How to Import Cars to Kenya
Kenya has Determined Perimeters for Import of Cars
People in Kenya like imported cars for their quality and advanced features. High end cars are generally produced in developed world so people in other countries have to import them. These attractive cars are high priced and import duties make them further expensive.
Demand of vehicles including cars have declined in Kenya since Pandemic but at same time steep increase in demand of some cars also reported. This is why mix signals are given to car importers. These vehicles are transported to Kenya on ships and takes several weeks to reach the only international seaport of Kenya. Specifically designed ships (roll on / roll off) carry vehicles. Not only cars but other wheeled cargo also carry by these ships. Vehicles are get on and off the ship by driving them so quite simple to take vehicles on board.
Cars are also transported to Kenya in containers. This will provide additional protection to cars and you receive vehicles in perfect condition. Kenya has determined perimeters for import of cars and every vehicle coming into the country must comply with the set regulations. The imported vehicles also go through standard inspection before going on roads.
These procedures are necessary to follow for every car coming into the country. Important condition for imported cars is that they must not be older than eight years. This leverage is enough for importers to offer economical cars to people in Kenya. Import of brand-new cars in a country never discouraged but old imported cars could cause damage to local car manufacturing. All aspects of car import are taken into account before allowing importers to provide cars to local buyers.
Kenya charged 25% import duty
Only right-hand driven cars are allowed to be imported in Kenya so cars with driver seat on left cannot be imported in the country. Different taxes are also levied by countries on imported items including vehicles to earn revenue. Kenya charged 25% import duty on cars thus every car coming on port of the country need to pay one fourth of its value.
Then comes excise duty, which varies on basis of engine power and type of fuel consume by the car and other facts. Another tax is also charged upon imported cars by Kenyan authorities, called Value Added Tax (VAT) at rate of 14%.
Import declaration fee and railway development levy is also charged from importer. In this way taxes almost equal to price of the car is paid before putting hands on wheel in Kenya. High rate of taxes does not stop importers from importing cars into Kenya. Eight years old cars have lost much of their value. Price depreciation factor affects different cars differently and you need to choose a car wisely. A low-priced car means low taxes need to be paid to Kenyan authorities. In fact, it depends on demand and affordability. If a car is in demand, then price does not matter a lot and other thing is buying power so you can import a brand-new car into Kenya.
Original commercial invoice is very important
Documentation is also important and without required documents you cannot get desired car in Kenya. Car importers make sure they can get permission from different departments so that their cars do not remained stuck on port. Original commercial invoice is very important because all duties and charges are levied on basis of price written on the invoice.
Logbook
Original logbook from country of import that proves cancellation of the car in that country. It is very important to provide this document as Kenyan National Transport and Safety authority provide you logbook only after having it. Original bill of lading is equally important as it has different essential details about cargo vehicle. Ship carrying your car issue bill of lading and provide number of copies. To receive cargo you have to show this bill of lading and check cargo according to details written on it. If there is any discrepancy, then receiver can claim from insurance company.
Fitness certificate
Fitness certificate of car, prior to shipping is also require from importer to receive the imported car. There is nothing special as far as documentation requirement for imported cars because all these also require for import of other goods. No impediment from any department to discourage car import into Kenya. Just make payment to authorities and drive your dream car on roads of Kenya. Buyers can choose a car from abroad by themselves or can have imported cars through car importers. All types of cars can be imported in Kenya but make sure the subject vehicle meets the set standards.
You know how to import car to Kenya
Importers only need to follow simple import procedure and fulfill least conditions to import car into Kenya. Individuals also can import cars for themselves without help of agents because it is not difficult at all. Importers buy cars from big auto markets and they also consider demand of buyers in their country. They want to earn good profit by offering them efficient cars. Low priced cars are always liked but their performance should be at par with standards. They choose cars from right hand drive car markets and import them into Kenya. After going through the process once, you can easily repeat it for import of second car. You know how to import car to Kenya so can get benefit of your experience.
Safety of car on way to Kenya is very important and for this make sure all possible measure have been taken. In order to keep price of imported car affordable make sure least expenses incurred upon transportation. Buying car at low price is also a factor in determining car price and profit margin. Used car in good condition are sold like hot cake so importers choose intelligently and provide excellent cars to buyers in Kenya. Imported car buyers prefer foreign cars for high quality and better performance. For this reason, importers only import cars in good condition otherwise they will not attract buyers. Some countries offer discount in price on cars qualify to VAT. This additional benefit increases profit on importers.