KEBS Sets 3 Conditions for Kenyans Importing Vehicles Beyond 8-Year Limit

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has listed conditions to be met by Kenyans and dealers seeking to import special-purpose vehicles that exceed the set age limit of 8 years since manufacture.

Special-purpose vehicles are vehicles that are primarily not intended to be used for the transportation of passengers and goods and include ambulances, firefighting vehicles, agricultural machinery, and large construction vehicles.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, May 24, KEBS stated that the three conditions include the proof of serviceability. In this case, those seeking to import the vehicles will have to prove that they are serviceable.

Equally, those importing the vehicles above the set limit are required to prove that the vehicles are not more than 20 years old (from the date of manufacture).

Proof of customization is also among the conditions set for the importers.

"KEBS enforces KS 1515:2000 - Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, which prohibits the importation and registration of motor vehicles older than eight (8) years from the year of first registration. KS 1515:2000 further prohibits the importation and registration of Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles.

"However, special-purpose vehicles that are over eight (8) years old and/or Left-Hand Drive (LHD) may be allowed entry into the country, subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions, including proof of customization," read the notice in part.

The agency warned that it would not allow vehicles that do not meet the set conditions into the country, resulting into losses for the buyers and importers.

Therefore, those seeking to import the vehicles were advised to familiarize themselves with the regulations.

"Details regarding the waiver requirements for the importation of special-purpose vehicles are available on www.kebs.org, and all stakeholders are advised to review and familiarize themselves with these requirements prior to initiating any importation process

"All importers of special-purpose vehicles are encouraged to apply for and obtain the requisite waivers before shipping the said units into the country to avoid inconveniences."

Most importantly, the 8 year limit still applies for the other used vehicles such as personal cars and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).