How to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya with Us
Given the high cost of purchasing a brand-new, zero mileage car, most Kenyans opt to import used Japanese cars. Is this your first time importing a car from Japan to Kenya? Here is a conclusive Japan car import guide with answers to all the questions that you could be having.
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Easy Guide to Importing a Car from Japan to Kenya
Japan is the source of most vehicles imported to Kenya. If you decide to do it yourself well and good. Ensure you are familiar with the rules and regulations for importation and the importation process.
If you want to engage a dealer, Bestcarsforsaleinkenya.co.ke is a sure bet!
Benefits of importing your car with Best Cars for Sale in Kenya Ltd
Proven track record – We are a reputable and trusted importer of cars from Japan to Kenya. So, if you are looking to import your car from Japan we got you. We have been in operation for a decade now.
End-to-end process – We handle the entire importation process on your behalf from sourcing the vehicle in Japan auction, shipping, clearing in Mombasa, and delivering to your preferred location.
Genuine vehicle condition rating – We recommend the importation of vehicles with good condition ratings and we share the auction sheet with you. An auction sheet is a document filed by a vehicle inspector as they inspect a car in a Japanese auction. The document objectively describes in detail the condition of the car, its options, accessories, odometer reading, and any defects.
Pocket-friendly prices – We source our vehicles by participating directly in Japanese car auctions which guarantees you low prices as compared to sourcing the same vehicles via Japanese car dealers or websites. This low price enables you to resell your vehicle after several years without making a loss.
- You buy directly from Auction and you get a clean car with genuine mileage.
- The process takes just 28-55 days and you become the first owner in Kenya
- You save 10-20% compared to sourcing locally – Local cars are more expensive as they attract extra showroom expenses such as lighting, security, cleaning, etc. They are also loaded with dealer markup.
- We assure you of a smooth buying process and also guarantee you the latest plate/registration number
- We import all types of cars from luxury SUVs, Lorries, Zero-mileage cars, Pick-ups, and all other units.
- Here we’ve simplified the whole importation process for you for better understanding. Keep it here to get every bit of the process.
Stages of Car Importation
Next, we share a step by step guide on how to import cars from Japan to kenya.
Determining the vehicle specifications – This is the first step in the car importation process. At this initial stage, you are expected to furnish your dealer with your car specifications to ease the search process. The specs should include but are not limited to; the make, model, desired mileage, color, engine capacity, and drive type among other factors.
Vehicle Identification – This is the second stage where your dealer gets into the search mission. You are presented with several options that match your specifications for you to make a choice. Once you make a choice, the car is inspected to ensure it is in good condition. If the car is found fit for import, you receive a breakdown of the total cost that comprises CIF, import duty, shipping fees, port charges, clearing fees, and agency fees.
Vehicle purchase – Once you’re furnished with the breakdown of the total cost, the next step is to make the payment.
Inspection and shipment preparation – After the purchase, the car is subjected to a mandatory KEBS inspection. It is tested on roadworthiness, safety, and other requirements. It is then deregistered as it awaits shipment.
Shipment and arrival in Mombasa – Once the deregistration is done, your vehicle is ready for shipment. On average, the vehicle may take 28 days to arrive at Mombasa Port. You can either choose to transport your vehicle by container where vehicles are loaded into a container and then shipped to Mombasa or use RoRo services where vehicles are transported using an open vessel.
Clearance, Registration & Delivery – At this stage, the vehicle is already in Mombasa. It is offloaded from the ship and taken to a container freight station awaiting custom clearance. Once cleared and registered, the vehicle is ready for delivery to the owner
FAQ about Cars importation from Japan to Kenya
Here are some of the questions you should seek answers to before you proceed to import your car from Japan
How can I buy a car from Japan?
Buying and importing a vehicle from Japan is easy with Bestcarsforsaleinkenya.co.ke. If you’re new to importing a vehicle from Japan, rest assured that we will assist you with the purchase, shipping, and delivery processes.
Why choose a car from Japan?
Besides affordability, Japanese cars are available in good condition. Further, as the world’s leading motor vehicle exporters, there is no shortage of vehicles. You get a wide range of car models, making it easier for you to find one that perfectly suits your needs.
What are the Levies charged by the Kenya Revenue Authority when importing a vehicle from Japan to Kenya?
- Import Duty (25%)
- Excise Duty (varies)
- Value Added Tax (16%)
- Import Declaration Fees (2%)
- Railway Development Levy (1.5%)
What are the Rules and Regulations for importing Japanese cars to Kenya?
Only Right-hand drive vehicles are allowed; Left-hand vehicles are not allowed into the country. However, there is an exemption to this rule for ambulances, fire engines, and large construction vehicles.
All cars from Japan to Kenya must undergo roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the country of export.
What is the age restriction for used cars imported from Japan to Kenya?
The imported cars from Japan must not be more than 8 years old from the date of manufacture
What are the documents required to clear your vehicle once it arrives at Mombasa port?
- Original bill of lading
- Inspection certificate by QISJ/JEMVIC from Japan
- Original logbook from the country of importation that has been canceled from the country of origin
- Import duty receipts and import declaration form
- Copy of PIN Certificate
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate
- Insurance cover
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Kenya?
The question of how long it takes to get your car to Mombasa port is dependent on several factors such as; mode of transport, location of the move, and car hauling season among others.
However, it is estimated that on average it may take 28 to 45 days to get your vehicle to the port of Mombasa.
Is it worth importing a car from Japan?
Yes, it is! Japanese cars are offered in good condition and being the leading car importer they have a wide variety of models to choose from and you can be sure to get one perfectly fit your needs
Which vehicle is most imported in Kenya
Toyota cars remain the most imported cars in Kenya, enjoying a market share of 57.3%. Nissan cars follow closely and then others such as; Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and Mitsubishi.
Is importing a car cheaper in Kenya?
Yes, it is, importing a car from Japan to Kenya is cheaper than buying one locally. This is because local cars attract showroom expenses such as lighting, cleaning security among other expenses
Also, local prices are affected by dealer markup which is loaded on top of car price
What does the current retail selling price mean?
Current retail selling price (CRSP) refers to the retail price for a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model set by KRA and the Kenya Motor Industry Association.
Do imported cars have resale value?
Yes, imported cars have a respectable resale value. This is because they are imported in good condition
What are the best-selling cheap Japanese cars?
Toyota currently makes the best-selling Japanese car because of its reputation for durability and affordable prices. Also, the car maker is known to have resale value making it popular among many Kenyans.
Tips on how to import a car from Japan to Kenya.
- Find a reputable, trustworthy, and experienced car dealer to handle the entire import process for you.
- Choose your vehicle according to your budget
- Make payment in good time
- Be in touch with your import agent
Final Thought
If you are looking to import your dream car today, consider importing one from Japan. As we’ve seen, Japan is the leading car importer in the world and therefore you can be sure to find your dream car from their vast stock of cars on auction.
Also, they have a track record of selling cars in perfect condition and you can be sure the car will serve you for some years and still sell it at a respectable price.
Japanese used cars for sale in Kenya are indeed some of the most affordable cars you can import today. Moreover, they are reliable, durable, classic, and simple in design