IMPORT PROCESSES
IMPORT PROCESSES
The three main regulations when considering importing/exporting a car to kenya are:
AGE LIMIT
In 2021 only vehicles manufactured in the year 2014 and onwards will be allowed to be imported into Kenya
LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES
All left hand drive vehicles are not allowed for registration unless they have a special purpose.
ROAD WORTHINESS
All motor vehicles imported into Kenya must be inspected prior to shipment by QISJ for road worthiness.
SHIPPING METHODS AND TRANSIT TIME
Depending on which service is used, the transit time from port to port tends to be 26 – 30 days. We offer a range of shipping methods such as Roll on Roll off, Container Vehicle Shipping and Airfreight. We always advise our clients on the best choice striving to meet their time lines, needs and budget.
RoRO
These are purpose built vessels designed to carry cars. More like a floating underground car park.
Containerized
Choose from dedicated or shared containers. An extremely safe method of shipping.
Air Freight
Extrmely quick method of shipment however extrmely expensive as well.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Please see below list of documents require for customs clearance in Kenya
Original UK V5/Log Book
Passport or ID copy
Original QISJ Pre-Shipment Inspection certificate
KRA Pin Certificate copy
Original Bills of Lading
RETURNING RESIDENTS – DUTY EXEMPTIONS
Requirement 1: Change of Residence
The person is changing residence from a place outside Kenya to Kenya and must be at least 18 years old.Therefore, the original passport of the importer will be required and this will be thoroughly checked to ensure that they are indeed changing residence – more proof may be asked for this and furthermore the age of the importer is verified to be over 18.
Note the processing officer is expected to verify supporting documents (e.g. passports, works permits etc.) and be satisfied the importer is bona fide changing residence and has not been away from the country merely on temporary non-resident visit.
Requirement 2: Owning and Using The Vehicle
The individual must have owned and used the motor vehicle outside Kenya for at least twelve months, Therefore, the UK V5 must be clear and show that the vehicle was acquired by the importer and owned for 365 days excluding the shipment period. Purchase invoice documents, insurance documents as well as any documentary evidence is always welcome.
The tricky part is “used” the motor vehicle for at least twelve months – this is where our client was caught out. Determining usage is difficult, and therefore the interpretation is that having acquired the motor vehicle, the importer must have been present in the country from which he/she is importing the vehicle for at least 365 days on aggregate prior to shipment of the vehicle. This is easily demonstrated via the importer’s original passport.
It is assumed that during his/her stay, the person was personally using the vehicle in that country. Note this does not mean the importer must not have traveled to other countries. The number of visits the person makes back home prior to the importation is also not important. The requirement is that the days spent in the exporting country must be at least 365 on aggregate (not continuous) since acquiring the vehicle. If the aggregate period is found to be less than twelve (12) months, then the motor vehicle does not qualify.
Requirement 3: Vehicle Arrival
The vehicle should arrive within 90 days of the owner’s arrival. Therefore, please check with us on the best vessel to choose. We have frequent sailings, and can ensure the arrival meets your requirement.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER NOTES
It is important that you are available during the clearance period, should the KRA officer require any clarification.
It is also important that you have the following:-
Original UK V5
(Logbook)
Original Passport and Older Passports if needed
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from QISJ:
We arrange the pre-
shipment inspection via
our Tilbury Port
KRA PIN - Without this
no import documents
can be lodged
Original Bill of Lading -
Auto Kenya will issue
this once the vehicle
has been shipped
OTHER PARTIES
Vehicles for diplomatic or consulate missions, vehicles for the United Nations or its specialised agencies, vehicles for foreign embassies, vehicles for donor agencies, specifically designed vehicles to be used by the disabled, rally drivers – certain exemptions.
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