Importing a car from Japan to Kenya can be a complex process, but it can also be a great way to get a good deal on a used car. Japanese cars are known for their reliability and quality, and they can be found at much lower prices than in Kenya. However, there are a few things you need to know before you start importing a car from Japan.
In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of importing a car from Japan to Kenya. We will cover everything from choosing a car to registering it with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). We will also discuss the cost of importing a car from Japan, so you can budget accordingly.
By the end of this article, you will have a good understanding of the process of importing a car from Japan to Kenya. You will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to import a car, and you will know what to expect along the way.
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Guide on how to import a car from Japan to Kenya
1. Choose a car
The first step is to choose the car you want to import. You can do this by browsing online Japanese car auction websites or by working with a car dealer or importer in Kenya. When choosing a car, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- The age of the car. The Kenyan government only allows the importation of cars that are less than 8 years old (based on the registration year).
- The right-hand drive requirement. All cars imported into Kenya must be on the right-hand drive.
- The import duty and taxes. The import duty and taxes for cars imported into Kenya vary depending on the make, model, and year of the car.
2. Get the necessary documents
Once you have chosen a car, you will need to get the necessary documents to import it into Kenya. These documents include:
- A proforma invoice from the exporter.
- A roadworthiness inspection certificate from QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan).
- A shipping certificate.
- A customs declaration form.
- A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate.
3. Ship the car
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can ship the car to Kenya. The shipping process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the shipping method and destination.
4. Clear the car at customs
When the car arrives in Kenya, it will need to be cleared at customs. This process can take a few days, and you will need to work with a licensed clearing agent to handle the paperwork.
The clearing agent will require a copy of the proforma invoice, shipping certificate, customs declaration form, and KRA PIN certificate.
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5. Register the car
Once the car has been cleared at customs, you will need to register it with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The registration process can take a few weeks, and you will need to provide the following documents:
- The original bill of lading.
- The original customs clearance certificate.
- The original registration certificate from Japan.
- A copy of your KRA PIN certificate.
- A copy of your national ID card.
Cost of importing a car from Japan to Kenya
The cost of importing a car from Japan to Kenya varies depending on the make, model, year, and condition of the car. However, you can expect to pay the following:
- Import duty: 25% of the CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) of the car.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 16% of the CIF value of the car.
- Clearing and forwarding charges: $500 – $1,000.
- Registration fees: $200 – $300.
In addition to these costs, you will also need to factor in the cost of shipping the car to Kenya. The shipping cost will vary depending on the port of shipment, the port of destination, and the shipping method.
Total cost
The total cost of importing a car from Japan to Kenya can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the make, model, year, and condition of the car. However, you can find good deals on used cars in Japan, so it is possible to import a car for less than $5,000.
Importing a car from Japan to Kenya can be a complex process, but it is possible to do it yourself if you are willing to do some research and paperwork. However, if you are not comfortable with the process, you can hire a car importer or clearing agent to handle it on your behalf.
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