Car Shipping to Mombasa

Car Shipping to Mombasa From UK | Reliable RoRo & Container Shipping to Kenya

When it comes to exporting your vehicle from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya, Ship Cars Ltd. is your trusted partner. We offer comprehensive shipping solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring your car arrives safely and efficiently at its destination. This guide provides detailed information on our services, the necessary procedures, and what you can expect when shipping a vehicle to Mombasa.

Why People Choose to Ship Vehicles to Mombasa

Vehicles are shipped for a range of purposes, including commercial trade and resale of both classic and modern cars. UK expatriates and returning residents frequency ship their cars due to their sentimental importance. Tourist or individuals planning long-term holidays choose to ship their vehicles to explore their destination without the hassle of rental cars.

Ship Cars Ltd. offers two primary methods for shipping your vehicle to Mombasa:

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping
2. At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

• Cost: For a small car, RoRo shipping to Mombasa costs £1195. For larger vehicles like a Range Rover, the cost is £1265.

• Transit Time:   32 days.

• Sailing Frequency:  once a month.

Important Considerations for RoRo:

2. Container Shipping       
3.  At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

Documentation Required for Shipping

UK Documentation:

Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles.

•       Pre-shipping Checklist for cars leaving the UK. 
•       International Car Shipping

Requirements in Kenya can be complex and vary based on the purpose of import (permanent export, transfer of residence, temporary import). It is essential to be fully compliant.

For more information read our blog : Marine Insurance for Vehicle Shipping: Comprehensive Coverage Options and Pricing

1. Bill of Lading: This is the legal document issued by the shipping company, acting as a receipt for the shipment and a contract of carriage. You will need the original Bill of Lading to clear your vehicle at the port.

2. Import Declaration Form (IDF): This is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). It can be obtained online through the KenTrade portal.

   • Link: Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)

3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC): For vehicles imported into Kenya, a Certificate of Conformity from a KEBS-approved inspection body is typically required. This certifies that the vehicle meets Kenyan standards. Intertek is one such approved inspection agency.

   • Link: Intertek Kenya (You will need to navigate their site to find the relevant vehicle inspection services).

4. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C or equivalent documentation.

5. Proof of Residence/Purpose: Depending on the import type (see below), you may need proof of residency, employment, or purpose of import.

6. Import Duty and Tax Documentation: Proof of payment of applicable duties and taxes.

7. Letter of Request: A formal letter outlining the details of the vehicle and the reason for import.

Note: We strongly advise consulting with a local clearing agent in Mombasa to ensure all destination-specific requirements are met precisely.

Import Rules for Mombasa (Kenya)

Kenya has specific regulations for importing vehicles, categorised by purpose:

1. Permanent Export/Import

This is for individuals or entities intending to permanently own and use the vehicle in Kenya.

• Requirements:

  • The vehicle must generally not be older than 8 years from the year of first registration to be imported permanently. (This is a critical KEBS regulation).

  • A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is mandatory.

  • The importer must be a resident of Kenya or have the necessary permits to reside and own a vehicle.

  • Payment of all applicable import duties, excise duty, VAT, and other taxes.

• Authority: The primary authority for standards is the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). For customs and tax, it’s the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

  • Link: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

2. Transfer of Residence (ToR)

This scheme allows returning Kenyan citizens or individuals taking up permanent residence in Kenya to import one motor vehicle, including double-cab pick-ups, subject to certain conditions, often with duty concessions.

• Requirements:

  • The importer must be a returning Kenyan citizen or a person granted permanent residence.

  • The vehicle must have been owned and used by the importer in their country of previous residence for at least 12 months prior to the date of importation.

  • The vehicle must not be more than 8 years old from the year of first registration.

  • The ToR declaration must be made within 6 months of the importer’s arrival in Kenya.

  • A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is still required.

• Authority: Managed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

3. Temporary Importation

This allows non-residents to import a vehicle for a limited period, usually for tourism or specific projects, without paying full import duties.

• Requirements:

  • The importer must be a non-resident visitor.

  • The vehicle is typically allowed for a period of up to 12 months, which can sometimes be extended.

  • A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is required, which can often be obtained from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

  • The vehicle must be re-exported at the end of the permitted period.

  • Prohibited Items: Importing goods (other than essential vehicle spares) within a temporarily imported vehicle is generally not allowed.

• Authority: Primarily Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and potentially the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for port-specific clearance.

  • Link: Price Breakdown for Shipping RoRo, LCL, and FCL

  • Link: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

Inspections and Permits

Several inspections and permits may be required before your vehicle can be cleared in Mombasa:

1. Pre-Export Inspection (UK): While not always mandatory for the UK side for our services, we offer a complimentary pre-shipment inspection if we collect your vehicle.  Pre-Arrival Inspection (Kenya):

   • Certificate of Conformity (CoC): As mentioned, this is mandatory and obtained from an approved inspection agency (like Intertek) in the country of export. It verifies that the vehicle meets Kenyan safety and environmental standards.

   • Import Declaration Form (IDF): This must be obtained via the KenTrade portal before the vessel arrives.

   • KEBS Inspection: Upon arrival, KEBS or its appointed agents may conduct physical inspections to ensure compliance with standards and confirm details against the CoC and IDF.

2. Customs Inspection (KRA): The Kenya Revenue Authority will conduct customs clearance. They may physically inspect the vehicle to verify its details, assess duties and taxes, and ensure it matches the declared information.

Where to Obtain:

• CoC: Through designated inspection bodies such as Intertek in the UK.

• IDF: Online via the KenTrade portal.

• Customs Clearance & Permits: Through a licensed Clearing Agent in Mombasa, who will liaise with KRA, KEBS, and KPA on your behalf.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

To ensure a smooth shipping process and compliance with international and Kenyan regulations, certain items are prohibited or restricted:

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Proper preparation is key to a successful international car shipping experience. For detailed guidance, please refer to our articles:

•       Pre-shipping Checklist for cars leaving the UK. 

•       Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages.  

The price you pay for shipping your vehicle is influenced by several factors:

•   At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

Our Prices at a Glance:

• RoRo Shipping (Standard Car): £1195

• RoRo Shipping (Large Car like Range Rover): £1265

• Electric Vehicle Hazard Surcharge (Container): £295

• Transit Time:   32 days

• Sailing Frequency:  once a month. 

Container Shipping Link

For more information read our blog :  Collection Service: Trade Plate Driven, Open and Enclosed Transport

Additional Resources

To ensure you have all the information you need for a smooth international car shipping experience, we recommend reviewing these helpful articles:

• 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping
• Avoiding Damage with International Shipping

Ship Cars Ltd. is committed to providing a transparent and reliable service for shipping your vehicle to Mombasa. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and get a personalised quote.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to Kenya. Get a quote now!

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