Are you considering importing a car from Japan to Kenya? This guide is the most thorough resource available online for navigating the process of importing a car from Japan to Kenya.
Purchasing a car from Japan can lead to significant savings compared to buying one locally. However, there are risks involved, and without careful planning, you could end up losing your money or spending more than you would on a locally available car.
Fortunately, we’re here to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make informed decisions throughout the process and potentially save money on your purchase.
How to Import a Car From Japan to Kenya
Here are the five straightforward steps to import a car from Japan to Kenya:
- Select a vehicle exporter in Japan
- Initiate the importation process
- Handle documentation
- Complete customs clearance and duty payment
- Retrieve your car from the Container Freight Station (CFS) and enjoy
Now, let’s delve into each of these steps in detail.
Selecting a Vehicle Exporter in Japan
The initial step in importing a car from Japan to Kenya is to choose a reputable vehicle exporter. Some well-known exporters include SBT Japan and Be Forward Japan.
Browse their database to find the type of vehicle you’re interested in. Keep in mind the following three important criteria:
- Age Limit: The car you import should not be more than 8 years old from the year of manufacture.
- Steering Side: The vehicle must have a right-hand drive (RHD) configuration.
- Car Grade: Aim for a high-grade car. In Japan, cars are typically graded from 1 to 6 during auctions, with 1 being the lowest and 6 the highest. Look for a car with a grade above 3.5 for a quality vehicle.
Once you’ve selected a vehicle that meets these criteria, you can proceed to inquire with the exporter. During this period, you can negotiate the listed price, and if you have strong negotiation skills, you might secure a discount.
It’s important to note that the prices listed on Japanese websites are CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) costs. This includes the cost of the car, marine insurance, and shipping to Mombasa. However, CIF cost does not cover taxes or import duty, which must be paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority once the vehicle arrives in Mombasa.
Initiate The Importation Process
Once you’ve agreed on the CIF cost, the exporter in Japan will send you an invoice. You can then proceed to make the payment through any bank in Kenya.
Upon receipt of payment in Japan, the car will undergo an inspection. It’s mandatory for all vehicles imported into Kenya to be inspected in their country of origin by an organization appointed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. In this case, the appointed organization is Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ).
QISJ is responsible for inspecting the vehicle and recording its mileage and other conditions in its database. Following the inspection, they issue an inspection certificate.
Bonus Tip: As mentioned earlier, QISJ records the car’s mileage during the inspection. You can access their database to check the mileage of the car before it was imported to Kenya. This is beneficial for local car buyers, as some dealers may alter the mileage to make the car appear newer.
After the inspection is complete, the car is ready to be shipped from Japan. Most vehicles are shipped using the Roll On/Roll Off (RORO) method, but they can also be shipped in a container. However, shipping in a container will increase the CIF cost.
Documentation
Congratulations, you’re halfway through the process of getting your car! However, before you can clear your car from customs upon its arrival in Mombasa, there’s a series of essential documents required.
The seller in Japan should provide you with the following documents before the car reaches Mombasa. These documents are typically sent via courier services like DHL:
- Bill of Lading: This legal document is issued by the carrier to the shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported. It includes vehicle details, the consignee (you), the shipper, and the notifying party. Ensure that you are listed as the consignee, as these details will be used for car registration in Kenya. The notifying party is the person who will receive these documents.
- Export Certificate: This document contains details of the car, the previous registered owner in the country of origin, the vehicle’s usage, and whether the car has been deregistered from the Japanese vehicle registration system.
- Inspection Certificate: Issued by QISJ, this certificate verifies whether the vehicle is roadworthy, safe, and meets the standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Make sure to receive and review these documents carefully before your car arrives in Mombasa, as they are crucial for the customs clearance process.
Customs Clearance and Duty Payment
The final step in the vehicle importation process is having the vehicle cleared at customs upon its arrival at the Mombasa port. Once the car is offloaded from the ship, it will be driven to a predetermined Container Freight Station (CFS).
The car will be stored at the CFS until the duty is paid and customs clearance is completed. It’s crucial to ensure that the clearing process is done as quickly as possible to avoid incurring substantial CFS charges.
To clear your vehicle at customs, you will need the assistance of a customs agent registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The agent will require the documents previously mentioned, along with your national ID and KRA PIN.
A few days before the car’s arrival in Mombasa, the clearing agent will log into the KRA system and submit an Import Declaration Form (IDF). This form declares that a specific vehicle has been imported into the country. The agent can then generate an entry sheet that outlines the amount of taxes to be paid to KRA.
You can proceed to pay the taxes at any bank in Kenya, or your clearing agent can pay on your behalf, depending on your agreement.
Lastly, you need to create a TIMS account with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The clearing agent will access this account and apply for registration. After successful registration, your car’s details will appear in your account, and NTSA will allocate a registration number for your car.
The agent will then collect the physical digital number plates on your behalf and affix them to the car.
Collecting Your Car and Enjoying the Ride
Now that your car is ready for collection, there are a couple of additional steps to take:
- Obtain Insurance Coverage: Before driving your car on Kenyan roads, it’s legally required to have insurance coverage, with the minimum being third-party insurance. However, it’s advisable to opt for comprehensive insurance, as it covers your car in case of an accident.
- Install a Car Tracker: For added security, it’s recommended to install a car tracker. This allows you to monitor the real-time location of your car at any time and from anywhere.
With these final steps completed, you can now enjoy your vehicle with a big smile, knowing you’ve potentially saved a significant amount of money. Don’t forget to share this information with a friend so they too can benefit from these insights on importing a car from Japan to Kenya.
Conclusion
In conclusion, importing a car from Japan to Kenya can be a rewarding experience, offering you significant savings and the opportunity to own a high-quality vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the importation process smoothly and efficiently.
Once you’ve successfully imported your car, it’s essential to enhance your driving experience with the right accessories. Ignition Covers Kenya is your go-to destination for top-notch car interior accessories. From practical items like car emergency kits and floor mats to convenient phone holders, we have everything you need to make your driving experience enjoyable and safe.
Visit Ignition Covers Kenya to explore our wide range of products and take the first step towards customizing your newly imported car to perfection. Happy driving!
