The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has introduced tighter regulations for importing and registering left-hand drive or special-purpose vehicles that exceed the standard eight-year age limit.
In a public notice dated June 24, KEBS announced a new waiver policy that offers limited exceptions to the country’s age restriction law. Typically, vehicles older than eight years are barred from entering the Kenyan market.
However, the agency will now allow imports of certain specialized vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and construction machinery under strict conditions.
Three Key Requirements for Waiver Approval
To qualify for the special waiver, importers must meet three major criteria:
- Purpose-specific Customization: The vehicle must be uniquely built or modified for a specific role, such as emergency response or industrial use.
- Verified Service History: Importers must provide complete maintenance records to prove the vehicle is in good working condition and has been properly serviced over time.
- Age Limit of 20 Years: Even if a vehicle serves a special purpose, it must not have been in use for more than 20 years from its manufacture date. This ensures imported units still meet safety and performance benchmarks.
Apply Before Shipping to Avoid Costly Setbacks
KEBS is urging all importers to apply for a waiver certificate before shipping vehicles to Kenya. Importing without prior approval could lead to long delays or even outright denial of entry at the port.
“Details regarding the waiver requirements for the importation of special-purpose vehicles are available on www.kebs.org,” the agency stated, encouraging stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new policy before initiating shipments.
Pre-Export Checks Still Mandatory
KEBS also reminded importers that all incoming vehicles must pass the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC), a quality check that ensures compliance with Kenyan standards before the vehicle leaves its country of origin.
Vehicles that fail to meet these standards will be turned away at the port, and importers will be responsible for all resulting costs, including storage, shipping, and penalties.
