Duty-Free Car Import in Kenya (2025): The Complete Guide for Returning Residents, Expats & Diplomats

Bringing your car home shouldn't feel like a maze. This guide explains who qualifies, the exact documents, step-by-step clearance, timelines & costs, and how PRO-1B exemptions work for diplomats in Kenya - so you know what to expect from port to driveway.

A. Who actually qualifies for duty-free?

1. Returning residents (Kenyans moving back)

A single (one) motor vehicle (excluding buses/minibuses) may be imported free of tax if the following basic conditions are met:

• You were resident outside Kenya for a minimum of 12 months and owned and used the vehicle abroad for 12+ months prior to shipping

• The car should not be older than 8 years at import.

• You have not been given this kind of exemption in the past

• Goods (including vehicle) to arrive in 3 months of your return (1 year possible if you bring in documentation).

Tax exemptions for returning residents: Import Duty, Excise Duty, VAT and IDF (Import Declaration Fee) - these exemptions are grounded on EACCMA/VAT/Excise/Misc. Fees & Levies Acts.

Note on Levies: While the KRA guidelines above say IDF is waived for returning residents, some levies can still apply in certain cases; always confirm at the time of import.

B. Diplomats / privileged persons (First Arrivals)

Eligible diplomats and some international staff are allowed to import vehicles and certain products duty-free on the basis of PRO-1B (for liquor/tobacco, PRO-1A). The certificate is issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (through your organisation's protocol office). Kenya Revenue Authority +2 Sirva Customs +2

2. What documents do you need?

   1. For all imports of cars (duty-free and not):

   2. Certificate of Conformity (CoC) of a KEBS-appointed inspector (pre-export / PVoC)

   3. Import Declaration Form (IDF) (if your case applies to this)

   4. Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin

   5. Logbook (and translation if not in English), KRA PIN

   6. Any permits for restricted goods (If relevant)

Plus, for returning residents:

• Proof of residence abroad (12+ months),

• Proof you owned & used the car 12+ months, and

• Proof of arrival timelines.

Plus, for Diplomats:

• PRO-1B duty exemption certificate

• Diplomation passport/ID, Work Permit (If applicable)

• CoC/Inspection report, Invoice, Bill of Lading

3. Step-by-Step: the duty-free import & clearance process

   1. Vehicle selection & verification

      Select a compliant vehicle (8 years and below, right-hand drive). Confirm VIN, year, and condition match KEBS requirements. Book pre-shipment inspection (CoC).

   2. Pre-Export Inspection (PVoC/CoC) In the clearance stage, KEBS uses the Certificate of Conformity. If you don't do pre-shipment inspection, you will do destination inspection, which is slow and costly.

   3. Entry preparation & IDF Your clearing agent files documents (including CoC) and, where applicable, the Import Declaration Form in the Kenya TradeNet system.

   4. Ship & track Typical sea transit: UK/EU 4-6 weeks, Japan 6-8 weeks, Gulf 3-5 weeks (this depends on several factors). On arrival, your agent (Premier Three Logistics) handles port processes. (Transit varies by route/vessel)

   5. Arriving at Mombasa & Custom clearance

      1. Returning residence: apply your statutory exemptions at KRA (duty, excise, VAT IDF waived).

      2. Diplomats: present PRO-1B for duty-free release.

   6. Port discharge, delivery and registration At the end of the day, the car is delivered to your pickup point and placed in line for inspection/registration, if necessary.

4. What will I pay? It depends on your category. Returning residents

   1. Duties & Taxes waived: Import Duty, Ecise Duty, VAT and IDF, as per KRA guidance for returning residents.

   2. You may still encounter other charges (e.g., port fees, inspection, agency & logistics costs), and in practice, some levies may apply in certain instances; confirm case by case before shipping.

   Diplomat (PRO-1B)

   1. Duties & Taxes waived upon presentation of PRO-1B; your protocol office coordinates issuance with MFA/KRA.
      

General context: In Kenya, IDF and RDL are normally charged on imports (IDF commonly cited as 3.5% and RDL around ~2%), but statutory exemptions override the default where applicable; always validate your file with KRA before shipment.

5. Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

   1. Failure to conduct pre-shipment inspection (CoC) - causes expensive destination inspection and delays. Book PVoC before shipping.

   2. Car over 8 years: will not be allowed entry - check build year on logbook and auction sheet

   3. Missing proof of ownership/use (12+ months): application will not pass duty-free check; required documents are purchase invoice, history of registration and insurance

   4. Late arrival of goods: attempt to arrive within 3 months of your return (apply early if you will require an extension).

      
      

6. Quick FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on Duty Free

   1. What is a PRO-1B?

      1. A diplomatic certificate issued through the MFA, Kenya, which gives exemption from duties for eligible goods (including vehicles) imported by entitled personnel/organisations.

      2. Can a family bring more than one vehicle duty-free to Kenya? Duty-free is usually limited to one vehicle, so check your particular case with KRA.

      3. Is pre-shipment inspection mandatory? In the case of regulated commodities (used cars) under the PVoC program of the Government of Kenya, yes. The CoC is a prerequisite for clearance.

How Premier Three logistics helps (end-to-end)

• Eligibility assessment (returning residents vs. PRO-1B

• PVoC/CoC booking/document preparedness.

• Shipment, port clearance and tracking.

• Processing Exemptions (KRA/MFA liaison)

• Last delivery and registering guidance.

Considering duty-free importation?

👉 Book a free consultation. We will plot your path, we will make sure you are exempt from everything, and we will provide you with a definite plan, with no secrets, from the port to the driveway.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Import and duty-free laws in Kenya may change without notice. Please confirm details with KRA or an authorised clearing agent before making import decisions.