The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has warned that it will not allow the importation of some of the used vehicles or secondhand vehicles.
In a notice on December 5, KEBS stated that the move was informed by regulations that have been put in place to ensure safety and quality.
Further, the notice explained that the regulation, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, will prevent vehicles which were first registered in 2016 and earlier years from being imported.
KEBS noted that those vehicles will only be allowed clearance at the port when they arrive in the country be December 31, 2023.
Notably, if the vehicles arrive any date later than the one provided, the import will be rejected at the importer’s expense.
“The Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles whose year of first registration is 2016 will not be valid after December 31, 2023. All vehicles issued with such certificates must arrive at the Port of Destination / Entry by 31 December 31, 2023.
“Any vehicle registered in 2016 or earlier, arriving after 31 December 2023 will be deemed not compliant with KS 1515:2000 and shall be rejected at the importer’s expense,” the notice read in part.
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KEBS Details Used Vehicles that Will Be Allowed Entry
On the other hand, KEBS stated that importers could still purchase secondhand vehicles that will be cleared to get into the country.
According to the bureau, Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles that were first registered on January 1, 2017, will be cleared for importation.
KEBS stated that such vehicles adhere to the eight-year limit requirement for secondhand vehicles in accordance with the regulations.
“Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose Year of First Registration is from 1 January 2017 and later shall be allowed into the country effective 1 January 2024.
“We wish to notify all importers of used/second-hand motor vehicles including returning residents, diplomatic staff and the general public that on the eight (8) year age limit requirement,” added the statement.
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Order on Vehicles from UAE and South Africa
At the same time, for vehicles that are imported from Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa, they will be expected to have a certificate of roadworthiness.
Additionally, the notice indicated that this certificate is issued by KEBS as the bureau has agencies in those countries.
“Vehicles exported to Kenya shall be expected to comply with KS 1515:2000-Kenya Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles while vehicles from countries where KEBS has an inspection agency (i.e. Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa)
“Shall be accompanied with a Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) which is an inspection company contracted by KEBS,” explained the statement.
