Importing vehicles to Kenya needs a proper understanding of the Kenya Revenue laws. The most important one is knowing the eight years rule of motor vehicles importation Kenya. You can import a car that was manufactured at least eight years prior. Observance of clause 2.5 of KS 1515:2000 on the eight eight year age limit requirement and only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose Year of First Registration is from eight years from the date of importation is allowed in Kenya. Vehicles that were manufactured below eight years can never be allowed into Kenya.
Vehicles importing to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515:2000- Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles while vehicles from countries where Kenya bureu of standards (KEBS) has an inspection agency like. Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa. The Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) shall be accompany the vehicle and it must be issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS.
Understanding vehicles importing to Kenya rules will help you avoid the fraudlent agencies that has milked most Kenya their hard earned money over the years. The eight-year age limit on used vehicles was introduced to safeguard against the dumping of second-hand vehicles into the Kenya.
Understanding the import duty policy
Import Duty: 25% of the Customs Value (CIF) of the vehicle. Excise Duty: 20% of the (CIF + Import Duty) VAT: 16% of the (CIF value + Import Duty + Excise Duty) Import Declaration Form (IDF): 2% of the CIF value.
Obtaining a second hand vehicle
The 5th Schedule of EACCMA, 2004 provides for the importation of Motor vehicles under duty free status provided they meet the required criteria. Section 119 of the same act provides that duties are payable upon disposal of the Motor vehicle.
Requirements
- Customs declaration
- Valuation report
- Copy of motor vehicle records and copy of log book
- Authority to dispose Motor vehicle (PRO 1C) for diplomatic vehicles
- Previous importation customs entry
Procedure
- Obtain a valuation report from KRA to ascertain the value of the vehicle for tax purposes.
- Liaise with an authorized Customs clearing agent to Lodge a customs declaration using the assessed value and pay the relevant duties computed.
- Present the vehicle for inspection by a proper Customs officer to confirm the motor vehicle details.
- Once the customs entry has been processed, initiate the transfer process on the NTSA platform.
