Japanese Import Cars to Kenya - Import Process, FAQs, and More
Import Japanese Cars! Japanese Import Cars! Import Cars from Japan to Kenya! Car imports from Japan to Kenya!
Whichever name you use, we can all agree that importing a vehicle from the other side of the world is risky.
It is even riskier if you do not understand the Japanese cars import process and the legalities in Kenya.
We will look at the import from Japan to Kenya to give you an idea of what you should do when importing your vehicle.
But who are we? We are BestCarsforSaleinKenya.co.ke, your trustworthy partner for importing vehicles from Japan, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world.
We facilitate the import process to ensure that you get your dream vehicle from Japan to your doorstep hassle-free.
The process can take up to 45 days to complete, which is the only downside to importing cars from Japan.
However, that does not compare to the benefits of car importation listed below.
Key Benefits of Importing Your cars with Bestcarsforsaleinkenya.co.ke
+ Up to 20% cheaper than buying from a yard.
+ Get a clear car with undoctored mileage.
+ Escape hassles of dealing with car brokers.
+ Get the absolute latest number plates.
+ Import any car you want, including the latest models
+ Genuine, low mileage car (as low as 5,000 kms).
+ Choose from a huge variety of cars for sale in Japan.
+ Easy to get a car that matches all your requirements.
+ Guarantee that the car is accident free
+ Pay in instalments clearing when the car arrives in Kenya.
+ We handle the importation process for you
+ We handle all KRA clearance for you.
+ Get a free, 3 month insurance cover.
Contact Us and Save Over 20%
– Importing Your Car is Over 20% Cheaper Compared
to Buying from a Yard
0728-308-043
0728-308-043
Japanese Used Cars for Sale in Kenya by Owners
Japanese Import Cars to Kenya: Our Simplified Import Process
The process involves six steps, from agreeing on car specifications to clearing and registration.
And our importation process adheres to the government’s rules and regulations which are:
- The vehicle is not more than eight years old as required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards KS1515:2000.
- The car must be a Right-hand drive. Left-hand drive cars are prohibited unless under exceptional circumstances.
- The vehicle must pass safety and mechanical inspection.
We can import any model of your choice from Japan and other overseas markets subject to the above rules.
Here is a step-by-step process of importing vehicles from Japan for our diverse range of clients.
Step 1 - Agreeing on Vehicle Specifications
The first thing that we would want you to do is to furnish us with your vehicle specifications and budget.
The car specs should include but are not limited to; car make, model, mileage, color, engine capacity, drive type, among others.
Step 2 - Confirm the Car and Condition
We will look for a vehicle that matches those needs once we fully understand your car specifications and budget.
Our team informs you and sends pictures for your satisfaction when we find a car that matches your specs.
We will then have its condition inspected by our team in Japan.
If we find the car in good condition, we share the breakdown of the total cost that comprises CIF, import duty, shipping fees, port charges, clearing fees, and agency fees.
Step 3 - Car Purchase & Signing of Sale Agreement
We require you to sign a commitment agreement and deposit 30% of the car’s total value for us to purchase the motor vehicle.
We allow different modes of payment, but we always advise our clients to pay directly to our bank accounts.
The agreement spells out many things, including the payment terms, as follow:
a. First Deposit – 30% of the Car’s Total Value
The deposit covers three components of total cost; the car purchase cost, Japan transportation cost to the port and the KEBS inspection cost.
Note: The price is payable during this “Step 3”.
b. Second Deposit – 20% of the Car’s Total Value
The second deposit (20% of the car’s total value) helps cover the car’s shipping cost and marine insurance.
We will provide you with the shipping schedule detailing the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), Estimated Time OF Arrival (ETA), and Voyage number/Ship name within 14 days after purchasing your car.
It then takes 3-14 days to receive the shipment documents that we will use to clear your vehicle at the port of Mombasa.
Note: The price is payable during “Step 4” below.
c. Third Deposit – 50% of the Car’s Total Value
The third and last payment is made upon the ship’s arrival at the Mombasa port. It comprises 50% of the total cost of the vehicle.
This cost covers Duty Payable, Port Charges, MSS Levy, Radiation, Clearance fee, Car Carrier, and number plate registration.
You are at liberty to accompany us to Mombasa for the car clearance, or you can wait for the car to be delivered to your doorstep.
Note: The price is payable during “Step 6” below.
Step 4 - Inspection & Shipping Preparation
Your car is subjected to a mandatory KEBS inspection after purchasing it, which is just a formality considering our team has already inspected it.
Your car is tested on roadworthiness, safety and other requirements.
We then start deregistering your car and getting it ready for shipment.
Step 5 - Shipping & Arrival in Mombasa
The next step is to ship your vehicle out once the deregistration and documentation are done.
Shipping takes an average of 30 days.
We can use two modes of shipment: container and RORO services. The mode we use depends on your willingness and ability to pay.
Containers are more expensive but guarantee your car’s safety. You are guaranteed that the vehicle will arrive at the port in good condition.
On the other hand, RORO services are cheap but expose the vehicle to harsh weather conditions as the cars are transported on an open vessel that looks like a floating car park.
Now your car is at the port of Mombasa – We commence the process of clearing and registering it.
Step 6 - Clearance, Registration, & Delivering
The next step involves offloading your car and taking it to a container freight station, where it remains until fully cleared.
Our clearing process is handled by a KRA-approved agent authorized and given access to the portal to clear motor vehicles.
Some of the documents we use when clearing your car are:
- Original commercial invoice
- Original (canceled) logbook from the country of origin to facilitate the issuance of a new logbook
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate
- Original bill of lading
- Copy of PIN certificate
Our agent generates an entry sheet from the KRA portal that shows all taxes payable once we provide all the documents
These taxes include
- .Import declaration fee
- Import duty fee
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Railway Development Levy
- Excise Duty
At this point, we will require you to create an NTSA account.
It is a simple process that takes a few minutes, and our team is always ready to guide you through the process.
We will then log into your account through our clearing agent and apply for registration.
Your car details and the new number plate will reflect on your NTSA account upon successful registration.
We then collect your number plate and fix it in your car. Now we can deliver your vehicle to your doorstep or our offices in Ruiru.
Importation Process: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we receive from customers who want to import cars from Japan.
1. How Much Does it Cost to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya?
Understanding each component of the total cost is essential in evaluating whether car importation is economical or not.
Our importation price is divided into three parts:
- Purchase Cost – This carries 30% of the total car cost. It covers the buying cost from the previous owner, Japan transportation cost, and the QISJ inspection cost.
- Shipping Cost – The cost carries 20% of the total car cost. It covers the shipment cost from Japan to Kenya and marine insurance.
- Clearance Cost – The cost makes up 50% of the total cost. It covers Duty Payable, Port Charges, MSS Levy, Radiation, Clearance fee, Car Carrier, and number plate registration.
2. What Are the Applicable Duties During a Car Importation Process?
Below are the applicable taxes on the imported vehicle
- Import Duty (25%)
- Excise Duty (varies)
- Value Added Tax (14%)
- Import Declaration fees (2%)
- Railway Development Levy (1.5%)
The Kenya Revenue Authority provides a way of computing the duties for used cars for sale in Kenya.
Alternatively, you can use the Kra car import duty calculator. New cars attract more duty than older ones.
3.What Does Current Retail Selling Price Mean?
CRSP is the retail price for a brand new vehicle of the same make and model set by KRA and the Kenya Motor Industry Association.
4.How Long Does it Take to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya?
Buying a vehicle from Japan is an excellent idea, but you should be aware it is not a one-day event.
Importation takes time and can take a maximum of 45 days.
5.Why are Japanese Import Cars So Cheap?
Motor Vehicle production is one of the most significant components of the Japanese economy, allowing economies of scale, making the cost of production cheap hence the low prices.
Secondly, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) variants of cars are limited in features, thus lowering the cost of production, which reduces the price.
Third, the cost of owning a used car in Japan for so long is too high, thereby compelling the owners to sell them at low prices.
6.Is It Hard to Import a Car From Japan?
Importing a car from Japan is not a walk in the park. It involves a tedious process that requires guidance, especially for first-timers.
At BestCarsforSaleKenya.co.ke, we make the process look simple for you.
We handle everything on car importation, from identification to registration and delivery to your doorstep.
7.Is Importing a Car From Japan Cheaper Than Buying From a Yard?
Yes, it is. Importing your car from Japan could end up saving you up to 20% of the cost than buying from the local showrooms and yards.
Local prices are usually higher because they incorporate dealer mark-up, showroom expenses such as lighting, security, cleaning and so forth.
However, the main benefit of importing your car is getting a vehicle with genuine mileage.
8.Can You Finance an Imported Car?
Most of the financial institutions in Kenya will require you to produce a logbook before they can finance your car.
That means it is difficult to get an institution that finances car importation.
With that said, we have partnered with different institutions to finance our customers and help them import their cars.
That provides you with the money to import your dream vehicle, but it is registered under their name until you repay the whole amount plus interest.
9.How Old Should a Car Be to Import to Kenya?
Kenya’s age limit for imported vehicles is currently set at 8 Years.
A vehicle that is more than 8-years is destroyed at the port of Mombasa – it is not cleared.
10.What Are the Best Japanese Car Brands?
11.What's the Cheapest Car in Japan?
Japanese automobile industries enjoy economies of scale due to mass production, thus offering the most affordable vehicles.
Some of the most affordable cars in Japan include but are not limited to Nissan Note, Toyota Vios, Mazda 2 Hatchback, and Honda Jazz.