Top 7 Car Inspection Agencies Approved by KEBS for Kenyan Car Imports (2025)

Avoid costly delays and rejections at the port by choosing the right KEBS-approved inspection agency.

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🚗 Introduction

When importing a car to Kenya, it’s not just about picking the perfect ride or finding the best deal abroad — it’s also about ensuring your vehicle meets all the legal and quality standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

One of the most critical requirements? Pre-export vehicle inspection. KEBS has partnered with a limited number of international agencies to conduct these inspections abroad before your car lands at the Port of Mombasa.

Failing to use a KEBS-approved inspection agency can result in:

• Heavy penalties

• Vehicle rejection at the port

• Delays in customs clearance

• Additional inspection costs in Kenya

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the top 7 KEBS-approved inspection agencies, what each one does, where they operate, and how you can choose the right one for your import process in 2025.

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🔍 What is a Pre-Export Vehicle Inspection?

A Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) is a mandatory inspection carried out in the country of origin to ensure the vehicle:

• Meets age limits (maximum of 8 years from date of manufacture)

• Is right-hand drive

• Is roadworthy and free from damage

• Has accurate documentation (chassis number, engine number, etc.)

• Complies with Kenya’s emission and safety standards

KEBS only accepts reports from officially approved inspection agencies. Attempting to bypass this process often results in non-compliance fines or rejection.

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🏆 Top 7 KEBS-Approved Vehicle Inspection Agencies (2025)

Here’s the updated list of inspection agencies you can trust when importing from Japan, UK, UAE, Singapore, or South Africa:

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1. Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center Co. Ltd. (JEVIC)

🌍 Countries: Japan, United Kingdom, South Africa, UAE
💵 Avg. Cost: $150 – $250
📋 Services:

• Vehicle pre-shipment inspection

• Odometer verification

• Radiation checks (especially for Japan origin)
  ✅ Highly recommended for: Japan and UK imports
  🌐 www.jevic.com

Why importers love JEVIC: It's the oldest and most experienced inspection agency trusted by Kenyan authorities since the early 2000s.

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2. Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ)

🌍 Countries: Japan, UAE, Singapore
💵 Avg. Cost: $160
📋 Services:

• PVoC compliance

• Damage report with photos

• Emissions and safety test
  ✅ Preferred for: Japanese vehicles (especially Toyota, Nissan, Mazda)
  🌐 www.qisjp.com

Code & Clutch Insight: QISJ is fast, cost-effective, and great for budget-conscious importers.

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3. Auto Terminal Japan Ltd. (ATJ)

🌍 Countries: Japan, South Africa
💵 Avg. Cost: $140 – $180
📋 Services:

• Comprehensive roadworthiness test

• Emission and safety check

• Export certification
  🌐 www.autoterminal.co.jp

Quick Tip: Best for those shipping high volumes or used commercial vehicles.

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4. EAA Company Ltd. (East Africa Automobile)

🌍 Countries: Japan
💵 Avg. Cost: $130 – $200
📋 Services:

• Pre-shipment inspection

• Digital report submission to KRA

• Real-time tracking of vehicle status
  🌐 www.eaa-s.jp

Why it's useful: Smooth KEBS reporting system and very detailed reports.

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5. Vina-Inspection Co. Ltd.

🌍 Countries: Japan, Singapore
💵 Avg. Cost: $150
📋 Services:

• Basic KEBS compliance

• Damage assessment

• Basic chassis and mechanical inspection
  🌐 www.vina-inspection.com

Budget Pick: Ideal for individuals importing personal-use vehicles.

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6. JABIA (Japan Automobile Body Inspection Association)

🌍 Countries: Japan
💵 Avg. Cost: $140
📋 Services:

• Body condition and frame strength analysis

• Structural integrity check
  🌐 www.jabia.or.jp

Specialist’s Choice: Best for accident-prone car models to prove roadworthiness.

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7. SGS Kenya Ltd. (For Local Re-Inspection Only)

🌍 Location: Mombasa
💵 Avg. Cost: KSh 17,000 – 22,000
📋 Services:

• Final clearance inspection (for uninspected or penalized cars)
  🌐 www.sgsgroup.co.ke

Last Resort: Only use if your car arrived without pre-shipment inspection (you’ll pay a fine of 15% CIF value).

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🧾 How to Choose the Right Inspection Agency

1. Check the car’s origin – JEVIC and QISJ are best for Japan, while ATJ and EAA are stronger in South Africa.

2. Ask your seller – Many dealerships abroad already work with a specific inspection company.

3. Compare pricing and services – A cheaper inspection isn’t always better. Accuracy is crucial.

4. Check KEBS compliance certificate – Make sure it’s valid and accepted in Kenya.

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⚠️ What Happens if Your Car Fails Inspection?

If your vehicle doesn’t meet KEBS standards, it may:

• Be rejected at the port

• Be subjected to re-inspection in Mombasa

• Attract heavy fines

• Require repair or modification (e.g., to reverse conversions)

Common causes of failure include:

• Excess age (over 8 years)

• Left-hand drive vehicles

• Poor structural condition

• Tampered odometer

• Emission non-compliance

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🚢 The Inspection Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Car purchase agreement

2. Choose a KEBS-approved inspection agency

3. Schedule the inspection

4. Vehicle undergoes inspection at seller's yard or inspection station

5. Receive certificate of compliance

6. Inspection report uploaded to KEBS and KRA system

7. Proceed with shipping

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💡 Bonus: How Code & Clutch Can Help

At Code & Clutch, we streamline this inspection phase for you by:

• Recommending the best agency for your car’s country of origin

• Ensuring inspections are booked on time

• Confirming KEBS compliance before shipping

• Assisting with follow-ups and uploading reports to KRA system

We believe in full transparency and quality assurance for every vehicle our customers import.

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📌 Final Thoughts

Inspections might sound like just another bureaucratic step, but they play a huge role in protecting you as a car buyer. By choosing the right agency and ensuring compliance, you save time, money, and legal headaches.

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🔁 Summary Checklist for Importers:

✅ Always use a KEBS-approved inspection company
✅ Double-check your car’s age and condition before inspection
✅ Keep your inspection certificate safe for customs clearance
✅ Use a professional import partner like Code & Clutch

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📞 Need Help?

Message us anytime via WhatsApp or visit Code & Clutch for tools, advice, and personalized car import assistance.