Regulatory Information for Import Cars from Japan to Kenya

by Kyoko Nitori Car Enthusiast Before buying import cars from Japan for use in Kenya, you should first be aware of the important regulations for vehicle importation. By taking note of these rules and restrictions, you can avoid the unfortunate circumstance of paying for something you cannot get into the country. Select the vehicles that fall within the set criteria, have them inspected, and you’re good to go.

Choose Japan used cars for sale that are below eight years old from the date of First Registration. Note that there interval between the registration date and the date of manufacture should not exceed one year. Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted into Kenya, so be sure to select that option when you’re browsing the stock list. The odometer should also be kept untouched—a tampered odometer disqualifies a vehicle for import. Make sure that the odometer reading is consistent with the mileage as documented in the vehicle’s papers. Most importantly, all of the used cars in Japan that have been sold to Kenyans are required to pass a Road Worthiness Inspection before being shipped to Africa.

This inspection is similar to what the Japanese are doing to make sure that all vehicles are fit to be driven on Japan’s roads, called the Shaken. A car’s mechanical components and safety features are thoroughly tested to ensure vehicle soundness, safety, and quality. The Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center, or JEVIC, is the chosen inspection center that conducts the pre-shipment checks on import cars from Japan going into Kenya. The appointing body is the Kenya Bureau of Standards, which is also serves as the “quality control” and regulatory arm for vehicles being imported into the Republic of Kenya.

A vehicle that has passed the JEVIC inspection is given a certificate that attests to its safety, quality, and compliance to environmental regulations. It is the vehicle’s license to be driven in Kenya and is an important document—without it, your vehicle may not be brought into the country. The inspection also makes sure that all of the vehicle’s parts and components operate properly and function as manufactured. During inspection, the engine will be washed to reveal the VIN and engine number so these can be easily identified and verified with the vehicle’s detailed information in its Original Document. JEVIC will also check for any discrepancies between the Export Certificate and the actual odometer reading. Kenya also allows import cars from Japan that are not contaminated with radiation, following the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima plant in March 2011.

The JEVIC team will conduct three inspection phases on a vehicle. The first is visual inspection, in which the physical aspects of the car will be thoroughly checked, such as the general appearance, interiors, doors, suspension, tyres, exhaust system, instrumentation, lighting, engine bay, reflectors, wipers, glazing, and the mirrors. These parts and their components must be free from excessive damage and must function properly. JEVIC will also use some testing equipment to check the speed and exhaust of the import cars from Japan, and they will also do operational testing to determine any irregularities in terms of driving. When your car arrives in Kenya, you can be sure that it is in its best condition, ready to cruise around the country.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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