KEBS Maintains December 31 Ultimatum for Clearing 2013 Used Vehicles

Second-hand vehicle importers have until Thursday, 31st December, to clear used cars whose first year of registration is from January 2013. This follows a Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announcement that it will maintain the eight-year age limit requirement despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“…we wish to notify all importers of used/second motor vehicles including returning residents, diplomatic staff and the general public that in observance of clause 2.5 of KS 1515:2000 on the 8 (eight) year age limit requirement in the standard, only Right Hand Drive (RHD) motor vehicles whose Year of First Registration is from 1st January 2014 and later shall be allowed into the country effective from 1st January 2021,” reads a notice from the regulator.

Earlier, importers sought a 3-month extension of the 31st December deadline for 2013 cars stuck in Dubai, Singapore, China, the UK, Dubai, and Japan following the pandemic’s onset, which affected vehicle shipping. Car Importers Association (CIA) National Chairman Peter Otieno said the three-month extension would cut losses by car importers, allowing them to clear their backlog.

“We need a blanket waiver from January to March. We should be allowed to bring in the 2013 units after December,” Standard quotes Otieno.

Waiver for 2013 Used Vehicles

While the regulator will not extend the deadline, car importers affected by the pandemic can submit their documents by 28th December for a waiver if they have evidence that COVID-19 affected their shipment. This applies to vehicles issued with a Certificate of Roadworthiness on or before 1st December 2020.

“KEBS has received petitions that COVID 19 pandemic might have affected some importers due to disruption of shipping schedules. KEBS, therefore, wishes to inform such importers to lodge all the necessary supporting documents to prove the impact of COVID 19 to their shipment before a waiver can be considered. Such documentation should be received not later than 28th December 2020. This only applies to vehicles that had been purchased, inspected and issued with a Certificate of Roadworthiness on or before 1st December 2020 and which are likely to arrive into the country after the cut-off date of 31st December, 2020,” says Bernard Njiraini, KEBS Managing Director.