How Our Kenya Import Duty Calculator Works
Our calculator uses official KRA CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) values and reverse-engineers the customs value by removing dealer markup (25%), age depreciation, import duty (35%), excise duty, and VAT (16%). This matches exactly how KRA assesses used car imports.
What's Included in the Calculation:
- Import Duty: 35% of customs value
- Excise Duty: Based on fuel type and engine capacity (10% for electric, 20-35% for petrol/diesel)
- VAT: 16% of customs value + import duty + excise duty
- IDF: 3.5% of customs value (Import Declaration Fee)
- RDL: 2% of customs value (Railway Development Levy)
- Port Charges: KES 123,800 (Port handling, clearing agent, other fees)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIF value?
+
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It's the total cost including vehicle purchase price, marine insurance, and shipping to Mombasa port. This value is used by KRA to calculate import duties.
What is CRSP?
+
CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) is KRA's database of new vehicle retail prices in Kenya. It includes all duties, taxes, and dealer markup. Our calculator reverses CRSP to find the Customs Value by removing markup (25%), depreciation, import duty (35%), excise duty, and VAT (16%).
Is it cheaper to import from Japan or buy a car in Kenya?
+
Importing from Japan is typically 15-30% cheaper than buying locally, especially for newer, high-value vehicles. However, you must factor in shipping, KRA taxes (35% import duty, excise duty, 16% VAT, IDF, RDL), and port clearing costs. Use our calculator above to compare.
What is the maximum age for importing a car to Kenya?
+
Kenya does not allow importation of cars that are beyond 8 years old from the year of first registration. In 2026, your vehicle must be from year 2018 or later. Vehicles over 8 years are not eligible for import.
What inspection is required before shipping?
+
Before shipping from Japan, the vehicle must undergo a JEVIC inspection (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) or QISJ inspection. This verifies odometer reading, overall condition, and compliance with KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) requirements. The certificate is required for clearance in Mombasa.
How long does shipping to Mombasa take?
+
Shipping from Japan to Mombasa typically takes 3-4 weeks, plus 1-2 weeks for customs clearance. Total time from purchase to delivery is approximately 4-6 weeks.
Do I need a clearing agent at the port?
+
Yes. KRA requires all importers to use a licensed clearing agent to process customs documentation. A clearing agent handles iTax submissions, duty payments, KEBS verification, and physical clearance. Their fee is approximately KES 20,000.
What documents do I need to clear the car?
+
Required documents:
• Bill of Lading (from shipping line)
• JEVIC Certificate of Conformity
• Japanese Export Certificate
• Commercial Invoice (from seller in Japan)
• Insurance Certificate
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) from KRA iTax system
• Clearing agent will help with all documentation