KEBS ANNOUNCES NEW RULES FOR IMPORTING USED CARS INTO KENYA

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has unveiled new regulations aimed at tightening the importation of second-hand vehicles into the country, a move expected to significantly affect importers and used car buyers.
Under the revised guidelines, only right-hand drive vehicles first registered on or after January 1, 2018, will be eligible for importation into Kenya starting next year.
Additionally, all used cars must now be accompanied by an Interpol clearance certificate, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) issued by KEBS-appointed inspection agency QISJ, and the vehicle’s original logbook or official deregistration documents.
“Vehicles arriving without these mandatory documents will undergo a destination inspection and attract a penalty of 5 percent of the customs value,” KEBS warned in a notice to importers.
The agency says the new rules aim to curb the rising cases of stolen, cloned, and substandard vehicles entering Kenya’s market while also promoting road safety and environmental sustainability.
Special provisions have been made for certain vehicle categories. Special-purpose vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and construction machinery over 8 years old may still be imported but only with special waivers and documentation proving their usage history. Left-hand drive vehicles will also require prior approval from KEBS.
For electric vehicles, new rules require that imported second-hand EVs must have at least 80% battery life and a battery Certificate of Conformity from QISJ.
The policy shift comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to reduce carbon emissions and modernize its vehicle fleet. However, it has also sparked concern among importers and car dealers, many of whom rely on older, more affordable vehicle models to meet consumer demand.
KEBS has urged all vehicle importers to comply with the new rules, warning that failure to do so will result in rejected shipments and potential financial losses.