This article focuses on the necessary requirements and regulations for importing a car in Kenya. It is mandatory for any vehicle to be imported to Kenya to comply with the Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements of Legal Notice No. 78 of 15th July 2005 (Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards Imports Order, 2005) and KS1515:2000 Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles. The Legal Notice requires that;
- The imported vehicle must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration.
- The vehicle will be subject to roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS appointed inspection agent in the country of export.
- The vehicle must be right hand drive.
Documents Required
- Original commercial invoice.
- Original logbook from the country of importation that has been cancelled from the country of origin. This will be required by National Transport and Safety Authority to give you an original Kenyan logbook.
- Original Bill of lading.
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate. (certificate of road worthiness).
- Copy of your PIN certificate/ copy of certificate of incorporation (applicable to companies).
Taxes/ Duties Payable For Motor Vehicle Imports
Duties/taxes are levied on any imported and exported goods including motor vehicles before releasing them from customs. This will require the engagement of a customs clearing agent and you will need to have the following documents;
- Customs Declaration (entry)
- Import Declaration Forms (IDF)
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the PVoC agent for regulated products
- Valid commercial invoices from the exporting firm
- Valid pro forma invoices from the exporting firm.
Below is a list of the necessary taxes or duties payable for motor vehicle imports, based on customs value.
1. Excise Duty
Excise duty varies with vehicle category.
- Private passenger vehicles of petrol engine whose engine capacity exceeds 2500cc (30%).
- Private passenger vehicles of diesel engine whose engine capacity exceeds 3000cc (30%).
- All other vehicle categories (20%).
2. Import Duty (25%).
3. Value Added Tax (14%).
4. Import Declaration Fees (2%).
5. Railway Development Levy (1.5%).
