How to Import a Used Car from Japan to Kenya (2026 Guide)

Updated October 2026. Japan is the number one source of used cars for Kenya. Japanese cars are right-hand drive, well maintained, and come with clear mileage records. This guide explains, step by step, how to import a used car or truck from Japan to Kenya, and which rules you must check before you pay.

1. Check the 8-year age rule first

Kenya only accepts used vehicles that are not older than 8 years, counted from the year of first registration (Kenya Standard KS 1515). In practice:

• For vehicles arriving at Mombasa in 2026, the car must be first registered in 2019 or later.
• A 2019 car must arrive in Mombasa by 31 December 2026. If it arrives later, it may be rejected at the importer’s cost.
• From 2027, the cut-off is expected to move to 2020. Always confirm with KEBS before buying.

The vehicle must also be right-hand drive. Almost every Japanese car already is.

2. Choose your car and get a clear quote

Tell us the model, year, budget and your port (Mombasa). We send photos, the auction or inspection details, the mileage and a CIF price (car + shipping + insurance). Ask for the chassis number so you can check the first registration date yourself.

3. Pre-shipment inspection in Japan (QISJ)

Every used vehicle for Kenya must pass a roadworthiness inspection in Japan by QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan), the agent contracted by KEBS. QISJ checks the chassis number, the dates and the condition, then issues the Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR). Without a CoR, the car cannot be cleared in Kenya. We book this inspection for you.

4. Documents you will receive

• Japanese Export Certificate (de-registration document)
• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading from the shipping line
• QISJ / KEBS Certificate of Roadworthiness

Check that the chassis number and dates are the same on every document.

5. Shipping to Mombasa

Cars are shipped by RoRo (roll-on roll-off) or in a container. Sea time from Japan to Mombasa is usually about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the vessel schedule. We send you the vessel name and tracking details.

6. Customs clearance and taxes (KRA)

Your clearing agent lodges the documents with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Duty is calculated by KRA using its CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) list, with a reduction for the vehicle’s age. Taxes include import duty, excise duty, VAT, the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL). Rates can change every budget year, so ask a licensed clearing agent for an estimate for your exact model before you buy.

7. Registration

After clearance, the car is registered with NTSA and you receive Kenyan number plates and a logbook.

What about older vehicles and trucks?

Vehicles older than the Kenya limit cannot be registered in Kenya. However, many buyers ship through Mombasa in transit to Uganda, South Sudan, the DRC and other countries with different rules. If you are buying for another market, tell us the final country and we will advise you.

Why buy from AUTOS VISION?

• Japanese exporter based in Ibaraki, Japan, with stock in Japan and the UAE
• Cars, trucks, vans and used spare parts, including tires
• Real photos and honest condition reports
• We arrange inspection, shipping and all export documents

Ready to import? Send us the model and your budget on WhatsApp and we will reply with the best price.