Car Importation Rules for Kenya

Oct 1st, 2011 | By Admin | Category: Importing Cars Into Kenya

We source and import any vehicle of your choice. Clearing, registration and delivery services also provided. Email your request direct to us. Please be as specific as possible to make it easier to get you a vehicle of your choice. We will email you the detailed quotation including all payments expected and photos where available.

If you source the car yourself, we shall assist in all paper work, clearing, registration and delivery services.

Facts and figures about used cars importation in Kenya.

In conformity with the East Africa Common Tariff, Import duty on all classes of vehicles will be 25% of the dutiable value. Excise Duty on all vehicles is now 20% irrespective of engine size. (After 2005/2006 budget).

The taxation figures will now look as follows;

Import duty is 25% of Dutiable value.
Excise Duty 20% of Excise Duty value.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is 16% of VAT value.
Import Declaration Form (I. D. F.) processing fees is 2.25% of dutiable value with a minimum of Kshs 5,000 that is paid in advance on application.
Age Limit: In Kenya importation of used vehicles is limited to 8 years. This means that currently in 2012 one can only import a 2005 car or newer.

Import Declaration Forms (IDF) will be processed by Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA)-customs services.

Import duty, Excise duty, VAT and I. D. F fees are calculated based on dutiable value which is determined by Cost of Retail Selling Price (CRSP) of same or similar brand new model available locally appropriately depreciated according to age.

70 comments
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james May 13th, 2011 11:34 am :

If you can do the clearing and registration, including delivery of the car where one has imported the car himself. How much can this cost?

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Dear James,

Thank you for visiting our site and for your query. We have sent you an email that has information regarding your inquiry. If you need further assistance, do not hesitate in contacting us.

Thanks,
Angela.

[Reply]
Pat May 16th, 2011 12:21 am :

Everyone likes to get good deal or cheap for their car or wherever.So my quiz is ..If i find a cheap deal for lets say 2004 corrolla sedan for $1000, is my duty gonna be based on that price??..bearing in mind that may be same car everages around $4000?

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:48 am

Hi Pat, with regards to your query, duty on cars being imported to Kenya is no longer pegged against the CIF price or Purchase Price since dubious importers discovered ways of altering the prices. What is being used now is known as CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) which is basically the price that you will pay for a brand new version of the car you are importing.

For more details on this, please visit this page: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/blog/?p=857

[Reply]
Paul Wyne May 26th, 2011 8:52 am :

Hie,

What is the duty i will pay for a Subaru Impreza sportswagon year 2004 jan, eng size 1.5, model LA-GG2, Auto amd Petro. Thanx

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
May 27th, 2011 at 6:38 am

Hello Paul,

We are glad to receive your mail. We have responded to your query via email. Please check your mail, we do hope the information will be helpful. For more inquiries, do not hesitate to call on us.

Thanks,
Angela

[Reply]
Doreen June 7th, 2011 9:30 am :

If you can do the clearing and registration, including delivery of the car where one has imported the car himself. How much can this cost?
Also what info do I need from the seller before purchasing the car?

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 10:19 am

Hi Doreen,

Thank you, we have received you inquiry. Please refer to your email for more information. Feel free to contact us any time you need any assistance.

Thanks,
Angela.

[Reply]
Kioko June 22nd, 2011 7:12 am :

Jambo, i seek to import a 2007 Toyota Landcruiser Cygnus from Japan. 4.7 LITRE petrol engine, automatic transmission, SUV.

1. How much does it roughly cost to ship the car? i.e. shipping cost, inside container
2. How much would duty add up to?
3.

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm

Hello Kioko,

Thank you for your inquiry. We have sent you an email in response. We do hopw that you will find the information of help. If you need more assistance, feel free to contact us at any time.

Thanks,
Angela

[Reply]
DANIEL NDALANA MAWEU June 27th, 2011 10:12 am :

Hi ,thank you for informing me about clearing of vehicles but i want to know how much taxes i will pay for toyota dyna van 2004 model

[Reply]
Kombo Elijah July 4th, 2011 10:12 am :

Kindly let me know how much will it take me for import and other related taxes for this car. I will also want to know what you charge for services.
Year / Month 2004
Odometer 122,560 km
Displacement 1,800 cc
Steering Right
Transmission Automatic
Fuel Gasoline/Petrol
Model code CBF-VW11

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 9:37 am

Dear Kombo,

Thank you for your mail. We have read and sent you a response through the email provided. Feel free to contact us any time you need further assistance.

Thanks,
Angela

[Reply]
ANDY July 14th, 2011 4:13 pm :

Dear Angela,

If I want to import a brand new misibithi bus(52 seats) to Nairobi.
What about the import charge ?

Thank you.

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:46 pm

Dear Andy,

Thank for your inquiry. Although it would be hard to advice appropriately without more detailed information about the car features. We have sent you an email with more details that will help us assist you with the duty calculations. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Angela

[Reply]
Fred July 28th, 2011 6:58 pm :

Are the rules the same for cars being imported from Uk as the ones from Japan

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
July 29th, 2011 at 12:16 pm

Dear Fred,
The importation rules are standard regardless of the country from which one is importing a car from. The taxes and processing procedures are the same. I hope you find this answer satisfactory, Unless there is something else you meant by the question? Feel free to ask us any time and we will do our best to help you understand better.

Regards,
Angela.

[Reply]
mona August 11th, 2011 1:50 pm :

Hi Angela,

I am hoping to import a truck from the UK in the near future with the following specifications:

gross vehicle weight 44000kgs
12 litre 430 BHP engine
8 speed manual gearbox
mid lift centre axle
high roof sleeper cabin
rear air suspension
hydraulic oil tank
2004 benz (6 x 2) tractor

Kindly give me an estimate of how much duty i should expect to pay on arrival.

Thank you

Mona

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Hello Mona,

Thank you for your inquiry. We have in return replied, using the email you provided. Please check your mail. We do hope that the information will of help. In case of any more queries, or need for assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to doing business with you.

Regards,
Angela

[Reply]
mona August 11th, 2011 1:54 pm :

Hi,

I am hoping to import a 2nd hand truck from the UK in the near future. How much tax should i expect to pay? and because its a commercial vehicle, will there be say, a lower tax rate or is does every vehicle pay the same amount of tax percentage?

Looking forward to your response.

Thanks

Mona

[Reply]
fred August 13th, 2011 12:03 pm :

you guys do a good job, however it would make sense to reply to questions asked on this board in the same manner. if all the answers to questions were available publicly and no sent to emails you would drive more traffic to your site because they would be indexed by google and be searchable on the web. of course if there is private information it makes sense to be confidential, but sans that I fail to see why you dont publish the answers on the board so one doesnt have to ask a question thats already been asked

[Reply]
Duncan August 26th, 2011 5:29 am :

Hello, my name is Duncan and i am intending to import a 2004 Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi 90 S. Its a 4door, diesel powered sedan with manual transmission. I would like to know how much import duty i should expect to pay since am not sure what the current CRSP for the vehicle is at home. Also, do you do the clearing and forwarding or if you have a reputable company you can recommend. Keep up the good work of informing us how the system operates.
Thanx.

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:08 am

Dear Duncan,

Thank you for your enquiry, we have read your mail and responded to you through the email address you provided. We do hope that you will find the information to be of help.

In case of need for further assistance, please do no hesitate to contact us.

regards,
Angela.

[Reply]
Duncan August 26th, 2011 5:40 am :

Related to my earlier inquiry, i would also like to know if a vehicle is, say a 1990′s make but it was registered in 2005 in the U.K. would it still qualify for importation to Kenya?
Thanx,- Duncan.

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
August 30th, 2011 at 10:36 am

Dear duncan,

Unfortunately, it is not the year of registration that is looked it. For a car to be imported, the year of manufacture is used to determine if it qualifies or not. So if the car is manufactured in the 90′s, it means it is way over the 8year limit and thus you can’t be allowed to import it. If you have any more queries, do not hesitate to sk.

Regards,
Angela

[Reply]
michael mutiso September 7th, 2011 8:00 pm :

i wish to import a 2004 Nissan b15. 1500cc , through you how much duty will i pay .what is your commission. estimate shipping charges.
thank you

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 9:31 am

Hi Michael,
Thank you for your enquiry. We have in return sent you an email to the address you provided. We hope that you will find the information to be of help. In case of need for further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,
Angela

[Reply]
Johnie Otieno September 11th, 2011 11:30 am :

Dear Customer Care,
Please kindly introduce to me on reliable Registered Clearing Agent contact. I’m intending to import a vehicle from Singarpore soonest.
Best regards.
JO

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 9:39 am

Dear Johnie,
We are in receipt of your enquiry and we have sent you an email addressing your query. We do hope you will find the information handy. Should you need any assistance, please contact us any time.

Thanks,
Angela

[Reply]
mary September 18th, 2011 3:04 pm :

I want to import a terios 2010 1.3cc SUV how much duty will i pay and how much money will i eventually pay untill i get the car from the port.The car is from Dubai

[Reply]
Angela Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 9:46 am

Hi Mary,
Thank you for your mail, please refer to your email address for more information. We look forward to hearing from you. Do not hesitate to contact us any time you need our assistance.

Regards,
Angela

[Reply]
bartholomew mbori October 7th, 2011 8:41 am :

Hi,
I intend to import a 2004 Nissan Wingroad 1.5 lt for about c&f $2500 Mombasa,how much duty do expect to pay for this type of vehicle,
Regards,
Bart

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 10:19 am

Hi Bartholomew, please check your email

[Reply]
A. Kimwele November 4th, 2011 11:50 am :

Hi,

A 2005 black toyota Ipsum model 240u 4wd G-Select with black interior and how much would it cost me if you import it on my behalf up to registration.

Thanks & Regards.

A. Kimwele.

[Reply]
Job Okemwa Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 6:32 am

Hi A. kimwele, please do send us a mail to info@kenyacarbazaar.com

[Reply]
michael k December 30th, 2011 12:19 pm :

i need a probox that can cost me less than ksh 400000.00 net expense

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 6:01 am

Hi Michael, unfortunately that is not possible. At the moment, the best price you can get for a 2005 Probox is approximately Ksh. 620,000/-

[Reply]
Samson Okero January 23rd, 2012 8:17 pm :

I’ve identified a car I believe will be worth purchasing. Please advise what role(s) you would play and what support you could provide. Thank you in advance

Samson

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 5:58 am

Hi Samson, we are here to assist you with sourcing for any car from our international suppliers, organise for the shipping, insurance and documentation, arrange for clearing and forwarding once the car arrives at the port of Mombasa as well as delivery to any location of your choice within East Africa. If you have any other queries, please feel free to contact us though our contact page.

[Reply]
kennedy January 31st, 2012 7:18 am :

Hi. Can you update me on what is the current status 14-Seater matatu because I want to acquire one and register it with a upcountry shuttle company but I am not sure if I will get a TLB.

Thanks for the good work.

Kennedy

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:00 am

Hi Kennedy, here is a post that we put up on the same: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/blog/crisis-looms-in-plan-to-deny-matatu-operators-insurance/

[Reply]
Joseph February 21st, 2012 1:12 pm :

In the first quarter of 2012 can I import a car registered in 2004?

[Reply]
Job Okemwa Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:48 am

Hi Joseph,
thank no…but you cannot.

[Reply]
Esther Kariuki April 18th, 2012 1:54 pm :

Greetings,
I’m looking to import a Nissan Navara, D/Cab, Manual, diesel, 6-speed. what options / choices could be available Ex-UK or Ex-Thailand?

Regards,

Esther

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
April 19th, 2012 at 6:37 am

Hi Esther, kindly visit our duty calculations page and enter the required details to get the cost breakdown. Here is the link: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
AWADH SAARY April 26th, 2012 8:51 am :

can you please advise me of the duty on a brand mitsubishi bus of 33 passengers

[Reply]
Irene May 7th, 2012 7:00 pm :

Really wanted to know how much it will cost to clear a car in kenya and how much is the shipping,please would like to know all the details,thank u.

[Reply]
MrJob N. Okemwa Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:44 am

Dear Irene, With regards to your query, we can assist you with the importation process, clearing it from the port of Mombasa, have it registered as well as organize for delivery to a destination of your choice anywhere in East Africa. please follow the link provided below and fill in all the required details for us to send you the total cost of having the car on our Kenyan roads. http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

Looking forward to doing business with you and in case of any other queries, please feel free to contact us at any time.

[Reply]
william May 8th, 2012 5:14 pm :

Hi.I would like to import a nissan serena 2005 make bcos of the 8yr importation rule..if its giong to cost me an estimate FOB 400,000(JPY),Kindly advice on the rates that will be applicable to it.Thanks

[Reply]
MrJob N. Okemwa Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:43 am

Dear William, With regards to your query, we can assist you with the importation process, clearing it from the port of Mombasa, have it registered as well as organize for delivery to a destination of your choice anywhere in East Africa. please follow the link provided below and fill in all the required details for us to send you the total cost of having the car on our Kenyan roads. http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

Looking forward to doing business with you and in case of any other queries, please feel free to contact us at any time.

[Reply]
Pauline May 27th, 2012 9:00 am :

hi,I would like to know how it will cost me to clear my car if I import it myself, Nissan wingroad yr of reg 2005 March,1800cc 101 000km

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 3:34 pm

Hi Pauline, kindly visit the page provided below and fill in all the required details for us to get you the exact calculations;
http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
Musyoka! June 17th, 2012 4:32 pm :

Hello, i seek to import a 2001 Nissan X-Trail 4WD from Japan. Petrol engine, automatic transmission, SUV.

1. How much does it roughly cost to ship the car? i.e. shipping cost, inside container
2. How much would duty add up to?
3. In general, what will I have to pocket out (in total) for the car?

[Reply]
Musyoka! Reply:
June 17th, 2012 at 4:34 pm

BTW, the car is posted to cost $2280.

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 3:32 pm

Hi Musyoka, unfortunately according to the regulations set forth by the Government of Kenya, one car only bring in a car that is 8 years old or newer. This means that you can only bring in a car that is 2005 or newer.

[Reply]
Job June 20th, 2012 8:50 pm :

Am looking into importing a Toyota ractics but I cannot find it on the CRSP form. In such a case how do I work out the the amount {duty,tax and excise} payable to KRA? How much do you charge for taking it for inspection {JEVIC} importing and clearing it in Mombasa? Or a breakdown of the charges. Thank you.

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 3:10 pm

The details you have provided us with are not sufficient to work out the total cost of duty. Kindly visit the page provided below and fill in all the required details for us to get you the exact calculations;
http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php. If you have any further problems with this you can email us on info@kenyacarbazaar.com

[Reply]
fengshui June 23rd, 2012 10:08 am :

Wat would the total costs looks like if i commissioned u to import me a toyota rav4 : year of manuf 2007. manual transmission

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 3:09 pm

The details you have provided us with are not sufficient to work out the total cost of duty. Kindly visit the page provided below and fill in all the required details for us to get you the exact calculations;
http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
Anthony June 27th, 2012 2:44 pm :

Hi. Kindly assist with reliable clearing agent contacts who are also listed by KRA. Approximate fees figures will also be much appreciated.

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
June 28th, 2012 at 3:03 pm

Hi Anthony, we did send you and email in the morning to which you did not reply. Hope you got the email all the same. We can also assist you if you would like to have your car cleared from the Port of Mombasa.

[Reply]
zalehsky June 30th, 2012 12:37 pm :

i want to buy a chevrolet coupe 2lt costing 28350$.how much will it cost to ship the car to the country and how much will all costs for duty,clearing e.t.c cost me in kenya shillings?

[Reply]
MrJob N. Okemwa Reply:
July 20th, 2012 at 8:45 am

Hi Zalehsky, kindly visit our duty calculations page and provide us with all the required details so that we can be able to get you the correct calculations for the Latio. Here is the link to submit the details: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
Essy July 3rd, 2012 2:34 pm :

I am importing a Honda Fit 1300 2005 model. What will be the amount of tax be? Thanks.

[Reply]
MrJob N. Okemwa Reply:
July 20th, 2012 at 8:45 am

Hi Essy, kindly visit our duty calculations page and provide us with all the required details so that we can be able to get you the correct calculations for the Latio. Here is the link to submit the details: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
Taiwa July 6th, 2012 1:56 pm :

Hi,i want toyota voxy by december,is it possible?and hw much it cost to ship.thnx.

[Reply]
MrJob N. Okemwa Reply:
July 20th, 2012 at 8:46 am

Hi Taiwa, kindly visit our duty calculations page and provide us with all the required details so that we can be able to get you the correct calculations for the Latio. Here is the link to submit the details: http://www.kenyacarbazaar.com/importing/duty_calculations.php

[Reply]
Gregory March 22nd, 2013 12:30 pm :

This is nice,u guys are doing a brilliant job.
http://www.autotalk.co.ke

[Reply]
edinah April 30th, 2013 7:57 am :

Hi, good morning,
My name is Edinah and am importing a Honda fit from Japan
what would be the cost of clearing the car here home.
The year of the car is 2006.

[Reply]
Admin Reply:
April 30th, 2013 at 8:07 am

Hi there, we have already sent you an email to your indicated email address with the duty calculations as per your request.

[Reply]