🚢 Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing a Car at the Port of Mombasa (2025 Edition)
🚢 Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing a Car at the Port of Mombasa (2025 Edition)
🌍 Introduction: Why Understanding Car Clearance Matters in Kenya
Buying a car is exciting, especially when importing one from Japan, the UK, or the UAE. But before you take that first ride on Kenyan roads, there’s a critical step you must go through: clearing your car at the Port of Mombasa.
In 2025, clearing a vehicle involves not only dealing with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) but also agencies like KEBS, NTSA, and the shipping line. Missing just one document or payment can delay your car — or worse, incur demurrage charges or even forfeiture.
That’s why this guide is your ultimate checklist. We’ll walk you through the entire process of clearing a car in Kenya step by step, with real timelines, costs, and expert tips from the Code & Clutch team.
📋 Key Terms You Need to Know
Before we dive in, let’s define the basics:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight – total cost before taxes |
| IDF | Import Declaration Fee (2.25% of CIF) |
| KEBS | Kenya Bureau of Standards (inspects vehicle) |
| KRA | Kenya Revenue Authority (handles taxes & clearance) |
| NTSA | National Transport & Safety Authority – registers the car |
| Bill of Lading (BOL) | Shipping document proving ownership |
| Port Release Order | Permission from shipping line to release vehicle |
📦 Documents Required for Car Clearance (2025)
To clear a car at the Mombasa port, ensure you have:
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✅ Original Bill of Lading (BOL)
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✅ IDF number (from KRA)
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✅ Invoice from the supplier
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✅ Inspection Certificate (QISJ or JEVIC)
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✅ Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) certificate
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✅ KRA PIN and ID copy (importer)
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✅ Logbook or export certificate (translated to English)
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✅ Consignee’s details (must match ID)
Tip: If using a clearing agent (recommended), give them an authorization letter to act on your behalf.
🛃 Step-by-Step Car Clearance Process at Mombasa Port
Here’s how the clearance process unfolds once your car arrives in Mombasa:
Step 1: Arrival Notification & Vessel Offloading
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The shipping line sends an arrival notice.
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You or your clearing agent checks port manifest to confirm the car is offloaded.
⏱️ Time: 1–2 days after arrival
💡 Tip: Subscribe to arrival alerts via the shipping company (like Mitsui, Hoegh, NYK, etc.)
Step 2: Submit Import Documents to Clearing Agent
The clearing agent will:
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Open a Customs Entry (C17B) on iTax
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Register the Import Entry in KenTrade
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Apply for a KRA vehicle valuation using the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) database
⏱️ Time: 1–3 working days
🧾 Important: Ensure KEBS certificate is valid; cars must be under 8 years old from year of first registration.
Step 3: Payment of Import Duties & KRA Taxes
The main KRA taxes payable include:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% of customs value |
| Excise Duty | 20% (varies with engine capacity & year) |
| VAT | 16% of taxable value |
| IDF Fee | 2.25% of CIF |
| RDL (Railway Dev. Levy) | 1.5% of CIF |
🔧 Use the Code & Clutch Import Tax Calculator to calculate your car taxes instantly.
💰 Example: A used 2017 Toyota Axio (1500cc) from Japan could cost ~KSh 450,000–650,000 in taxes alone.
⏱️ Time: Immediate upon iTax generation
📲 Payment via iTax Paybill 572572
Step 4: Port Charges & Shipping Line Release
Pay the following:
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🏗️ Port Handling Fees (~KSh 8,000–15,000)
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🧾 Storage (after 4–7 days, ~KSh 1,000/day)
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🚢 Container Deposit (if applicable)
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🛳️ Shipping Line Release Fee (~KSh 8,000–12,000)
Once paid, the shipping line issues a Release Order to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Step 5: Vehicle Physical Inspection
KEBS confirms:
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Roadworthiness
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Chassis & engine match logbook
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Emission & lights compliance
💡 Tip: Cars with tampered mileage or accident history may be rejected.
🛠️ If cleared → Inspection passed → Ready for final customs check
⏱️ Time: 1–2 days
Step 6: Customs Release & Gate Pass Issued
KRA stamps the Release Order and issues a gate pass. This confirms the vehicle is:
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Fully taxed
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Cleared by KEBS
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Verified by customs
🚪 Your clearing agent presents this to port officials.
⏱️ Time: Same day (if no issues)
Step 7: Exit from Port & Loading on Transporter
Once cleared:
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The car is driven or loaded onto a transporter
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Delivered to Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, etc.
📦 Optional: Order a car tracker or insurance through Code & Clutch before release.
📍 Total Cost of Clearing a Car in Kenya (2025)
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| KRA Taxes | KSh 350,000–900,000 |
| Port Charges | KSh 15,000–30,000 |
| KEBS Inspection | KSh 15,000 |
| Clearance Agent | KSh 15,000–25,000 |
| Transport (Mombasa to Nairobi) | ~KSh 18,000 |
| NTSA Registration & Plates | ~KSh 7,000 |
💡 Budget ~30–40% of the CIF value for full clearance.
📅 How Long Does Clearing Take?
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Document Submission | 1–2 days |
| Tax Valuation & Payment | 1–3 days |
| Inspection & Release | 2–4 days |
| Total (Normal) | 5–8 working days |
If delayed, demurrage may apply (~KSh 2,000/day after 7 days).
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Delay Clearance
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❌ Wrong BOL names (must match ID)
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❌ Expired KEBS certificate
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❌ Overaged car (8+ years)
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❌ Late tax payment
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❌ Missing IDF or invoice
🎯 Tip: Let Code & Clutch help pre-check all documents before shipment.
🔧 Can You Clear a Car Yourself?
Technically, yes. But it’s highly recommended to use a licensed clearing agent because:
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They understand customs entries & tax categories
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Have relationships with port officials
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Can resolve errors faster
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Save you time and risk
➡️ We partner with verified clearing agents – reach out on WhatsApp 0717423659 to get started.
🎁 Bonus: Free Car Clearance Checklist
✔️ Original BOL
✔️ KEBS Certificate
✔️ IDF Number
✔️ Translated Export Certificate
✔️ KRA PIN
✔️ Valid Kenyan ID
✔️ Payment Receipts (taxes & port)
✔️ Gate Pass
✔️ NTSA Inspection Certificate (after registration)
📥 Download full checklist from codeandclutch.blogspot.com
📌 Final Thoughts: Simplify Car Clearance with Code & Clutch
At Code & Clutch, we believe importing a car shouldn't be a headache. We help you:
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Estimate taxes via our Import Calculator
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Connect with trusted clearing agents
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Manage documents and check KEBS age compliance
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Avoid delays and penalties
Your dream car is one clearance away.
✅ Call to Action
🚗 Try our KRA Import Calculator
📲 Chat with our WhatsApp Support 0717423659
📦 Let’s clear your car quickly and cost-effectively with verified agents!
🚘 Code & Clutch – Where Cars Meet Code.
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