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

Importing a used car from Japan to Kenya is an exciting process. But before your dream ride can hit the Mombasa port, it must pass a crucial checkpoint: the mandatory pre-shipment inspection. These aren't just bureaucratic hurdles—they're a legal requirement by KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, safe, and not a lemon in disguise.

If you've come across acronyms like JEVIC, QISJ, or EAA and wondered what they mean, this guide is for you. We’ll break down each inspection body, what they check, why it matters, and how it affects the final cost and approval of your imported vehicle.

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🔍 What Is a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

Before a used vehicle is shipped from Japan to Kenya, it must go through a KEBS-approved inspection. This check ensures:

• The car meets KS 1515:2000 standards

• The year of manufacture complies with Kenyan age limits (max 8 years old)

• The odometer hasn’t been tampered with

• The car is not accident-damaged or salvaged

• The chassis and engine numbers match the documents

If the vehicle fails inspection, you’ll either have to fix the issues before shipping or risk being fined or denied registration once it arrives in Kenya.

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🏁 The 3 Main Japanese Inspection Agencies

These are the only KEBS-authorized bodies that conduct car export inspections in Japan for the Kenyan market:

1. 🇯🇵 JEVIC — Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre Co., Ltd.

Website: www.jevic.com
Founded: 2001
Kenya Approved Since: 2005

JEVIC is the most popular inspection body for Kenya imports. Their stickers are recognizable on windshields of many imports.

✅ What JEVIC Checks:

• Year of manufacture and model code

• Radiation levels (after Fukushima incident)

• Mileage verification (authentic odometer)

• Roadworthiness (lights, brakes, emissions, etc.)

• Undercarriage rust and frame integrity

• Previous accident damage

💵 JEVIC Inspection Cost:

• Around ¥15,000–¥17,000 JPY (KES 13,000–15,000)

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2. 🛠️ QISJ — Quality Inspection Services Japan

Website: www.qisjp.com
Active Since: 2009

QISJ is another reputable KEBS-approved agency. It's especially known for issuing faster inspection results for auction cars.

✅ What QISJ Checks:

• Compliance with KS 1515

• Mechanical & electrical systems

• Mileage and tampering detection

• Chassis inspection for modifications

• Steering, suspension, exhaust emissions

💵 QISJ Inspection Cost:

• Typically ¥14,000–¥17,000 JPY

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3. 🧪 EAA — East Africa Automobile Services

Website: www.eaa-s.jp
Focus: More on East African markets

EAA is less common than JEVIC but still fully KEBS-approved. They operate in several ports including Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka.

✅ What EAA Checks:

• Overall vehicle health

• Rust/corrosion under body

• Safety systems

• Previous repairs or modifications

• Odometer verification

• Vehicle age check

💵 EAA Inspection Cost:

• Around ¥13,000–¥16,000 JPY

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📄 What You Get After Inspection

Once the inspection is completed and passed, you'll receive:

• ✅ Inspection Certificate

• 🪧 Sticker on windshield (often near top left corner)

• 🧾 Copy of the report for clearing agent at Mombasa

This certificate must be presented during clearing to avoid KES 500,000 penalty for non-compliance (as per KEBS).

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💣 What Happens If You Skip or Fail Inspection?

Here’s the harsh reality:

❌ If You Ship Without Inspection:

• Vehicle will be rejected by KEBS in Mombasa

• You’ll be forced to re-export or destroy the unit

• OR, you’ll pay a KES 500,000 penalty + local inspection fee

❌ If the Car Fails the Inspection in Japan:

• You’ll be notified by the inspector

• You must fix issues (e.g., bald tires, cracked lights)

• Re-inspection is at your cost (¥6,000–¥8,000 more)

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🛡️ Why the Inspection Matters for You

These inspections aren’t just a formality—they help:

1. Protect you from odometer fraud

   • Some cars sold as 80K km are actually 180K km

2. Ensure safety

   • You won’t get a car with hidden frame damage or rust

3. Ease registration

   • You’ll need the inspection certificate at NTSA when getting plates

4. Avoid costly fines

   • KEBS fines are brutal and could sink your import budget

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🧠 Insider Tips from Code & Clutch

✅ Always request a copy of the inspection before shipping

Make sure the seller gives you a scan or PDF of the certificate.

✅ Buy cars that are already JEVIC/QISJ/EAA-inspected

Most auction sites indicate if inspection is included. Confirm!

✅ Check the sticker on the windshield

If you're buying locally in Kenya, verify the sticker—fake imports often miss this.

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🤔 Which Inspection Body Is Best?

Feature	JEVIC	QISJ	EAA
Most Popular	✅	⚠️	❌
Fastest Turnaround	⚠️	✅	⚠️
Best for East Africa	✅	✅	✅
Cheapest	⚠️	✅	✅
Online Verification	✅	✅	✅

Most importers choose JEVIC for peace of mind, but QISJ is great for speed, and EAA offers better rates for bulk imports.

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📷 Image Suggestions for This Article

1. Close-up photo of a JEVIC inspection sticker

2. Sample JEVIC/QISJ/EAA inspection certificate

3. Undercarriage photo showing rust inspection

4. Infographic comparing the 3 agencies

5. Japanese car at port with inspection badge

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🚘 Final Word: Don’t Ship Blind

When you import a car from Japan, the inspection is not an optional extra—it’s a non-negotiable legal requirement.

These inspections are your first line of defense against fraud, defects, and shady sellers. Make sure it’s done, make sure it’s legit, and make sure it’s by one of the 3 KEBS-approved agencies: JEVIC, QISJ, or EAA.

With the right info and the right team behind you, importing your dream car is a smooth ride—not a bureaucratic nightmare.