Japanese Used Cars for Kenya - Import Rules & Shipping

Kenya applies an eight-year age limit to imported used vehicles, calculated from the year of first registration. The qualifying registration year changes each calendar year, so vehicle eligibility should always be confirmed before bidding or purchasing.

The year of first registration shown on the Japanese export or deregistration documents is therefore especially important when selecting a vehicle for Kenya.

Ordinary vehicles imported for road use in Kenya must be right-hand drive (RHD). Japanese domestic-market vehicles are generally well suited to this requirement. Special-purpose vehicles may be subject to separate KEBS waiver conditions, which should be confirmed and approved before shipment.

Used vehicles exported from Japan to Kenya are required to undergo conformity inspection before shipment. KEBS has appointed Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) for inspection of used vehicles from Japan.

Inspection includes compliance with the applicable Kenyan vehicle standard and also covers items such as roadworthiness, odometer integrity and radioactive contamination requirements applicable to used vehicles from Japan.

A compliant vehicle receives a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR). Vehicles arriving in Kenya without the required certificate may be subject to destination inspection and additional procedures and costs.

Vehicle imports into Kenya can be subject to import duty, excise duty, VAT, Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL). The final amount depends on the vehicle type, engine and fuel classification, customs value and the tax rates in force at the time of importation.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) uses a Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) methodology when determining the customs value of used motor vehicles. A revised CRSP schedule has been in use since 1 July 2025.

Because tax schedules can change, customers should obtain a current KRA or licensed customs clearing-agent calculation before making a final purchase decision.

Documents commonly required for importing a used vehicle into Kenya include:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Original foreign logbook, export certificate or deregistration certificate
• KEBS/QISJ Certificate of Roadworthiness
• KRA PIN certificate or company incorporation documents, where applicable
• Other customs or clearance documents requested for the particular shipment

Mombasa is the principal destination port for Japanese used vehicles entering Kenya. Shipping availability, vessel schedules, freight rates and transit times change depending on the carrier and Japanese departure port, so Kaede Trading confirms current shipping options when preparing a quotation.

Kaede Trading can source suitable vehicles through Japanese used-car auctions and other Japanese suppliers. Before bidding, we can help check important details such as the year of first registration, vehicle condition and suitability for Kenya's import requirements.

After purchase, we can coordinate transportation in Japan, QISJ inspection, export documentation and shipping arrangements to Mombasa.

Import rules, tax rates and inspection procedures can change. Before purchasing or bidding on a vehicle for Kenya, confirm the latest eligibility requirements and expected import charges. Kaede Trading can assist with vehicle sourcing and export arrangements from Japan.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026