KEBS Issues New Guidelines for Validation of Used Vehicle Imports into Kenya
KEBS has issued new guidelines for the validation process of second-hand vehicle imports to enhance compliance with Kenya’s age limit for used cars.
In a notice dated July 8, 2025, KEBS reiterated that all used motor vehicles imported into the country must be no more than 8 years old from their Year of First Registration (YoR). This is based on the KS 1515:2000 – Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles which sets the guidelines for inspection of imported vehicles.
To address the increasing cases of fake documentation, KEBS now requires importers, traders and sellers of vehicles without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) to validate critical import documents — logbooks, export certificates and deregistration certificates — against reliable and authorized databases.
“Among the standards enforced by KEBS is KS 1515:2000… To ensure that all vehicles imported into Kenya without a Certificate of Roadworthiness meet this requirement at destination, importers must validate import documents,” the KEBS statement read.
In a new development, KEBS has appointed Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ) to validate import documents at the destination inspection stage. QISJ will specifically verify compliance with the 8 year age limit.
Importers will pay a validation fee of Ksh 12,000 per vehicle which will be paid at local QISJ offices. KEBS has assured stakeholders that the validation process will take 4 working days upon submission of all required documents.
“This will prevent cases of motor vehicles with forged or fraudulently acquired documents being imported,” KEBS noted.
KEBS said these guidelines are part of the overall efforts to uphold vehicle safety standards, protect consumers and curb illegal importation practices.
The new validation process will enhance regulatory oversight in the motor vehicle importation sector. Importers of used vehicles are advised to comply with the new requirements to avoid delays or rejection at ports of entry. Further updates or changes may be issued by KEBS in the coming weeks as implementation progresses.
KEBS Issues New Guidelines for Validation of Used Vehicle Imports into Kenya