🛠️ Japanese Car Export Inspections Explained: JEVIC, QISJ, EAA — What They Check & Why They Matter

When importing a car to Kenya, it's not enough to just bid on a good vehicle at auction — that car must pass an export inspection before it can leave Japan.

Whether you're new to car importation or a seasoned dealer, understanding the mandatory inspection agencies like JEVIC, QISJ, and EAA can save you:

• Delays at Mombasa Port

• Extra fees from KRA

• And the horror of rejected units

In this article, we’ll break it all down in simple language:

• What each inspection company does

• The key things they check

• How inspections affect your car's approval by KRA

• What can make a car fail inspection

• Tips to avoid inspection-related import problems

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🚗 Why Are Japanese Cars Inspected Before Export?

Kenya requires all used cars imported from Japan to undergo a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI).

The goal is to ensure:

• Road safety (no unroadworthy vehicles)

• Environmental compliance (low emissions)

• Accurate odometer reading

• No accident-damaged or stolen cars

These inspections must be done by KEBS-approved agencies in Japan before shipment.

If your car arrives without the certificate, you’ll pay a hefty penalty of 15% of CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight).

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📋 The 3 Main Export Inspection Agencies for Kenya

1. ✅ JEVIC – Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center

• Most common and trusted

• Operates in multiple ports across Japan

• Approved by KEBS since 2005

2. ✅ QISJ – Quality Inspection Services Japan

• KEBS-approved alternative to JEVIC

• Also does inspections in UAE, UK, and Singapore

• Gaining popularity with some exporters

3. ✅ EAA – East Africa Automobile Services

• The newest player, focused on East African markets

• Based in Japan, performs similar inspections to JEVIC/QISJ

Each agency provides a certificate of roadworthiness, which must be presented to KRA at the port.

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🔍 What Do These Inspections Check?

Let’s break it down:

Inspection Item	What It Means
✅ Odometer Verification	Confirms mileage hasn't been tampered
✅ Radiation Check	Ensures car isn't contaminated (post-Fukushima rule)
✅ Emission Test	Confirms vehicle meets Kenyan CO₂/emission standards
✅ Mechanical Integrity	Brakes, steering, suspension, etc.
✅ Rust Check	Especially on chassis and underbody
✅ Accident Damage	Major frame repairs or replaced panels flagged
✅ Year & Model Match	Confirms vehicle isn't older than allowed age (max 8 years in Kenya)
✅ Stolen Car Database Check	Cross-checked with Japanese police records

These are strict — even minor rust or a mismatched year could mean inspection fail.

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🧾 Sample JEVIC Inspection Report Breakdown

A standard JEVIC report will include:

• ✅ Car details (chassis, engine, year)

• ✅ Inspection date and port

• ✅ Odometer photo with seal

• ✅ “PASS” or “FAIL” mark

• ✅ Certificate number (must match what is submitted to KRA)

If you’re using a clearing agent or a dealer, demand to see this certificate before the car is shipped.

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❌ Common Reasons Cars Fail Inspection

1. Odometer Tampering

• Most serious offense

• Car fails immediately if there’s any indication of rewinding

• JEVIC may add “Mileage Discrepancy” on the certificate

2. Structural Rust

• Frame rust or underbody corrosion is an instant fail

• Especially common in cars from snowy Japanese regions

3. Accident Repairs

• If the car has welded sections, replaced chassis parts, or poorly done repairs

• Grade R/RA units are more at risk

4. Mismatched Chassis Info

• VIN on documents doesn’t match the car itself

• Very common in shady export deals

5. Emission Failure

• Car emits too much CO₂ or black smoke

• Diesels are especially affected

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⚙️ What Happens if a Car Fails?

If the car fails inspection, your options are:

• Fix the issues and re-inspect (can take weeks)

• Ship without inspection and pay 15% CIF fine at Mombasa

• Cancel the deal (may result in a loss if it’s a bonded purchase)

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a trusted exporter who inspects the car before bidding, not after.

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🌍 Port Locations for Inspection in Japan

All three agencies have offices and staff at major export hubs:

• Yokohama Port

• Kobe Port

• Osaka Port

• Nagoya Port

• Chiba Port

• Niigata Port

• Fukuoka Port

You don’t choose the agency — the exporter selects one based on their partnership and convenience.

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🧠 JEVIC vs. QISJ vs. EAA – What’s the Difference?

Feature	JEVIC	QISJ	EAA
Established	2005	2010	2018
Reliability	✅✅✅	✅✅	✅✅
Approval by KEBS	✅	✅	✅
Common in Kenya	Most Used	Moderate	Emerging
Certificate Validity	60 days	60 days	60 days

All agencies are equal in KEBS’ eyes — don’t worry which agency did your inspection. Just make sure it was done and passed.

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💡 Smart Tips for Kenyan Car Importers

✅ Always verify if the car has passed JEVIC/QISJ/EAA before paying

Ask your supplier: “Send me a copy of the JEVIC certificate.”

✅ Avoid exporters who say:

"We’ll inspect it after shipping"
❌ This is illegal and will cost you more!

✅ Choose cars from Japan’s southern ports

• Less rust

• Higher inspection pass rates

✅ For Grade R or accident cars:

• Expect a higher chance of failing due to frame repairs

✅ Use a VIN Checker

Sites like CarVX.jp or JEVIC Certificate Checker let you confirm the document is real.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re importing a used car from Japan to Kenya, inspection is not optional — it’s your car’s passport.

A car without JEVIC/QISJ/EAA certification is like flying internationally without a visa.
It may arrive, but you’ll pay dearly for the mistake.

Be smart:

• Confirm the inspection before buying

• Choose rust-free, clean units

• Work only with trusted agents or dealers

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📸 Image Suggestions for This Article

1. Sample JEVIC inspection certificate

2. Inspector checking underbody rust

3. Odometer being photographed/sealed

4. Comparison of rusted vs clean frame

5. Map showing major Japanese export ports

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📲 Need Help Verifying JEVIC or QISJ?

Text your chassis number or auction sheet to:
📞 0717423659 (Code & Clutch Assistant)

We’ll confirm the inspection status, FREE.