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New Regulations for Importing Used Vehicles in Kenya
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at streamlining the importation of second-hand vehicles into the country. These rules are designed to ensure that only vehicles meeting specific quality and documentation standards are allowed into Kenya, thereby improving road safety and reducing the risk of fraudulent activities.
Required Documentation for Car Importers
Importers of used cars arriving in Kenya without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) must now submit several key documents for verification. These include logbooks, export certificates, or deregistration certificates. These documents need to be presented to the Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) offices located in Nairobi and Mombasa for validation before the vehicle can proceed to the destination inspection stage.
According to KEBS, it is essential for importers, traders, and sellers to verify these documents against a reliable and approved database. This step ensures that all vehicles imported without a CoR meet the necessary requirements upon arrival in Kenya. By doing so, the likelihood of importing vehicles with fake or fraudulently obtained paperwork is significantly reduced.
Importance of Document Validation
The process of document validation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the vehicle importation system. Only after the documents have been correctly validated will the vehicles be allowed to move on to the inspection phase. KEBS emphasizes that this step guarantees that the age and origin standards of the vehicles are met, as outlined in the KS 1515:2000 specifications.
These standards stipulate that all used cars entering Kenya must not be older than eight years from the year of their first registration. This regulation helps ensure that only relatively newer vehicles are allowed into the market, which contributes to safer roads and better vehicle performance.
Financial Implications for Importers
In addition to the documentation requirements, there is also a financial aspect to consider. The validation fee per vehicle is set at KSh 12,000. This fee applies to all used motor vehicles that have validated import documents and are subjected to destination inspection by KEBS. The regulation came into effect on Monday, July 14, and importers are advised to comply with the new requirements to avoid delays or rejections at Kenyan ports.
Importers who wish to bring in used cars without a CoR must provide copies of the logbook, de-registration certificate, or export certificate from the country where the vehicle was last registered. These documents must be submitted to one of the QISJ offices in Nairobi or Mombasa.
Restrictions on Older Vehicles
KEBS has also imposed restrictions on the importation of certain types of vehicles. Specifically, the agency has prohibited the importation of all left-hand drive (LHD) cars and motor vehicles that are older than eight years from the date of their first registration. However, exceptions are made for special-purpose LHD vehicles that meet stringent conditions.
For these exceptions, importers must provide documentation of customization, a current service history, and proof that the vehicle is under 20 years old from the date of manufacture. To prevent any delays or rejections at Kenyan ports, the agency advises importers to obtain the necessary waivers before importing such vehicles.
Conclusion
The new regulations by KEBS represent a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of used vehicles entering Kenya. By enforcing strict documentation and validation procedures, the agency aims to reduce the number of vehicles with altered or fabricated paperwork. These measures not only protect consumers but also contribute to a more transparent and regulated vehicle importation process. Importers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure smooth and compliant operations.
