an important source for the importation of used vehicles for a long period of time. Japan plays a vital role in the automobile industry of Kenya. Kenyans look for Japanese market when purchasing a used vehicle as the Japanese automobile market offers a broader choice and wide range of vehicles at affordable prices. The availability of spare parts of vehicles is very easy in Kenya.

The main reason for the popularity of Japanese used vehicles is availability of superb quality vehicles at competitive prices. The Japanese automobile industry gives importer chance to choose any vehicle of their desire from a huge range of vehicles. For importing a used vehicle in Kenya, there are few rules and regulations one must be familiar with. Below are the guidelines to keep in mind while importing Japanese in Kenya.

1. Shipping Port :- Mombasa is the shipping port in Kenya where the used cars are imported from Japan. RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) shipping is an easy shipping method for vehicle importation. These ships are specially designed to ship wheeled cargo such as cars, vans, or trucks. On request of customers more expensive shipping method of containers is arranged.
2. Age Restriction on vehicles :- The vehicle must be less than eight years of age. The difference between the registration date and the manufacturing date should not be more than a year.
3. Right Hand Drive vehicles :- The vehicle imported in Kenya must be Right hand drive. Left hand drive vehicles are not allowed for registration unless they are for special purpose i.e. Ambulances, Fire Tenders and large construction vehicles imported for projects and to be eventually donated to the Kenyan Government.
4. Road-Worthiness inspection :- Kenya is an important market for the import of used cars from Japan. JEVIC has been appointed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to conduct the pre-export Road Worthiness Inspection (RWI) of Japanese used car and other countries like RSA, Singapore, UAE and the UK in Republic of Kenya.
   
   The used vehicles must pass a safety and mechanical inspection. Vehicle odometer reading must be consistent with the documented mileage. Fraudulent tampering or replacement clusters are not permitted.
   The vehicle must meet Kenya Bureau of Standards KS 1515:2000 – Code of Practice for inspection of Road Vehicles.
   
5. Documents required while clearing the used cars at the port :-
   
   • Original Commercial Invoice.
   • Original Bill of Lading.
   • Import Declaration Form obtained from Customs.
   • Original Logbook from country of origin. Kenya Revenue Authority shall not accept a Certificate of Export issued by Dubai Police or any other authority as a substitute for a foreign log book.
     If the logbook is in a foreign language, an English translation issued by the respective Embassy, High Commission or a consulate based here in Kenya must be furnished to Customs to authenticate the foreign logbook.
   • Cancellation of the foreign Logbook.
   • Certificate of Inspection by Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC)
   • Any other document that may be required by Customs.
   
   All imports of used motor vehicles including those belonging to returning residents, diplomats and or public servants must meet the above requirements.
   
   Returning Residents changing residence from a place outside Kenya to a place within Kenya, may import one exempt motor vehicle excluding buses and minibuses of seating capacity of more than 13 passengers and load carrying capacity exceeding two tones provided that :-
   
   • The person has attained the age of eighteen years; and
   • The vehicle was used by him outside Kenya for at least three hundred and sixty days (excluding the period of voyage in the case of shipment).
   • The vehicle is owned and registered in his name and/or his spouse, and where the motor vehicle is purchased on hire purchase terms, the first installment in respect thereof was paid and delivery taken at least three hundred and sixty days prior to importation.
6. Duty and Taxes :-
   
   • Import Duty :- 25% of the CIF value of the vehicle.
   • Excise Duty :- 20% of the (CIF value + Import Duty).
   • VAT :- 16% of the (CIF value + Import Duty + Excise Duty).
   • Import Declaration Fee (IDF) of 2.25% of the CIF is also charged subject to a minimum of KSH. 5,000 payable in advance on application.