Because of the low prices of Japanese used cars, a large number of vehicles are imported into Kenya each year. Japan provides high-quality automobiles at very low prices. You can buy a car from an online auction within your budget and easily import it into Kenya under the vehicle import rules.
![Imported Cars At Mombasa Port](https://www.kenyastatenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screenshot_20220623-0058442-300x212.png)
Are you a first-time car buyer or a used car dealer? Simply looking to broaden your horizons? This is a comprehensive Japan car import guide that covers everything you need to know about the process.
Why import car from Japan?
Local assembled vehicles are way to expensive for most ordinary Kenyan. Cars from Western countries are sold in Kenya markets as brand-new units and they often considered a preserve of the reach and institutions.
Again Western countries have a right side drive manufactured cars which goes against the Kenyan driving left side rule .
Aside from the price, used Japanese cars are a good buy because they are in good condition.
With Japan as the world’s leading exporter of motor vehicles, there is no shortage of options to choose from. You can choose from a wide range of car models, making it easier to find the ones that best suit your needs.
Because Japanese roads are so good, cars there experience little wear and tear and are typically in good condition.
The best thing about JDMs is that car parts are readily available. Even if your mechanic does not have a specific part on hand, they can easily obtain one from another source.
The Japanese automobile inspection system is highly strict, so you can be sure that the car you’re buying is of high quality.
The majority of used Japanese cars that are exported are often driven very little. This is because Japanese citizens must pay hefty fees (called “shaken”) for vehicle inspections after a few years of ownership.
In Kenya, used car imports are strictly regulated. The Kenya Bureau of Standards developed an imported car law in collaboration with the Kenya Revenue Authority. The law is enforced by Kenya Customs at Mombasa Port. Almost all imported vehicles enter Kenya through the port of Mombasa.
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Automobiles under 1500cc must be no older than 8 years old from the year of manufacture.
- Cars with a displacement greater than 1500 cc must be no older than 5 years from the date of manufacture.
- The registration and manufacturing dates must be within one year of one another. For example, if the manufacture date is in 2017, registration must be completed in 2018.
- Except for special-purpose vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines, only right-hand-drive cars are permitted to be imported into Kenya.
- Your imported car must be roadworthy, usable, and environmentally friendly.
- Before leaving Japan, cars must be inspected by the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC).
- KRA requires you to hire a certified agent to clear your imported car.
How long it takes to Importing a Car from Japan?
![Car being shipped to Kenya](https://www.kenyastatenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screenshot_20220623-0057212-300x164.png)
The normal shipping duration from Japan to Kenya is 30 days, but there might be delays caused by bad weather or other unforeseen dangers. Once reaching the Mombasa port, clearance should take 10 days, but again, problems with the KRA customs system and a lack of number plates may cause clearance to take longer.
Essential Documents for Imported Car Clearance
You will need the following paperwork to officially import your car and remove it from the port in Kenya:
- The original passport or National identification document
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Pre-inspection certificates issued in Japan by JEMVICInvoice are
- used to purchase the vehicle.
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The vehicle’s foreign logbook with KRA PIN for proof of ownership
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Of landing and the vehicle’s previous country’s registration paperwork
- The Japanese logbook from the previous owner
- KRA pin
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Orders for port releases, proof of insurance coverage, import declaration forms, clean reports of findings, and import duty receipts are all required.
The cost of importing a car from Japan.
In addition to the cost of the vehicle you procure, the following fees will be added to the cost of importing your car from Japan to Kenya:
- Import Duties (of 25%)
- Excise Tax (variable)
- VAT (Value Added Tax) is 14%.
- Import Declaration Fees (2% levy) for Railway Development (1.5%)
You can use the KRA online calculator to find out how much it will cost you to import your car.
Other charged that you will incur include
Agent fees: 10,000
Facilitation Fees: 3,000
Port Charges: 28,000
TOTAL: 54,250