Discover a comprehensive step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya, covering regulations, documentation, taxes, and registration procedures for 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Car into Kenya
Importing a vehicle into Kenya in 2025 involves navigating updated regulations, tax structures, and procedural requirements. This step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya provides a clear roadmap to ensure a smooth and compliant importation process.
1. Verify Vehicle Eligibility
Before initiating the importation process, ensure the vehicle meets the following criteria:
- Age Limit: The vehicle must be less than 8 years old from the year of first registration
- Steering Configuration: Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted.
- Roadworthiness Inspection: The vehicle must undergo a pre-shipment inspection by a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) appointed agent in the country of export.
Adhering to these requirements is crucial in the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya to avoid complications during clearance.
2. Source and Purchase the Vehicle
Identify a reputable dealer or exporter, preferably one registered with recognized bodies such as the Japanese Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA). Negotiate terms, ensuring the inclusion of:
- Cost and Freight (C&F): Covers the vehicle cost and shipping to Mombasa.
- Pre-Shipment Inspection: Confirmation that the vehicle will be inspected by a KEBS-approved agent.
This phase is integral to the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya, setting the foundation for a successful importation.
3. Prepare Essential Documentation
Accurate and complete documentation is vital. Required documents include:
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Original Bill of Lading
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- Original Logbook from the country of export
- Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
- Personal Identification Number (PIN) Certificate
These documents are essential in the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya for customs clearance and registration.
4. Calculate and Pay Applicable Taxes and Duties
Understanding the tax obligations is a critical component of the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya. As of 2025, the following taxes apply:
- Import Duty: 25% of the Customs Value (CIF).
- Excise Duty: Varies based on engine capacity, ranging from 20% to 35%.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the sum of CIF, Import Duty, and Excise Duty.
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of CIF.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of CIF.
Utilize the KRA Vehicle Duty Calculator to estimate these costs accurately.
5. Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent
A licensed clearing agent facilitates the customs clearance process. They will:
- Submit Required Documents: Present all necessary paperwork to customs authorities.
- Coordinate Inspections: Ensure the vehicle undergoes any additional inspections if required.
- Settle Duties and Taxes: Handle the payment of all applicable fees.
This step is pivotal in the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
6. Register the Vehicle with NTSA
Post-clearance, register the vehicle with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) through the eCitizen portal. Requirements include:
- NTSA TIMS Account
- Valid Insurance Cover
- Payment of Registration Fees
Upon successful registration, the vehicle will be issued with Kenyan number plates, completing the step-by-step guide to importing a car into Kenya.
For more insights and updates on Kenya’s automotive industry, visit AutoMag Kenya.
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