Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import from Japan. Special purpose vehicles like fire engines, ambulances, and large construction vehicles are allowed for import in Kenya. The dates of registration and manufacture of the used Japanese vehicle should not have a difference of more than one year. Inspection for the roadworthiness of the used vehicle from Japan is done by JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) or QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan).

• Passport (original)
• Bill of Lading (original)
• Commercial invoice (original)
• Pre-inspection certificate
• KRA PIN card
• Vehicle logbook (the Kenya Revenue Authority i.e KRA will not accept any substitute for foreign logbook and translation in English would be done by the Kenya High Commission or consulate if required)

• 25% of Dutiable Value will be imposed as Import Duty.
• 20% of the sum of Customs Value and Import Duty will be imposed as Excise Duty.
• 16% of the sum of Customs Value, Impost Duty, and Excise Duty will be charged as VAT.
• $5000 or 2.25% of the CIF value will be charged as Import Declaration Fee(IDF), whichever is more. IDF has to be paid before the application.
• 1.5% of the Customs Value will be imposed as Railway Development Levy.

• Returning Residents of Kenya are exempted from duties and taxes on the import of one vehicle.
• The importer must have lived abroad for no less than 2 years. During that time he/she should also not have visited and stayed in Kenya for more than three months.
• The importer must have used the vehicle for no less than a year prior to importation.
• The Returning Resident must not have availed the exemption before.

Used Japanese vehicles can be exported to Kenya through the Stock method and the Auction method.
Steps to import Japan used vehicles in Kenya through the Stock method-

• Find a Japanese used car exporter or supplier.
• Choose the car you want to import to Kenya.
• Now an inquiry regarding the same to be sent to the supplier.
• Negotiation should be done with the supplier.
• Now a request for a Proforma Statement needs to be sent.
• Next, the order for the delivery of the used vehicle from Japan should be placed.
• Payment should be made to the supplier by means of bank transfer.

Steps to import Japan used vehicles in Kenya through the Auction method-

• Register to create a membership account for Japan auto auctions.
• Once the account has been created, log in, and search and place a bid on the cars of your choice.
• After the bid has been placed, you are required to deposit the bid amount.
• Once the amount has been deposited, choose your preferred car.
• Now the translation of the inspection cost of the car needs to be done.
• Next, a quotation of the winning bid amount needs to be done by you.
• An invoice will be sent to you with insurance and freight charges to Mombasa once a successful bid has been made
• Payment should be made after having received the invoice by means of bank transfer.
• You will be kept updated during the process of Japan auto auction online through e-mail.

Calculation of freight charges for import of used Japanese car in Kenya:
FREIGHT = M3 of Vehicle x M3 Rate (in USD)
Japanese vehicle auctions are the basis for the purchase of all vehicle stock in Kenya.
Used Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda cars from Japan are some of the popular Japan used cars in Kenya.