How to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya Step by Step

Importing a car from Japan to Kenya is common and usually cost-effective, but the process involves several government checks, taxes, and paperwork. Recent regulatory updates (age limits, CRSP/tax changes) mean you should verify rules before you buy. The streamlined steps below show the full journey: search ? buy ? ship ? clear customs ? register.

Step 1 — Decide budget & vehicle type

Set a realistic budget that includes the car price (in JPY or USD), shipping (CIF), marine insurance, clearing fees, and Kenyan taxes and levies (these add up fast).
Decide the vehicle type (hatchback, sedan, SUV) and maximum age you will accept. Note: Kenya enforces an age limit on used imports (vehicles must be within the permitted Year of Registration — KEBS guidance enforces the 8-year rule).

Step 2 — Source the car (auctions, dealers, brokers)

Where to look: Japanese auction sites and exporters (eg. SBT Japan, BeForward, CarFromJapan, AutoTrader/AutoCJ). These platforms show auction sheets, photos and condition grades. SBT
Read the auction sheet carefully (condition, grade, mileage, known faults). If unsure, hire an independent inspector or use exporters that offer pre-shipment inspection reports.
Avoid impulse purchases. Ask for latest photos, full auction sheet, and VIN/VIN history.

Step 3 — Verify vehicle history & compliance

Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against export paperwork. Ask the seller for any pre-shipment inspection report. Some importers use JEVIC or exporter inspection reports for extra confidence.
Confirm the car meets Kenyan rules — right-hand drive and the age limit enforced by KEBS/standards. KEBS and NTSA requirements must be satisfied before registration.

Step 4 — Pay, get Bill of Lading & shipping

Payment: Follow secure exporter instructions (bank transfer, escrow services). Get a commercial invoice, export certificate, and full Bill of Lading (B/L) once shipped. These are essential for customs clearance.
Shipping options:
- RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): cheaper, fast, typical for standard cars.
- Container shipping: safer (good for high-value cars, parts), costlier.
Marine insurance: Get at least basic cargo insurance covering damage or loss in transit.

Step 5 — Prepare Kenyan clearance documents

Have these ready (most are required at customs clearing):

Original Bill of Lading (original)
Commercial invoice (seller/exporter)
Export certificate / Export registration / Export Plate info
Copy of buyer's National ID / Passport and KRA PIN
Power of Attorney (if someone will clear on your behalf)
Any inspection / pre-shipment certificates supplied by exporter.

Step 6 — Use a reputable clearing & forwarding agent

Why: KRA customs clearance and NTSA registration are mostly handled electronically via a licensed clearing agent who submits declarations on iCMS and coordinates payments. KRA strongly recommends using a registered clearing agent.
Choose an experienced agent (ask for references, fees, timelines). They will prepare the customs declaration and tell you the exact taxes due.

Step 7 — Understand the taxes & how they're calculated

Kenyan import taxes on used passenger vehicles (examples; verify with KRA before import):

Import Duty: currently 35% of CIF (Cost+Insurance+Freight) (updated CRSP and duty adjustments).
Excise Duty: varies by engine capacity/fuel type (charged on CIF + Import Duty). Recent Finance Act changes affect rates — agent/KRA will confirm exact percentage for your vehicle.
VAT: 16% charged on (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty).
Import Declaration Fee (IDF): commonly applied (KRA references IDF at 3.5% of CIF in current practice).
Railway Development Levy (RDL): typically 2% of CIF.

Note: These taxes compound — import duty increases the excise base, and excise increases the VAT base. Always ask your clearing agent for a tax breakdown using the current KRA CRSP or valuation.

Step 8 — Customs inspection, pay taxes & clear

When the container/ship arrives at Mombasa (or other port), your agent files the declaration. Customs may physically inspect the vehicle. You'll pay the calculated duties, excise, VAT, IDF, RDL, and port/handling fees. Original documents must be presented.

Step 9 — NTSA registration & roadworthiness

After customs clearance, the clearing agent or you must register the vehicle with NTSA (first-time registration) and obtain Kenyan logbook and number plates. NTSA requires documents including the customs clearance receipt, original B/L, invoice, and ID. NTSA also performs or requires a roadworthiness / inspection step (and KEBS inspection certificates may be required).

Step 10 — Insurance & local checks

Insure the vehicle (third-party or comprehensive) before driving on Kenyan roads.
Do a local mechanical inspection (trusted mechanic) to check for hidden damage, especially if the car was an auction buy.

Estimated timeline

Search & purchase: 1–7 days (longer if negotiating).
Shipping (Japan ? Mombasa): usually 3–7 weeks (RORO often faster).
Customs clearance & registration: 1–3 weeks depending on documentation and inspection queues.
Overall, expect 4–10 weeks from purchase to Kenyan plates (can be longer if documentation errors occur).

Practical cost example (illustrative, round numbers)

If CIF = $10,000:

Import Duty (35%) = $3,500
Excise Duty (say 25%) on $13,500 = $3,375
VAT (16%) on $10,000+$3,500+$3,375 = $2,780
IDF (3.5%) = $350; RDL (2%) = $200
Taxes ? $10,205 (plus port, agent, transport, insurance) — this shows taxes can be as large as the car price. Example adapted from common breakdowns used in Kenyan importer guides.

Top tips & red flags

Tip: Use a trusted, experienced exporter and Kenyan clearing agent. Reputation matters.
Tip: Verify the auction sheet and insist on VIN, engine number, and full documentation.
Red flag: Seller refuses to provide original export documents or B/L, or asks for cash-only, off-book payments.
Red flag: Price looks too low after adding realistic KRA taxes — always calculate CIF + duties before committing.
Tip: Factor in local repair or modification costs (some cars need Kenya-specific fittings).

Final checklist before you buy

Seller provides commercial invoice, original B/L, and auction sheet.
Car meets age limit and RHD rule per KEBS/NTSA.
You have a clearing agent quote (taxes, port fees, agent fee, transport).
You've estimated total landed cost (CIF + all taxes + fees).

Where to check & who to contact

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for up-to-date tax rules and CRSP valuations.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for age and import standards.
NTSA for registration requirements and TIMS portal guidance.

Closing

Importing from Japan can save you money and get you a quality vehicle — but only if you plan and calculate thoroughly. Always verify current KRA/KEBS/NTSA rules (they change) and work with reputable exporters and Kenyan clearing agents.

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