Import FAQs
Everything you need to know about importing Japanese vehicles
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General
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There is no single 8–12 week figure for every market. Hong Kong and New Zealand are often faster on the water than East Africa. Permit markets (South Africa, Namibia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia) can add weeks before the car is allowed to ship. Open the country regulation page for that destination’s shipping note.
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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.
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We accept bank transfer (TT), PayPal, and wire transfer. Full payment is required before shipment. We can also arrange payment plans for established customers.
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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.
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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.
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RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is usually cheaper and faster: the vehicle must be running and driveable. Container shipping costs more, protects the unit better, and can take non-running cars. Freight is quoted per unit and route — there is no single $850–$1,100 Africa RoRo rate that applies to the UK, New Zealand, or Hong Kong. Ask for a quote for your destination port.
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Yes. The Import Declaration Form should be in place before shipment. Loading without an IDF is a common cause of Mombasa delay. QISJ Certificate of Roadworthiness is also required for Japan-origin used cars under KEBS PVoC.
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Often no. KRA may use CRSP (current retail selling price) as the customs value, not the auction hammer. Duty, excise, 16% VAT, 3.5% IDF and 2% railway levy then stack on that value. There is no reliable 2× FOB shortcut.
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No. Uganda’s general cap is 15 years from manufacture. Kenya uses a hard 8-year first-registration rule (KS 1515). Do not mix the two.
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No. The Traffic & Road Safety amendment that would have cut the cap from 15 to 13 years was withdrawn. Work from the 15-year framework still in force, and confirm URA/UNBS before you buy.
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No. There is no general Kenya-style 8-year ban. Older passenger cars can be imported; ZRA applies age-banded specific duty and carbon surtax. Confirm the current tariff book.
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Bangladesh Customs explains that age is calculated from the first day of the year after chassis manufacture, and the car must not be more than five years old at shipment under Import Policy Order Annexure 1. Confirm the IPO currently in force. NRB concessions are often shorter.
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Yes for typical Japan-origin used cars. Customs require a certificate stating age, model, and chassis from JAAI (Japan) or a recognised automobile association for other origins.
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No East-Africa-style age ban. You still need customs, NOVA within 14 days, vehicle approval (often IVA), and DVLA registration. Vehicles 10+ years can have an easier approval path, but HMRC notification still applies.
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Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. You must tell HMRC within 14 days of bringing a vehicle into the UK permanently. DVLA will not register until NOVA is processed. See GOV.UK importing vehicles into the UK.
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No maximum age. The gates are NZTA standards, MPI biosecurity, border inspection, entry certification, GST, and Clean Car Standard. See NZTA importing a vehicle.
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Transport Department states imported vehicles are not subject to Customs tax. You still declare to C&ED and pay First Registration Tax at TD first registration. See TD guidelines for importation and registration.
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No for typical used imports. Diploma 244/2011 requires Intertek pre-shipment inspection and a MOZ number before the vehicle is shipped. Arrival without it is a common rejection.
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Commercial used imports were allowed with an under-5-year cap until 30 June 2026, with extra 40% regulatory duty under FBR SRO 1898(I)/2025. Re-read FBR and Commerce SROs before purchase — this policy has been changing.
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No. QISJ is the KEBS PVoC inspector for used vehicles from Japan into Kenya. Mozambique uses Intertek MOZ. Uganda uses UNBS US 845 (agent can change). Zambia uses the current ZABS-appointed inspector. Check the country page.
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No. Full payment to KMC JAPAN is required before shipment. Destination customs charges are paid separately to the local authority or clearing agent.
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