Importing a car into Kenya is a detailed process involving various fees, taxes, and regulations. Here’s what you need to know:
- Key Fees: Import Duty (25%), Excise Duty (varies by engine size and age), VAT (16%), Import Declaration Fee (IDF), and Railway Development Levy (RDL).
- Age Limit: Cars must be less than 8 years old (e.g., for 2025, the vehicle must be from 2018 or later).
- Right-Hand Drive: Vehicles must have a right-hand drive configuration unless exempt (e.g., ambulances).
- Pre-shipment Inspection: Mandatory inspection by KEBS-approved agents in the export country, costing $150–$250.
- Clearing Agents: Licensed agents are required to handle customs clearance and documentation.
Process Overview:
- Before Shipping: Select a compliant vehicle, estimate costs using KRA‘s calculator, secure marine insurance, and prepare all necessary documents (e.g., invoice, logbook, CoC).
- At the Port: Your agent submits customs declarations, KRA verifies documents and conducts inspections, and fees are calculated and paid.
- Final Steps: After clearance, register the vehicle with NTSA for Kenyan plates and roadworthiness.
Pro Tip: Work with experienced clearing agents, double-check cost estimates, and prepare documents early to avoid delays and extra costs.
🚗 KENYA’S 2025 CAR TAX SYSTEM EXPLAINED! | CRSP Updates, Import Duty Hikes & What It Means for You🫵
KRA Fees for Car Importation Breakdown
When importing a vehicle, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) calculates fees based on the vehicle’s Customs Value, using the CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) benchmark as a guide. Here’s a breakdown of the five main fees and what they cover:
Main KRA Fees and Their Coverage
KRA imposes five key fees on all imported vehicles:
- Import Duty: At 25% of the Customs Value for most passenger vehicles, this is the largest fee. However, certain vehicles like ambulances and hearses are exempt, with a 0% rate.
- Excise Duty: This fee varies depending on factors like engine size and fuel type.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is charged at the standard rate and is calculated on the total value, which includes the Customs Value, Import Duty, and Excise Duty.
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): This fee covers administrative costs related to processing import documents and customs clearance.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): This levy supports infrastructure projects in Kenya, including the development and maintenance of railways.
A new CRSP structure, which could introduce updated duty rates for vehicles imported after July 2025, is currently awaiting court approval as of November 6, 2025.
Car Import and Clearance Process Step by Step
Bringing a car into Kenya involves a series of steps that require careful preparation and attention to detail. By following the outlined process, you can avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages to successfully import and clear your vehicle.
Before Shipping Your Car
- Vehicle Selection
Make sure the car meets Kenyan regulations. It must be less than 8 years old (e.g., for 2025 imports, the car should be from 2018 or later) and have a Right Hand Drive configuration. - Cost Estimation
Use the KRA Import Duty Calculator on kra.go.ke to estimate the total import costs. This tool considers various factors, including the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP), the vehicle’s age, engine size, and fuel type. - Pre-shipment Inspection
A pre-shipment inspection, conducted by a KEBS-approved agent in the country of export, is mandatory. This typically costs between $150 and $250. Without this certificate, you’ll face a 15% penalty on import duty and possible delays. - Documentation Preparation
Collect all necessary original documents before shipping. These include:- Original commercial invoice
- Original logbook (canceled from the country of origin)
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- Certificate of Origin
- Freight invoice
- A copy of your KRA PIN certificate (essential for customs processing)
- Shipping Arrangements
Get quotes from shipping companies and secure marine insurance, which usually costs 1–2% of the car’s CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. - Clearing Agent Engagement
Hire a licensed clearing agent early in the process. They will handle the Import Declaration Form (IDF) and other documentation, helping you avoid delays and storage fees.
Clearing Your Car at the Port
- Customs Declaration
Your clearing agent submits an accurate IDF to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Any errors in the declaration can lead to delays and additional inspections. - Physical Inspection
At the port, KRA verifies the car’s VIN, engine number, and overall condition against the pre-shipment inspection certificate. Missing this certificate results in a 15% penalty on your import duty. - Fee Calculation and Payment
KRA calculates all applicable fees based on the CRSP system. These typically include:- Import Duty (25%)
- Excise Duty
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- IDF Fee
- Railway Development Levy (RDL)
Once the fees are paid, the vehicle can move to the next stage.
- Document Verification
Ensure all original documents are complete and stamped to avoid detention and daily storage fees. - Vehicle Release
After payment and document verification, your clearing agent arranges for the car’s release and transport.
Registering Your Car with NTSA
Once your car is cleared, the final step is to register it with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to make it roadworthy.
- NTSA Registration
This process involves obtaining a Kenyan logbook and number plates, which legally allow the vehicle to be used on Kenyan roads. - Required Documentation
For registration, prepare the following:- Original canceled logbook
- Duty invoices
- KRA PIN certificate
- Title and registration documents
- Proof of purchase
- Registration Fees
The cost includes KES 13,000 for registration and KES 800 for the NTSA sticker. - Processing Timeline
Registration usually takes 3–5 business days once all documents and fees are submitted.
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Import Duty Rates by Vehicle Type
Excise duty rates depend on a vehicle’s age, which plays a big role in determining your total import costs.
Petrol and Diesel Cars
For petrol and diesel cars, the excise duty rate is 20% for vehicles manufactured within the last three years. However, if the car is older, the rate jumps to 35%. The cost difference can be substantial. For instance, importing a 2022 Toyota Camry valued at $25,000 would result in $5,000 in excise duty. On the other hand, the same model from 2020 would cost $8,750 in duty – a difference of $3,750 due to the higher rate for older vehicles.
But excise duty is just one piece of the puzzle. Vehicle age limits and registration rules can also have a big impact on eligibility and costs.
Car Age Limits and Requirements
In addition to excise duty, strict regulations govern the age and registration of imported vehicles. For vehicles imported in 2025, they must have been manufactured no earlier than January 2017, adhering to the eight-year age limit. Vehicles older than this limit are not allowed, which means you could lose money on shipping and pre-paid fees if the rules aren’t followed.
Another key requirement: vehicles must be registered within one year of their manufacture date.
Additionally, imported cars must be right-hand drive unless they fall under specific exceptions, such as ambulances or fire tenders. They also need to meet the KEBS KS 1515:2000 standards to be deemed roadworthy. Rules can differ for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, so it’s essential to check those separately.
Opting for a vehicle less than three years old can not only ensure compliance but also lead to lower tax obligations.
How to Reduce Costs and Avoid Delays
Taking a structured approach to the KRA process can make importing a vehicle smoother and more cost-effective. After the initial preparation, selecting the right clearing agent becomes a key factor in streamlining the process.
Use Licensed Clearing Agents
Partnering with a licensed clearing agent is essential when clearing vehicles through Kenya Customs. These professionals help avoid unnecessary delays and extra fees by ensuring all paperwork is correctly handled from the start. This minimizes the risk of reassessment, which can save both time and money.
In addition to meeting compliance requirements, experienced clearing agents provide accurate estimates for total import costs, including duty, VAT, excise, IDF, and RDL. They can also identify potential challenges early, helping you avoid costly surprises. When choosing an agent, prioritize those with a proven track record and official licensing from KRA.
Check Fee Calculations Before Paying
Always verify the cost estimates provided. Use KRA’s official duty calculator or consult your clearing agent to double-check figures for import duty, excise duty, VAT, and other fees like IDF and RDL. Even small errors in valuation can lead to inflated costs. Request a detailed breakdown of all charges to ensure you understand what you’re paying for, and don’t hesitate to question any fees that seem off.
Get Documents and Inspections Ready Early
Avoid common delays by preparing all necessary documents well in advance. One critical step is securing your Certificate of Roadworthiness (also known as QISJ/KEBS Inspection Certificate or Certificate of Conformity) before shipping. This inspection, conducted in the export country by a KEBS-authorized agent, ensures your vehicle complies with Kenyan safety standards (KEBS KS 1515:2000).
Schedule the pre-shipment inspection as early as possible and double-check that all your paperwork is complete and accurate. If your vehicle’s logbook is in a foreign language, arrange for an official English translation before shipping. Companies importing vehicles should also include a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation.
Key Points to Remember
Understanding car import duties and clearance procedures is essential to avoid costly mistakes when bringing a vehicle into Kenya.
Main Costs and Steps Summary
Your import duty calculations will be the cornerstone of your total expenses. These rates vary widely depending on the vehicle’s type and age. For example, petrol and diesel vehicles often face higher duties, while hybrid and electric cars receive more favorable treatment. Additionally, newer vehicles may benefit from better rates under KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) guidelines.
The primary KRA fees include import duty, excise duty, VAT, Import Declaration Fee (IDF), and Railway Development Levy (RDL). These charges are based on the vehicle’s assessed value, which KRA determines using current market prices – not the price you paid. Be prepared to budget for the total landed cost, as duties and fees can add 50–70% to your vehicle’s purchase price.
When it comes to documentation, ensure you have everything ready before shipping. Essential documents include the Certificate of Roadworthiness, translated paperwork, and proper identification.
The clearance process typically takes 7–14 days, assuming all your paperwork is in order.
These core costs and steps provide a foundation for the practical advice below.
Final Tips for Car Importers
- Work with licensed clearing agents. Their expertise in KRA procedures and customs regulations can save you from costly errors. They’ll also help with vehicle assessments and paperwork, which can be tricky due to periodic changes in requirements.
- Double-check cost calculations. Use KRA’s official resources or get estimates from multiple clearing agents to confirm duty amounts. Even small misclassifications or valuation errors can lead to unnecessary charges, sometimes amounting to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Complete inspections early. The Certificate of Roadworthiness, issued by KEBS-authorized agents in your export country, is mandatory for clearance. Prioritize this step before shipping, as it cannot be obtained after your vehicle arrives in Kenya.
- Keep detailed records. Maintain copies of all transactions, inspections, and communications. These can help resolve disputes during clearance or NTSA registration.
- Plan for unexpected costs. Add a 10–15% buffer to your budget to account for unforeseen fees or currency fluctuations. Exchange rates and duty rates can change between the time you plan your import and when the car is cleared, impacting your final costs.
FAQs
What happens if my imported vehicle fails the pre-shipment inspection by KEBS-approved agents?
If your vehicle doesn’t pass the pre-shipment inspection mandated by KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards), it likely falls short of the required standards for importation into Kenya. This can lead to extra penalties, such as increased inspection fees, delays during customs clearance, or, in some cases, outright rejection of the vehicle at the port.
To steer clear of these complications, make sure your vehicle meets KEBS standards before shipping. This includes adhering to guidelines on roadworthiness, age limits, and emissions. Partnering with approved inspection agents can make the process much smoother and reduce potential headaches.
How can I calculate the total cost of importing a car to Kenya, including duties and fees, before shipping?
To figure out how much it will cost to import a car into Kenya, start by calculating the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the vehicle. Once you have the CIF value, you’ll need to apply several taxes and fees, including:
- Import Duty: 25% of the CIF value.
- Excise Duty: This depends on the engine capacity of the car.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the combined total of CIF, Import Duty, and Excise Duty.
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of the CIF value or a minimum of KES 5,000, whichever is higher.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of the CIF value.
Additionally, don’t forget to factor in other costs like inspection fees and port handling charges. By carefully calculating these expenses, you’ll have a clearer picture of the total cost and can avoid unexpected charges during the clearance process.
What documents do I need for NTSA registration after my car clears customs in Kenya?
To register your vehicle with the NTSA in Kenya after customs clearance, you’ll need to have several important documents ready:
- Import Declaration Form (IDF): This serves as proof that the importation has been approved.
- Customs Clearance Certificate: Confirms that all required duties and taxes have been fully paid.
- Original Logbook: The vehicle’s logbook from its country of origin.
- KRA PIN Certificate: Your personal or business tax identification number.
- Bill of Lading: The shipping document for the vehicle.
- Inspection Certificate: Provided by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) or an authorized agent.
Make sure these documents are complete and accurate to prevent any delays in the registration process.
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