DutyCalc Blog

The Kenya government allows diplomats / expatriates to import vehicles and personal effects duty free. Diplomats / expatriates working in an organization such as below are eligible; 

1. Foreign embassies or consulates e.g Embassy of Switzerland, German Embassy etc
2. United Nations (UN) bodies e.g. UNEP, UNHCR, IFC etc
3. Non-governmental organizations e.g. ICRC, AGRA, etc

Kindly 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 in processing the necessary approvals from the ministry of foreign affairs.
All vehicle import regulations must be adhered to when importing a duty free vehicle. When importing your duty free vehicle all importation documents in advance to ensure that form Pro 1 B processing can be initiated in good time before the vehicle arrives.
Diplomatic organization/ embassy will provide number plates for the vehicle once duty exemption documents are ready.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE & REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

1. Original PRO1B Tax Exemption documents. The protocol /liaison officer in your organization should assist you in the application/submission of this to the ministry of foreign affairs.
2. PIN Certificate Copy
3. A valid work permit
4. Original Diplomatic passport. We will only require this once the vehicle arrives in Mombasa and will return as soon as the vehicle has been cleared. Clearing process will take 3 to 4 days.
5. Original Vehicle Commercial Invoice (with details of make, model description, year of manufacture & engine Number)
6. Original KEBS Preshipment certificate of Roadworthiness(with details of Make, Model description, Year of manufacture, Year of first registration, Chassis no & Engine Number)
7. Original Export Certificate/Logbook (English & Japanese versions)
8. 3 Original Bills of Lading (with name & signature at the back)
9. Diplomatic number plates & cover letter from Embassy / Organization with advice on specific registration number allocated to privileged importer/staff
10. Port Release Order & Customs Release (To be processed by us)

Notes on Duty Free Imports

Since the original diplomatic passport and job card/ laissez passer are required in the car clearance process, one should arrange to be in the country when the car arrives and the clearance process starts (might take about 3-5 working days) to avoid exceeding free port days which might result in paying demurrage.
From 2015 all duty free imports have been exempted from paying the railway development levy.

HOW MANY DUTY-FREE VEHICLES CAN I 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.