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How to import a used car from Japan to Kenya: Part 2 – Clearing your car from Mombasa port

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January 15, 2023

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Importing Process

In this second part of the two-part series on how to import used Japanese cars from Japan to Kenya, we will delve deep into the clearing process of your car from the port in Mombasa. In this stage of the importation process, the exporter is not involved anymore. Let’s start with the factors that directly affect importationof a used car to Kenya:

Age limit – only cars that are less than eight years (based on registration year) can be imported into Kenya Driver side – Kenya does NOT ALLOW any left-hand drive vehicle for importation and registration. Only special vehicles like ambulances or government use vehicles are exempted. Road worthiness – all used vehicles imported into Kenya must first pass the road worthiness inspection (covered in part one of this series)

The cars or vehicles imported Kenya is one clear example why exporters’ stocks are grouped by country. Each country has specific regulations that affect what is allowed and not allowed into the country. Used cars imported into Kenya are classified into either vehicles for private use or vehicles for commercial use. For all intents and purposes, the step by step guide detailed in this topic is for motor vehicles for private use. Most steps can only be processed by a clearing agent. *NOTE: Details and links are provided by Infotrade Kenya

Pre-clearance documentation

Steps	Parties Involved	Required Documents	Process	Result
Contract a clearing agent	you		Even before your car arrives in Mombasa, start sourcing for a licensed clearing/forwarding agent who will assist you with the entire process. In your bill of lading, assign this agent as the notify party.
Notification of cargo arrival	Shipping company		⁠The shipping company/agent will notify you in advance of the arrival of your car. Or you can proactively check the Kenyan Ports Authority’s (KPA) 14-day list.
Submit the bill of lading	Shipping company \| clearing agent	Original B/L		⁠Commercial invoice
Pay shipping charges	you	⁠Commercial invoice	Pay the shipping charges indicated in the invoice. Keep the receipt on hand.	Bank deposit slip/bank receipt
Obtain delivery order	Shipping company \| clearing agent	Commercial invoice	The clearing agent will request for the delivery order from the shipping company. The shipping line will submit the delivery order to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) through the Manifest Management System (MMS).	Bank deposit slip/bank receipt

Notes: *1. CSRP (current retail selling price) – many factors affect the CSRP, for example car brand, car model, manufacturing date and engine capacity. 2. Steps 8 and 10 are for vehicles brought in by container. 3. There are two size available: 20 feet and 40 feet. 4. Clearing and forwarding agents’ fee is not included in above list of fees. Clearing agents are helpful in tracking the shipment process. 5. Minor repairs can be done at the port. 2. all fees mentioned in this article are current as of publishing, however the Kenyan offices involved in the entire process update their charges without prior notice which makes it impossible to include exact numbers. *

To recap the entire process, here’s an infograph on what it takes to clear your car from Mombasa port:

And there you are, the manual on how to import used Japanese cars thoroughly detailed for you. Hopefully, this article will give you that much needed confidence as you decide whether you will buy a car directly from Japan or not. Getting in touch with the right car exporter like AA Japan can make a difference in how far along you will grow in the buy and sell of used Japanese cars.