mburu jeff 
- New KEBS rules for used Vehicle imports take effect July 14
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is implementing a new directive requiring document validation for all used vehicles imported into the country, effective July 14, 2025.
This measure, announced in the “My Gov” publication, aims to combat the importation of vehicles using forged or fraudulent paperwork and enhance roadworthiness compliance.
Under the new regulations, importers, dealers, and traders will need to verify key vehicle documents such as logbooks, export certificates, or de-registration certificates against an approved database.
KEBS said that this is in line with the KS 1515:2000 standard, which mandates that used cars be no more than eight years old from their original registration date.
The document verification process is designed to ensure this age requirement is met upon entry.
To facilitate this process, KEBS has contracted Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan (QISJ).
The validation service will cost Sh12,000 per vehicle, payable directly to QISJ, and is expected to be processed within four working days.
According to KEBS, all used vehicles must comply with the KS 1515:2000 standard, which sets out the code of practice for the inspection of road vehicles.
Importers of used vehicles are required to submit duplicate copies of applicable documents to QISJ’s offices for verification.
The designated offices are: the Nairobi Office in Upper Hill, and the Mombasa Office on Hatimy Talyani Rd.
Only used vehicles with approved import documents will be cleared for destination examination by from July 14 onwards.
This procedure is a crucial step in preventing the entry of vehicles with falsified documents, reinforcing KEBS’s commitment to consumer safety and compliance with evolving standards.
The bureau emphasised that this process will help prevent the entry of vehicles using fake documents.
Only those used vehicles with validated import papers will be allowed to undergo the mandatory KEBS destination inspection.
