If you are importing a car from Japan, chances are that you have come across an auction sheet. It could have been sent to you by your importer or you could have seen it online. Obviously if you don’t read Japanese characters then understanding it might be difficult. Yet, it contains all the relevant information on the car you are buying so understanding some to most of what it says is important.

Japanese auctions sell hundreds of cars every day. The auction system is quite efficient and has been developed so that people from far away (such as us in Kenya) can reliably buy vehicles in Japan without seeing them. It also helps to sell cars from every corner of Japan.

Before being taken the auction all the cars undergo extensive checks. These are done by professionals employed by the auction houses. These inspectors check for mechanical soundness as well as interior and exterior conditions based on a set of given standards.
They then fill out the auction sheet based on what they find. This system works and is trusted by buyers and sellers all over the world.

Guide to Auction Grades

While the auction sheet contains detailed information about the car, the auction grade gives you an idea of the general condition of the car. It is almost always enough to tell you whether to consider the car or to pass. Here is a guide on the auction grades:

There are 2 types of grading:
1. Overall grade- usually a number, based on exterior and mechanical condition of the car
2. Interior grade- usually a letter, based on the interior condition of the car. Some auction houses may use numbers 1-5.

Overall Grading

GRADE 6/7/8/S- These are brand new cars, mostly used by the manufacturers for demo purposes or with only delivery mileage

GRADE 5- The car is exceptionally clean, good as new. It will probably have very low mileage. This grade is often hard to get.

GRADE 4.5- Again very clean but slightly used, might have slightly higher mileage than grade 5. Often in great condition, sometimes as good as new.

GRADE 4- Visibly used but clean, good condition regardless of mileage

GRADE 3.5- Good condition but might have visible scratches, dents and other minor issues. Might also need minor repair work.

GRADE 3- Average condition and might be damaged, will often have very high mileage.

GRADE 2– Very poor condition, might have dents, blemishes, dirt and rust, not to mention very high mileage

GRADE R/RA – Accident repaired vehicles, or highly modified such as a whole part being replaced. Can end up being very poor quality.

Interior Grading

This denotes the interior condition of the car and will usually be graded as follows:
A- Excellent
B- Average
C- Below average

Some auction houses may use numbers 1-5, with 5 being the best, going downwards.

What is in an Auction Sheet?

After you have seen the overall grading of the car, before deciding whether to buy you need to see the rest of the details. The auction sheet will have several sections filled out in Japanese. This is what those sections represent as in the illustration below:

After you understand what each section stands for, on the illustration of the car such as in the above diagram you will see a series of letters and numbers in some of the sections. This is what they mean:

E3 – Some dents which are barely visible
U1 – A dent which is the size of a thumb
U2 – A dent which is the size of a palm

U3 – A dent which is more than size U2
Y1 – A tear which is the size of a thumb
Y2 – A tear which is the size of a palm
Y3 – A tear which is more than size Y2
W1 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and is in good condition
W2 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a slightly wave

W3 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a conspicuous wave
S1 – Rust which is the size of a fist
S2 – Rust which is more than size S1
 C1 – Major rust corrosion which is the size of a fist
C2 – Major rust corrosion which is more than size C1
X – A panel which needs to be replaced
 XX – A panel which has been replaced

What is TIMS?

TIMS (Transport Integrated Management System) is an online platform created to enable citizens to access NTSA (National Transport & Safety Authority) services conveniently.

All government services offered by NTSA have now been migrated to this platform. Some of these services include:

• Motor vehicle registration
• Motor vehicle inspection booking
• Motor vehicle transfer of ownership
• Motor vehicle record search
• Application for smart DL
• Application for duplicated logbook
• Application for reflective number plate

It is mandatory for anyone looking for any of the above services to register for a TIMS account. Account registration is FREE and can be done easily on the NTSA website at http://www.ntsa.go.ke/

Here is How to Create an Account on TIMS

1. Go to the NTSA website http://www.ntsa.go.ke/

2. Here you will find two sub domain options- one for the NTSA Index website and one for TIMS. Select TIMS.

3. You will now be rerouted to https://tims.ntsa.go.ke/

4. On the top right hand side of the page you will find several options such as:

• Sign in using e-citizen (please note you can use this option if you already have an e-citizen account),
• Sign in (this is for people who already have an account)
• Register an account (this is for people who have no account)
• Subscribe SMS (this service allows you to receive notifications on passwords, security codes and other relevant information).

5. Select Register an account

6. You will now find several options requesting you to choose whether you are an individual, dealer, agent, financial institutions, company or driving school.

7. On the same page confirm whether you are a citizen or alien and input your ID serial number

8. You will then be prompted to input your KRA PIN and your mother’s maiden name, your phone number and profession on the next page.

9. You can now proceed to get a verification code which will be sent to your phone.

10. Key in this code to finish the registration process

11. You can now go back to the home page and sign in to access NTSA services

Japan’s new emperor, Naruhito, has formally ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, replacing his father, Akihito, who had abdicated a day earlier.
The sun came out for a morning ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday, as Naruhito became the 126th Emperor of Japan, the latest in an unbroken line that stretches back 14 centuries.
During the special ritual in the palace’s Matsu-no-Ma state room, an almost exclusively male audience saw Naruhito, 59, take possession of royal regalia.

Only adult male imperial family members were allowed to attend the centuries-old ceremony, but Japan’s lone female cabinet member, Satsuki Katayama, was in attendance.
Tuesday’s abdication was the first in more than 200 years, since Emperor Kokaku stepped down in 1817.

The new emperor held the first audience with his government following the ceremony, using his first remarks to acknowledge the assumption of the role as an “important responsibility,” and paying tribute to his father’s legacy.
“I would like to express my heartfelt respect and appreciation of the comportment shown by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan,” he said.
“I also swear that I will act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan.

“I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world.”
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Naruhito and also pointed to Akihito’s role in transforming the role.
“Emperor, we are looking up to you as a symbol of Japan and the Japanese people, and we are filled with hope for peace and prosperity, a bright future of Japan. Everybody is uniting together in heart and building up our new culture in the future.”

New era begins

Naruhito’s ascension signals the start of the “Reiwa” era — each emperor’s reign is marked by their era name. Naruhito’s era name was adapted from an 8th century anthology of classic poetry.
While the official government translation of “Reiwa” is “beautiful harmony,” it can also be interpreted as “commanded peace,” a more authoritarian reading.
“It is his reign name to shape through his actions and gestures,” says Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University in Japan.
He says that Naruhito’s challenge in defining his era will be to avoid getting “co-opted by Japan’s right-leaning politicians.”

Symbolic role

The role of Japan’s emperor has changed significantly since Naruhito’s grandfather, Emperor Hirohito, sat on the throne. Once considered the living embodiment of gods, the emperor has become a largely symbolic figure.
Unlike other monarchs, Naruhito is a symbol of the state rather than the head of state, and the Japanese emperor wields no political power.
Much like his father, who was seen as a reformist, Naruhito sees the role as an institution rather than an embodiment of divinity, says Andrew Gordon, a leading scholar of modern Japanese history at Harvard University.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito, accompanied by Empress Michiko, waves to well-wishers before leaving Ujiyamada Station after their visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in the central Japanese prefecture of Mie, April 18, 2019, as he takes part in a series of rituals ahead of his abdication. Kazuhiro Nogi/Pool via REUTERS[/caption]

Naruhito has indicated that he will continue the outreach and unifying role that his father played.

“There’s nothing in the Constitution that says you have to go around cutting ribbons … that’s a role (Akihito) defined for himself,” Gordon said.
“I think his son will continue in the mode of his father; he’s said publicly that he was watching and learning from his father,” he said. “I think the basic style of the monarchy and the (role of the) monarch that he’s put in place, I expect will continue.”

Source: CNN Edition

Toyota has launched the all new 2019 Toyota Rav4

The new model has been completely redesigned and comes with exciting features including:
•    Responsive driving performance
•    Enhanced steering stability
•    Improved fuel efficiency
•    Latest Toyota safety sense
•    Generous rear cargo space
•    Elevated cabin for customer convenience
•    Easy to use trays and cup holders

World’s first Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD System
This sleek new model blends sophistication with power and boasts the world first Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. This mechanism ‘enables precise and stable steering by adopting a torque vectoring mechanism’. This mechanism does two important things:

1.    It distributes torque to the front and rear wheels independently according to driving conditions
2.    It activates a disconnect mechanism that transmits driving force to the rear wheels when 4WD is not needed. This reduces energy loss and fuel consumption.

Toyota Rav4 2019 Fuel Consumption
The fuel consumption for the 2019 Rav4 4WD is 15.2 Km/hour.
It comes with a 2.0 liter dynamic force engine.

Rav4 2019 Design

•    Colors- It comes in 8 colors, and 4 two-tone colors are available for pairing with the silver metallic ash gray roof.
•    Improved visibility- positioning of the instrument panel and windshield wipers and side view mirrors allows for more visibility.
•    Ground Clearance- enjoy ample ground clearance even when off-road
•    7inch information display- see your directions, alerts and safety info easily
•    Charging convenience- 4 USB charging ports are available inside the console box and in the rear

Rav4 2019 Safety Features
•    Pre-collision safety system that detects vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles for enhanced collision prevention
•    Dynamic radar cruise control with full speed range
•    Lane Tracing Assist to support steering ensuring car stays on the lane during cruise control
•    Automatic high beam that changes from high to low automatically
•    Road sign assist- displays road signs recognized by camera on the display so you don’t miss them

Looking to import the new 2019 Toyota Rav4? Click here to view available units.

You have just been posted to Kenya on your work assignment, congratulations and karibu Kenya!

You are probably already dreaming of safaris (yay Masai Mara!) and driving on the vast open roads as you explore the beautiful country side.

Not forgetting getting to and from work, obviously!

As such, a vehicle is already on the top of your to do list.

If you are looking to import a quality, low mileage pre-owned vehicle with the duty free facility, here is a flow of how you would go about it:

1.Decide what car you want
2.Settle on an importing agent such as Jap Imports Ltd
3.Agree on car specs i.e. make, color, mileage, payment schedule, timelines etc.
4.Give import go ahead

As your car is enroute to Mombasa duty exemption documents should be prepared. Depending on your organization’s status it could be the Pro 1B or DA1.

These documents should be prepared by the protocol officer in your organization.

To prepare duty exemption papers 3 things are needed:
•Commercial invoice of the vehicle
•Bill of Lading
•Inspection Certificate

The Pro 1B or DA1 documents are prepared in duplicate. Your protocol officer will be issued with one, and the second one circulates internally in the relevant government offices. The second duplicate will be compared with the one your clearing agent submits at the port.

For customs clearing the following documents are needed:

•Original Passport
•If working for the UN or UN affiliated organizations the Laissez Passer
•Original job ID
•Original Pro 1B or DA1
•Original car documents which your agent will have

From here your agent will go ahead and clear the vehicle with customs in the ordinary way.
The car will then be delivered to you.

Registration Plates– These will be provided to you by your protocol officer.

NOTE: Your original passport is required to clear the car at customs. On average, and barring any unforeseen delays- this could take 10 working days. It is best not to plan any overseas trips within this time frame.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a new CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) to guide car importers on duty applicable for vehicle imports.

The new CRSP was released on 14th March 2019 and will take effect on 25th March 2019. As is typical the CRSP reflects some changes in the pricing of several cars such as the Audi Q7 and Jaguar XF.

Most significantly this latest CRSP clearly separates the prices of various Land Cruiser trims removing the confusion that was there in the past on duty payable for each trim.

Now the land cruiser GX, AX and VX/ZX trims each have a separate price as shown below:

In 2004, Toyota stopped the production of the popular Hilux, which it had been producing since 1968. During its years of production it was sold in over 180 countries, with global sales hitting 17.3 million. Production however continued select countries such as the UK, Thailand and South Africa.

The main reason for the reintroduction was increasing demand not only in the traditional commercial sector but also in the private sector. Toyota identified a need for customers to live ‘an active lifestyle’ which can be facilitated by a vehicle that is strong but also looks good on the road for private excursions.

What are some of the features of the new Toyota Hilux Pick Up?

•The exterior is designed to be ‘tough’ yet ‘emotional’ giving a sense of power and vigor. It comes in five exterior colors and a black interior.
•Available in single cab and double cab body styles
•Reinforced deck structure
•2.4l diesel engine, offering a powerful performance with a fuel efficiency of 11.8KM/L
•Features a part time 4WD, allowing the driver to change driving modes at the touch of a button.  The 2WD mode is ideal for urban areas and offers superior quietness and fuel efficiency. The 4WD mode is ideal for rough and slippery terrain.
•It features a high strength frame that ensures stability both on-road and off-road
•Large hand grips that allow easy entry and exit from the cabin

Good News for Kenya

The re-introduction is certainly good news for Kenyans who would like to import the Hilux. The import process from Japan is much easier compared to say Thailand. Cars used in Japan will also be much cleaner.
The Hilux is quite a versatile car and looks good on anyone- from a farmer to a company CEO. In Kenya we value functionality. This Hilux is the perfect balance. Because of its double cab feature you can easily ferry your family to and from the village, on a road trip etc. The spacious canopy allows you to carry luggage, materials or even a goat from the village!

Make your inquiries for the Toyota Hilux now!

After weeks of waiting your car has finally arrived at the port of Mombasa. Congratulations!

While your agent clears and registers the car at the port, there are a few things that you need to take care of on your end. It is important to do these things now so that you can enjoy your car without any problems.

1. Insurance

You need to buy an insurance cover for your car so that it is insured as it leaves the port. This is important especially if your car will be driven on road to your location.

2. Car Track
After the car arrives to your location the next thing is to install a car track system. The advantages of installing car track are obvious. Installing a tracker from a reputable company allows you to:
•    Know the location of your car at any given time, including where it has been
•    Stop theft- in case your car is stolen you can stop the engine from anywhere from your phone
•    Geo fence routes- this allows you to set an area of operation for your car e.g. Nairobi, especially if it’s a taxi/ car hire

3. Engine Service

The car you have imported is pre-owned. This means somebody was driving it in Japan. While the Japanese take excellent care of their cars, it is important to start on a fresh slate. Perform a full engine service to be confident as you drive.

4. Car Identity
This is etching of the registration number on side mirrors, windows and front lights etc. This is a great deterrent to petty thieves; no one will steal a marked mirror.  Car identity is also important because it helps to identify your car in instances of theft where the registration plates are missing.

5. Securing Spare Tire and Removable Parts

The unfortunate reality in Kenya is that petty crime thrives. You need to secure your spare tire especially for 4WDs, so that it’s not easily removed. Other small removable parts are riveted in.

6. Install Sump Guard
A sump guard is a metal plate fitted under the chassis of the car to protect it from mud, corrosion, debris and other impact especially when going off road.

7. Radio System
Most cars coming from Japan will have a Japanese radio system. This is quite useless in the Kenyan market. Fortunately you can change it to install something of your preference.

8. Tire Change

This is not always necessary, but if your tires have less than 50% treat you might want to buy new ones and start on a clean slate.

Thinking of importing a car? Talk to Jap Imports Ltd for clean imports and a smooth import process!

All vehicles being imported into Kenya must comply with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Verification of Conformity to Kenya Standards Imports Order of 2005. This order, also known as KS 1515:2000 is the “Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles and for the inspection of used vehicles for radioactive contamination and verification of odometer integrity”.

In Japan, KEBS has mandated QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan) and Auto Terminal to carry out pre-export verification  on its behalf, and issue inspection certificates.

The main role of these inspection bodies is to ensure that vehicles being imported to Kenya conform to KS 1515:2000

How does KEBS Inspection Work?

After you buy a car in Japan, your exporter applies for inspection. The car is then taken to one of the many inspection centers around Japan. QISJ / Auto Terminal conducts physical checks and also verifies the vehicles documents. If everything is in order, they issues a certificate giving a green light to export.
You will be required to show this inspection certificate as you clear your car at the port of Mombasa.

What specifically does QISJ/ Auto Terminal Inspect?

For cars coming to Kenya, QISJ/ Auto Terminal does pre-shipment inspection, in accordance with KS 1515:2020.
Key requirements to import a vehicle to Kenya are:
•    The vehicle must be right hand drive
•    The vehicle must be 8yrs old from the year of first registration
•    The difference between the year of manufacture and registration must be less than one year

After confirming that these 3 requirements are in order, they proceeds with physical inspection of the vehicle. Here they do:

•     External Inspection.
•     Internal Inspection.
•     Electrical Wiring, Equipment and Lighting System Inspection.
•    Radioactive contamination
•    Odometer integrity check

What happens if my car fails KEBS Inspection?

In the unfortunate scenario that your car fails the inspection, QISJ/ Auto Terminal will advise your exporting company.Depending on the problem they can recommend repair at a garage (in case of engine light on, dents etc.)

There are however instances where the car cannot be exported to Kenya (such is high radiation levels, extensive rust etc.) and you might have to purchase a different unit.

It is important to import with a reliable company that will bid for quality cars in the auction, rather than waste your time and money with re-inspections.

Talk to Us today for all your vehicle Import needs!