What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Kenya?

Max 8 years from year of first registration

Import Japanese Car to Kenya — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Kenya?

JEVIC/QISJ Inspection Certificate, Foreign Logbook (original), Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance, IDF (Import Declaration Form)

Age Limit

Max 8 years

Manufactured 2018 or later

Import Duty

~80% total

~65–100%+ total: 35% IDF + 25% excise + 16% VAT + 1.5% RDL + port levies

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive only. LHD vehicles cannot be registered except special-use vehicles.

Transit Time

18–22 days

From Japanese port to Kenya

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Kenya's 8-year age limit:

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Mombasa Port (main) 🚢 Dar es Salaam (alternative via Tanzania)

📋 Required Documents

📄JEVIC/QISJ Inspection Certificate

📄Foreign Logbook (original)

📄Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance

📄IDF (Import Declaration Form)

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Choose RHD vehicle manufactured within 8 years

Get JEVIC inspection in Japan

Ship to Mombasa

File Import Declaration Form (IDF) — min $5,000 or 2.25% CIF

Pay all duties at KRA

NTSA inspection and registration

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

~65–100%+ total: 35% IDF + 25% excise + 16% VAT + 1.5% RDL + port levies

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Kenya before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔LHD vehicles banned

⛔Vehicles older than 8 years from first registration not allowed

⛔Vehicles over 1 year gap between manufacture and first registration not allowed

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

JEVIC or QISJ pre-shipment inspection mandatory

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Kenya imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Kenya

The 8-year rule is strictly enforced from January 2025. The vehicle manufacture date and first registration date must be within 12 months of each other. Budget for 65–100% total duty on top of the car price.