The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has notified importers of used and secondhand motor vehicles regarding new importation regulations. Picture of imported cars and a car dealer speaking to a customer used for illustration. The new regulations, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, aim to align imported vehicles with the country’s standards for quality and road safety. Regulations for importation of cars
According to the notice published on MyGov, KEBS said that the new regulations will enforce the eight-year age limit requirement stipulated in Clause 2.5 of the KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles. “Pursuant to the provision of KS 1515:2000-Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehir’s, and Legal Notice No.78 of 28th April 2020 –
The Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards of Imports Order, 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 1 January 2025,” KEBS notice read in part.
Additionally, KEBS clarified that vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier, arriving in Kenya after December 31, 2024, will not be considered compliant with the updated regulations. Such vehicles will be rejected at the importer’s expense.
Compliance and inspection Vehicles exported to Kenya must comply with KS 1515:2000 standards, including undergoing a thorough inspection in countries where KEBS has authorized inspection agencies, such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and South Africa.
These vehicles must also be accompanied by a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) issued by KEBS’s contracted inspection company, Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ). The notice further stated that Certificates of Roadworthiness for vehicles registered in 2017 or earlier would no longer be valid after December 31, 2024. Importers are urged to ensure compliance with these requirements to avoid rejection of their shipments at the port of entry.
by Elijah Ntongai