Importation of Japanese Used Vehicles to Kenya
Dealers and private buyers in Kenya are permitted to import Japanese used vehicles up to 8 years old, provided that a KEBS pre-shipment inspection is carried out in Japan before export.
Right-hand-drive-native Japanese supply for the Kenyan market, with Japan-side auction and fixed-price inventory and export coordination to Mombasa
Can Vehicles Be Imported from Japan to Kenya?"
Kenya permits the importation of used Japanese vehicles by dealers, fleet operators, and private buyers, subject to age regulations, mandatory KEBS pre-shipment inspection in Japan, and final customs clearance at the port of Mombasa.
Who can buy?
- Kenyan dealers importing vehicles for resale in the local market.
- Fleet and commercial operators sourcing buses, vans, and trucks.
- Private buyers importing cars for personal use.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Age Restriction: Imported vehicles cannot exceed 8 years from their first date of registration at the time of export. Importers are advised to verify current guidelines with the KRA and KEBS.
- Right-hand drive only — aligns with Japanese domestic specification.
- KEBS Inspection: Mandatory pre-shipment inspection conducted in Japan before export.
Key Regulations for Vehicle Importation to Kenya
- The vehicle's date of first registration must not exceed 8 years prior to the time of export.
- The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requires a pre-shipment inspection to be conducted in Japan prior to export.
- The submission of an Import Declaration Form (IDF) is required prior to the arrival of the shipment at the port of Mombasa.
- On arrival at Mombasa, import duty, excise duty, VAT, and the IDF fee are all due. The combined tax burden is substantial — always confirm the estimated costs before finalising your purchase.
- Required Documents: Original Japanese export certificate, bill of lading, commercial invoice, IDF, and KEBS inspection certificate.
- Customs clearance at the port of Mombasa must be finalised prior to the release of the vehicle for inland transportation.
Shipping & Delivery to Kenya
- Shipping from Japan to Mombasa usually takes 3–4 weeks by RoRo and 4–6 weeks by container.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the standard method for single vehicles and most dealer orders.
- For high-value vehicles or multiple units, container shipping is typically used.
- Domestic transportation within Japan to the designated export port is coordinated by Robust Auto upon confirmation of the vehicle purchase.
- The buyer, or their appointed clearing agent, is responsible for managing customs clearance at the port of Mombasa as well as subsequent inland transit to Nairobi and other destinations.
Important Notes on Required Paperwork
- KEBS pre-shipment inspection completed in Japan prior to export.
- KEBS pre-shipment inspection is completed in Japan before export, and the resulting certificate is issued and attached to your shipping documents
- We verify the vehicle's condition and check that it meets the 8-year age limit from its initial registration.
- The Japanese export certificate documents the de-registration of the vehicle and establishes its first registration date, which is used to confirm compliance with age restrictions.
HOW TO BUY FROM JAPANESE AUCTION
Buying directly from Japanese auctions gives you access to the best selection and lowest prices.
This is the primary source where Japanese car dealers get their stock.
EXPLORE OUR CURRENT VEHICLE INVENTORY
We maintain a small selection of vehicles currently in inventory.
Each car has been inspected and verified by Robust Auto and is ready for immediate export.