KRA Issues Step-by-Step Process for Importing a Car
Dreaming of bringing that sleek vehicle into Kenya, but concerned about the paperwork nightmare? The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has provided a clear roadmap for bringing in your dream car.
Whether you’re looking for a brand-new German model or a solid used Japanese car, understanding the import process can help you avoid delays, additional charges, and unneeded stress at the port.
Regulations for importing a car to Kenya.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has established stringent requirements under the KS 1515:2000 Code of Practice for Road Vehicle Inspection that all imported vehicles must meet before clearance.
Your vehicle must be less than eight years old from the date of first registration, a car created in January 2017 would have to be imported before January 2025.
All imported cars must be right-hand drive, with the exception of specialised units such as ambulances, fire engines, and heavy construction machinery intended for donation to the government upon completion of specific projects.
According to the KRA, all used vehicles imported into Kenya must be assessed for roadworthiness, safety, and other standards. This is to ensure that only safe automobiles use Kenyan roads.
Did you know that Kenya allows for the importation of right-hand drive vehicles only?
— KRA Care (@KRACare) January 2, 2023
For all the returning residents, ensure you meet the import regulations if you are planning on returning with your own car.
Learn more here https://t.co/AfzyQgRx9q#TaxFacts pic.twitter.com/KpSIzFd13H
More crucially, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are absolutely restricted for personal use, shielding drivers from the perils of limited sight on Kenya’s right-hand traffic system.
Required Documents
To successfully clear your vehicle through Kenya Customs, you must use a licensed clearing agent, whose contact information is published on the KRA website.
Mandatory requirements include the original commercial invoice, original bill of lading, import declaration form, authentic original logbook from the nation of origin, and certificate of roadworthiness.
KRA advises that it would not accept a Certificate of Export given by Dubai Police or another body as a substitute for a foreign Logbook.
If your logbook is in a foreign language, you must provide an English translation from the embassy, high commission, or consulate in Kenya for validation.
The Final Step in Importation
Understanding the tax system is critical for planning your importation project, as customs and taxes can dramatically raise the overall cost of your vehicle above the purchase price.
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Import charge is 25% of the customs value, excise duty goes from 20% for automobiles under 1500cc (low engine power) to 25% for larger engines, and VAT adds another 16%.
Additional charges include a 2% Railway Development Levy and a 3.5% Import Declaration Fee, both levied on the CIF (Customer Information File) value, which includes invoice value, insurance, and freight charges combined.
For example, a Toyota Auris with a 1800cc engine manufactured (Cars with high engine power) in January 2017 would attract total duties and taxes of Ksh 541,194.56 on a CIF value of Ksh 623,855.40.
The clearing agent will lodge your import entry in the SIMBA system, pay all required duties and taxes, and present relevant documents for customs to pass the entry.
KRA Issues Step-by-Step Process for Importing a Car
