Complete Import Tax and Procedures for used cars in Kenya | Japanese Used Cars Carused.jp (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Kenya? ›

Initial shipping costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the car size and shipping method. Import duty is approximately 25% of the car's value. Excise duty varies but typically hovers around 20% of the car's value. VAT (Value Added Tax) is about 16%.

Import Duty is 25% of the CRSP, Excise Duty is 20% of the CRSP + Import Duty, 16% of the CRSP + Import Duty + Excise Duty is VAT, 2.25% of the CRSP is the IDF Fee.

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)

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) uses this value to determine the payable Import Duty (25%), Excise Duty (20% for cars less than 3 years old and 30% for older), VAT (16%), and other levies (RDL at 2% and IDF at 3.5%). You can use KRA's online calculator or consult with a customs agent for precise calculations.

Shipping a Japanese car to Kenya takes around 25-28 days from the Japanese port to Mombasa. But there are a number of steps which must happen before and after the shipping journey to complete a car's import to Kenya. Prior to export, the car must be de-registered and pass its QISJ inspection.

The cost of clearing a car at the Port of Mombasa ranges from Sh60,000 to Sh120,000 based on the size of the vehicle. If you shipped this vehicle through an agent, he or she will most likely ask for 4 per cent of the total value of the car (including taxes).

What are the requirements for importing cars in Kenya? Three important requirements are outlined: the vehicle cannot be more than eight years old from the year of manufacture. Road worthiness and left-hand drive All used vehicles imported into Kenya must be in good condition in order to be driven on Kenyan roads.

Imported cars are better maintained than locally used ones and are therefore of better quality. This translates into lower costs on spare parts and repairs over the long haul. As a bonus, your imported car be modified and any necessary repairs done once it's delivered to ensure that it is safe to use on Kenyan roads.

KRA provide the current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) for your vehicle. Customs Value is the CRSP value with depreciation applied. Import Duty is 35% of the Customs Value. Excise Duty is 20% of the Customs Value + Import Duty.

What is the new import tax in Kenya? ›

Import (customs) duty

With effect from 1 July 2022, the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET) 2022 version introduced a four-band tariff with a minimum duty rate of 0%, rates of 10% and 25%, and a maximum rate of 35% in respect of all products imported into the East African Community.

The motor vehicle tax is payable at the time of issuance of an insurance cover and shall be based on the value of the motor vehicle at a rate of 2.5 percent. The Finance Bill 2024 proposes a minimum of Sh5,000 and a maximum of Sh100,000 per annum.

Importing from the UK would be preferred for European model cars & some American brands such as Ford and Chevrolet. Importing from Japan, Singapore or Thailand would similarly be preferred if the client is seeking a Japanese model car.

Value for Money

First and foremost, imported cars are cheaper than locally bought cars. Ask anyone who has imported a car they will tell you that importing their car was cheaper than buying the exact model locally. Importing a car is best especially if you are on a tight budget.

The cost of shipping a car to Kenya typically ranges from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on various factors. These include the make and model of the vehicle, its size, the chosen shipping method, and the distance between the origin and destination.