Complete Guide to Japanese Car Imports

There is no single landed-cost multiplier such as “2× FOB”. East African Community passenger cars often stack about 25% import duty plus excise and VAT (Kenya also adds IDF and railway levy, and often taxes CRSP rather than the invoice). The UK is closer to tariff plus 20% VAT after NOVA. New Zealand and Hong Kong do not use East Africa-style age excise. South Africa generally prohibits used passenger imports. Bangladesh tax can be several times CIF. Open the country regulation page and use that authority’s calculator or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

We accept bank transfer (TT), PayPal, and wire transfer. Full payment is required before shipment. We can also arrange payment plans for established customers.

Tanzania does not apply a hard 8-year ban. Age is counted from the year of manufacture, not first registration. Vehicles up to 8 years old are assessed at standard TRA rates; older cars can still be imported but attract extra excise. Confirm the current band on TRA’s Used Motor Vehicle Valuation System (UMVVS) before you buy. Only RHD passenger cars are practical for Tanzania roads.

Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year limit from first registration (KEBS KS 1515). For 2026 arrivals, first registration must be 2019 or later. Manufacture year versus first registration must be within one year. A QISJ Certificate of Roadworthiness and an Import Declaration Form (IDF) are required before the car ships. Non-compliant units are rejected at the importer’s cost.

RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is cheaper ($850-1,100) but vehicle must run and drive. Container shipping ($2,000-2,800) protects vehicle better and allows non-running vehicles. RORO is recommended for most imports unless vehicle cannot run or requires extra protection.