Relocating to a new country for diplomats and expatriates is a strange mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially when you are unfamiliar with the process of buying a car to make your daily movements easier and enjoyable.

Kenya, in its wisdom, offers tax exemptions for diplomats and expatriates as a gesture of reciprocity in accordance with international diplomatic agreements, thus ensuring they perform their duties without any administrative barriers.

The process of shipping a duty-free vehicle might appear undemanding on paper, but there is a maze of complex regulations and tax compliance. Topcar Kenya has built a reputable history by improving this unnerving process into a seamless and stress-free experience.

This article outlines eligibility, required documents, and a step-by-step guide for importing a duty-free vehicle.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A DUTY-FREE IMPORT VEHICLE IN KENYA?

  1. Foreign embassies or consulates: German embassy, Chinese embassy, United States of America embassy, Nigerian embassy, and many others.
  2. United Nations (UN) bodies: UNEP, UNHCR, WHO, UNDP, IFC & FAO.
  3. African Union (AU) officials: AU representatives and commissions in Kenya
  4. Non-Governmental organizations: AGRA, ICRC, etc
  5. Development partners & contractors: persons working on donor-funded programs.
  6. Expatriates with a special work permit

STEP-BY-STEP IMPORT PROCESS OF A DUTY-FREE VEHICLE

SELECT A VEHICLE

Our experienced team will guide you in choosing a vehicle that matches your preferences and specifications. You will be advised on which model fits a particular terrain, is best for comfort, it’s excellent when it comes to performance, and of course, the luxurious amenities featured.

READ ALSO: Step-by-step guide for duty-free vehicle import for persons living with disability.

SUVs and 4WDs: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus LX 700h, Nissan Patrol, and Volvo XC90.

Luxury Sedans: Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Volvo S90.

Luxury Minivans: Lexus LM, Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, and Hyundai Staria.

Compact SUVs: Subaru Forester, Haval H6, Cherry Tiggo 7 Pro, and Jaecoo J7.

You can visit DEALER.CO.KE for more exclusive models.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE & REGISTRATION

  • Original PRO 1B tax exemption documents, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate
  • A valid work permit
  • Diplomatic identification. {We will require this when clearing & registering the vehicle at the port in Mombasa or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)}
  • Tax exemption approval (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Commercial invoice (we will provide this document)
  • Pre-export inspection certificate {KEBS & QISJ) {We will provide the certificate}
  • Bill of Lading (We will provide this document)

CLEARANCE & REGISTRATION

We will liaise with the organization or embassy, which shall advise on the specific registration number allocated to the privileged importer or staff.

TO NOTE

Since the original diplomatic passports are required when clearing the vehicle, one should make sure he or she is in the country (Kenya) when the car arrives and also when clearing commences. It only takes 2-3 working days.

DELIVERY

After clearance, your vehicle will be transported securely to your residence, office, or preferred pick-up point.

FULL PROCESS TAKES A DURATION OF:

6-7 weeks if the car is coming from Japan, Australia, or the United Kingdom (UK).

24 hours if the car is coming from South Africa

24 hours if the car is coming from Dubai.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTION

How many vehicles can a diplomat or expatriate import to Kenya?

You can get a waiver of up to 2 vehicles, i.e, one for yourself & another one for your spouse.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TOPCAR KENYA WHEN IMPORTING A DUTY-FREE VEHICLE

  • Our extensive experience and proven expertise with duty-free vehicles make us a trusted and dependable partner
  • Unmatched regulatory experience when it comes to diplomatic protocol and customs law.
  • We operate with utmost professionalism, and our services are transparent with no hidden fees.
  • We source quality vehicles that meet the diplomat’s personal preferences.
  • End-to-end support from sourcing of the vehicle, inspection, shipping, paperwork, port handling, clearance, and delivery to your preferred pick-up point.

If you are considering importing a duty-free vehicle, please get in touch with us via our email info@topcar.co.ke, or fill in your contact details in this form https://topcar.co.ke/import-your-car/ and we will reach out to you.

We have developed a network of trusted dealers in Japan, South Africa, the UK, Australia, and Dubai who supply us with exceptionally high-quality vehicles.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

If you are considering importing a duty-free vehicle, please get in touch with us through our contacts: info@topcar.co.ke, call 0722469360 or chat with us directly on WhatsApp below and we will guide you through the process.