Duty-Free vehicle import for Diplomats

The government of Kenya allows you to import a duty-free vehicle if you are a diplomat working in Kenya.

You will need to liaise with the protocol /liaison officer in your organization who will carry out the necessary checks to confirm that you are eligible for import duty exemption.

The protocol officer will also assist you in the process of getting the necessary approvals from the ministry of foreign affairs.

You will need to select a vehicle that meets the requirements for import to Kenya as stipulated by the government. Click here to view general rules and regulations for import of vehicles to Kenya.

 

Which documents will we require from you for vehicle Clearance in Mombasa port?

1.      Scanned copy of PRO 1B form that has been approved by the ministry of foreign affairs  - This is the application form for authority to import duty-free vehicle by entitled foreign personnel in Kenya. Click here to view a blank PRO 1B form.

The protocol / liaison officer in your organization will assist you in the application / submission of PRO 1B to the ministry of foreign affairs for approval.

2.     Copy of PIN Certificate from Kenya revenue authority (KRA). You can apply for the PIN certificate via KRA website.

3.     Your original diplomatic passport and diplomatic ID. We will only require this once the vehicle arrives in Mombasa and will return to you as soon as the vehicle has been cleared. Clearing process in Mombasa will take about 3 or 4 days.

Which documents will you require from us for processing of the import duty exemption?

Once vehicle has left Japan, we will furnish you with copies of below documents via email to facilitate your application for import duty exemption -

1.     Scanned copy of the bill of lading.

2.     Scanned copy of vehicle roadworthiness inspection certificate (QISJ Certificate).

3.     Vehicle sales invoice.

4.   Scanned copy of the export certificate.

How many duty-free vehicles can you import?

You can get a waiver for up to 2 vehicles i.e. one for yourself and another for your spouse. You will need to liaise with your protocol officer for further clarification on this.

Why should you import with East Africa Motors Ltd?

Below are the some of the advantages of importing your duty-free vehicle via East Africa Motors Ltd

ü  We handle import process end to end i.e. from sourcing of vehicle in Japan auctions, duty free clearance in Mombasa, transport of vehicle from Mombasa to Nairobi via car carrier and facilitation of registration process in Nairobi (I.e. acquiring of the red plates).

 

ü   Low prices – We source our vehicles by participating directly in Japanese car auctions hence you are assured of low prices as compared to sourcing of the same vehicles via Japanese car dealers / websites. With this good pricing, you will be able to resell your vehicle after several years without making a loss (Many of our clients are actually able to resell their vehicles at a profit).

 

ü  Genuine vehicle condition rating – We only recommend importation of vehicles rated as condition 4 upwards and will share the vehicle’s auction sheet with you. An auction sheet is a document filled by a vehicle inspector as they inspect a car in a Japanese auction.

 

The document objectively describes in detail the condition of the car, its options, accessories, odometer reading and any defects.

 

ü  Flexible payments – Payments are made in 4 instalments spread over the 45 days import period. You make the last payment after you have already received vehicle in Nairobi and confirmed that it is as ordered.

 

ü  Mombasa storage facilities – Your vehicle will be received at Mitchell Cotts storage facility in Mombasa (MT2 CFS). This facility is inside the port and just about 300 metres from where the ships offload the vehicles.  The facility has a shed and 24 hours CCTV surveillance hence you vehicle is very safe. Most importantly, we have an arrangement with MT2 for 45 days of free storage just in case you will have travelled when vehicle is arriving in Mombasa.

 

ü  Proven track record – We will give you contacts of other diplomats who work in your organisation, embassy etc and have imported vehicles through us in the recent past. Some of the organisations include IFC (World Bank), UNHCR, UNDRR , IFAD, ICRAF, UNEP, AGRA, Trade and Development bank, DFID, EU, World Health Organization (WHO), ICC, DANIDA, ICRC, African academy of sciences and many foreign Embassies e.g. Embassy of France, German Embassy etc.

 Ø  If you have any question relating to duty-free vehicle importation or would like a quotation, kindly click here to send an email to dutyfree@eaml.co.ke.

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