Importing a vehicle into Kenya involves navigating various taxes and duties that can significantly impact the total cost. In this article, we will explore the import taxes for an 8-year Mitsubishi RVR/ASX 2350CC, 2WD petrol-fueled vehicle using the example of Oscar Wanjohi. Understanding these taxes is crucial for budgeting effectively and ensuring compliance with Kenyan regulations.

Vehicle Overview

Oscar Wanjohi plans to import an 8-year Mitsubishi RVR/ASX. Here are the key details:

ComponentAmount (KES)
Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP)4,103,500.00
Depreciation65%
Customs Value660,333.33
Import Duty (35%)231,116.67
Excise Value891,450.00
Excise Duty (25%)222,862.50
VAT (16%)178,290.00
Import Declaration Fee (IDF) (3.5%)23,111.67
Railway Development Levy (RDL) (2%)13,206.67
Total Taxes668,587.50

Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP)

To begin, the CRSP of the Mitsubishi RVR/ASX stands at KES 4,103,500.00. This price serves as the starting point for calculating all subsequent import taxes.

Depreciation

Next, apply depreciation to the CRSP to find the customs value. With a depreciation rate of 65%, only 35% of the original price remains.

Depreciation Calculation

To determine the depreciated value, calculate 35% of the CRSP:

  • Depreciated Value: 35% of KES 4,103,500 equals KES 1,436,225.

However, for import purposes, the customs value is listed as KES 660,333.33, reflecting specific regulations set by the KRA.

Customs Value

Using the customs value of KES 660,333.33, we then proceed to calculate the import duty and other related taxes. This figure is crucial for determining the total import taxes for the 8-year Mitsubishi RVR/ASX.

Import Duty

Calculate the import duty at 35% of the customs value:

  • Import Duty Calculation: 35% of KES 660,333.33 equals KES 231,116.67.

Excise Value

Determine the excise value by adding the customs value to the import duty:

  • Excise Value Calculation: Adding KES 660,333.33 (Customs Value) and KES 231,116.67 (Import Duty) results in KES 891,450.00.

Excise Duty

Next, calculate the excise duty at 25% of the excise value:

  • Excise Duty Calculation: 25% of KES 891,450.00 equals KES 222,862.50.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Apply VAT at 16% to the total of the customs value, import duty, and excise duty:

  • VAT Base Calculation: Adding KES 660,333.33 (Customs Value), KES 231,116.67 (Import Duty), and KES 222,862.50 (Excise Duty) results in KES 1,114,312.50.
  • VAT Calculation: 16% of KES 1,114,312.50 amounts to KES 178,290.00.

Import Declaration Fee (IDF)

Calculate the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) at 3.5% of the customs value:

  • IDF Calculation: 3.5% of KES 660,333.33 equals KES 23,111.67.

Railway Development Levy (RDL)

Similarly, calculate the Railway Development Levy (RDL) at 2% of the customs value:

  • RDL Calculation: 2% of KES 660,333.33 equals KES 13,206.67.

Total Taxes

Finally, sum the import duty, excise duty, VAT, IDF, and RDL to determine the total taxes:

  • Total Taxes Calculation: Adding KES 231,116.67 (Import Duty), KES 222,862.50 (Excise Duty), KES 178,290.00 (VAT), KES 23,111.67 (IDF), and KES 13,206.67 (RDL) totals KES 668,587.50.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the import taxes for an 8-year Mitsubishi RVR/ASX helps Oscar Wanjohi budget accurately and ensures he meets Kenyan import regulations. This detailed breakdown provides a comprehensive view of the financial commitments involved in importing a vehicle into Kenya, allowing for better planning and compliance.