The government has announced new motor vehicle importation rules that will take effect in January 2025.In a notice to importers on Tuesday, November 26, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced the specific type of used secondhand motor vehicles that will be allowed into the country.
The Bureau said only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles first registered on or after January 1, 2018, will be allowed for importation into Kenya.
“We wish to notify all importers of used/second-hand motor vehicles including returning residents, diplomatic staff and the general public that in observance of clause 2.5 of KS 1515.2000 on the eight (8) year age limit requirement, only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose Year of First Registration is from 1″ January 2018 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1ª January 2025,” KEBS said.
KEBS said the decision is in line with its mandate to offer among other services, quality inspection of imports based on Kenya Standards or approved specifications under the Standards Act, Cap. 496, Laws of Kenya.
Besides, the Bureau said the regulation is pursuant to the provision of KS 1515:2000-Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, and Legal Notice No.78 of 28th April 2020-The Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards of Imports Order.
Requirements for All Vehicles Exported to Kenya
KEBS clarified that vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515.2000- Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles.
Additionally, vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency like Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa shall be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR).
The CoR is issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS
Further, the Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2017 will not be valid after December 31, 2024.
KEBS explained that all vehicles issued with such certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination/Entry by 31 December 2024.
“Any vehicle registered in 2017 or earlier, arriving after December 31, 2024, will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected at the importer’s expense,” KEBS said.
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KEBS Pre-shipment Inspection
The Government of Kenya has made arrangements for pre-shipment inspection of products coming into the country.
KEBS emphasized that whereas the pre-shipment inspection of quality is done in accordance with the importer’s specifications, the inspection of quality by the Bureau is intended to ensure compliance with requirements of the relevant Kenya Standard(s) or other standards it has approved.
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Procedure For Inspection of The Quality of Goods
When goods arrive at the Port of Entry the importer should inform the Bureau staff on site who will:
1.Inspect the goods, the entry form and the packing list.
2.Take samples for testing.
3.Release the goods into the country, if found to be complying with relevant Kenya Standard(s).
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