A clearing agent for auto parts serves a trade that runs on volume, variety and thin margins, and faces two separate policy questions: is the part new or used, and is it genuine? Kenya’s used-spares policy has been described in conflicting ways by KEBS over the years, and counterfeit goods remain a major enforcement priority. If you import vehicle parts for resale or workshops, here’s what to get right.

Two Questions Auto Parts Importers Must Answer

First, condition: new parts and used parts are treated differently. Second, authenticity: counterfeit parts are a safety risk and an enforcement focus. Your clearance strategy depends on both, so settle them with the supplier before shipment, not at the port.

New vs Used: Know the Policy and Its History

KEBS has identified 17 categories, including tyres, brake pads, bearings, spark plugs, clutch plates, filters, hoses and ball joints, that are meant to be imported new rather than used. Public explanations of the rule have varied, sometimes framing it as a condition restriction and sometimes as a packaging one, as we explain in our spare parts guide. New parts face no such restriction. Confirm the current position directly if you deal in used stock.

Counterfeit Risk and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority

ACA’s own analysis found that most counterfeit goods it seizes are imported rather than locally made, and its IPR recordation system lets rights holders register brands so customs can verify genuine products at the border. Importing goods without proper IP authority can bring seizure and prosecution. Keep distributor agreements and brand authorisation letters on file, and read our Anti-Counterfeit Authority guide.

Certification and Packaging

Many auto-part categories fall under KEBS pre-export verification, and parts imported loose or poorly packaged have attracted attention in past enforcement. Ask your supplier for properly packed, labelled goods with clear part numbers and brand markings, and check certification requirements per category before ordering.

Batteries, Oils and Other Special Items

Lead-acid batteries carry environmental accountability under EPR, as our battery guide explains. Lubricants, coolants and chemicals can trigger NEMA chemical rules and hazardous-packaging obligations, as well as dangerous-goods handling in transit. Plan these lines separately from ordinary parts.

Documentation Pack for Auto Parts

Itemised invoice with part numbers, brands, quantities and unit values
Packing list matching the invoice
Brand authorisation or distributor letters for branded lines
Certificates required for regulated categories
Certificate of Origin, export declaration document and Advance Cargo Declaration reference
Local marine cargo insurance certificate

Mixed parts containers should be classified line by line, using our HS code guide.

Working With Clearon Logistics on Auto Parts

We help parts importers confirm the new-versus-used position, document brand authority, classify mixed consignments properly and itemise every cost so margins stay visible.

Importing vehicle parts for resale or workshop use? Talk to Clearon Logistics before you place your next order, and we’ll check condition, certification and brand documentation first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import used vehicle spare parts into Kenya? KEBS has named 17 categories meant to be imported new, but its public explanations have varied. Confirm the current position for your parts before importing used stock.

Do new auto parts face restrictions? New parts in the named categories face no condition-based restriction, though certification and packaging requirements can still apply.

How does the Anti-Counterfeit Authority affect parts importers? ACA focuses heavily on imported counterfeits and operates an IPR recordation system, so brand authorisation documents are valuable to keep.

Do batteries and lubricants need separate handling? Yes. Batteries fall under EPR, and oils and chemicals can trigger environmental and dangerous-goods requirements.