QISJ inspection for cars imported to Kenya is a compulsory step for most used vehicles shipped from Japan. Before a car can leave the Japanese port for Mombasa, it must pass a pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection by the agent appointed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). At the time of writing, that agent for Japan is QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Inc. Japan).
The inspection protects Kenyan buyers and road users. It confirms the car is safe, roadworthy, within the age limit and free of dangerous radiation. However, many buyers do not understand what is checked or what happens if a car fails. Therefore, this guide explains the whole process in plain language.
Inspection agents and rules can change. KEBS publishes the current appointed agents and requirements. As a result, always confirm the latest position before shipping, or work with an importer who does.
Why Kenya requires pre-shipment inspection
Kenya's standard for used motor vehicles, KS 1515, sets rules for imported used cars. They include the age limit, right-hand drive and roadworthiness. Pre-shipment inspection checks that each car meets the standard before it is shipped. Consequently, unsafe or non-compliant vehicles are stopped in the export country rather than at Mombasa.
Without a valid inspection certificate, a used car can face delays, penalties or even rejection at the port. Therefore, inspection is not optional.
What does the inspection check?
Age and identity
The inspector confirms the chassis number and checks the first registration date against export documents. In 2026, cars must be first registered in 2019 or later. Read our 8-year rule guide.
Roadworthiness
The inspector checks brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tyres, windscreen, wipers, seat belts, horn and the body structure. In addition, the car is checked for fluid leaks and obvious mechanical faults.
Emissions and exhaust
The exhaust system is checked for leaks and excessive smoke. Similarly, modifications that affect emissions may be flagged.
Radiation
Cars from Japan are scanned for radiation contamination. This check began after the 2011 Fukushima incident. Contaminated cars are rejected.
Right-hand drive
The inspector confirms the car is right-hand drive. Left-hand-drive vehicles are generally not allowed for private use in Kenya.
Common reasons cars fail inspection
Most failures are simple and fixable. For example, worn tyres, broken lights, cracked windscreens, faulty wipers or worn brake pads. Other reasons include oil leaks, excessive smoke and damaged seat belts.
More serious failures include structural damage, incorrect chassis numbers, age limit problems or radiation. These cars usually cannot be shipped to Kenya.
What happens if a car fails?
If a car fails for a fixable reason, the exporter repairs the fault and books a re-inspection. Therefore, minor failures cause short delays and small costs. In contrast, serious failures such as age or radiation mean the car cannot be exported to Kenya. Your importer should then refund or replace the car according to your agreement.
This is why we pre-check every car before booking inspection. As a result, our cars usually pass first time.
How booking works
The exporter or agent books inspection at an approved inspection centre near the port. They submit vehicle details and pay the inspection fee. The car is delivered to the centre on the booked date. After inspection, a certificate is issued if the car passes.
The certificate travels with the export documents. KRA and KEBS check it when the car arrives at Mombasa. Read our Mombasa clearing guide.
Inspection for UK and other markets
Cars from the UK, South Africa and other markets also need pre-shipment inspection by the KEBS-appointed agent for that country. The checks are similar. Read our UK import guide and UK export documents guide.
Inspection vs auction grading
Auction grading describes condition for buyers. The pre-shipment inspection checks safety and compliance for Kenya. A car can have a good auction grade and still fail inspection for something simple, like worn tyres. Similarly, a lower-grade car can pass inspection if it is safe. Read our auction sheet guide.
Inspection and hybrid or electric cars
Hybrids and electric cars follow the same inspection process. However, inspectors may note hybrid warning lights or battery issues. Therefore, check hybrid systems before booking. Read our hybrid import guide.
Inspection for commercial vehicles
Vans, buses and trucks such as the Hiace also need inspection. Some commercial categories have different age rules or extra checks. Read our commercial vehicle import guide.
How to pass inspection first time
First, buy a car with a clean auction sheet and good mechanical comments. Second, check tyres, lights, wipers and the windscreen before booking. Third, fix leaks and warning lights. Moreover, confirm the first registration date well within the age limit.
Finally, work with an exporter or importer who pre-checks cars. As a result, you avoid delays, re-inspection fees and missed sailings.
Our services: inspection handled for you
Elisa Motors manages inspection for buyers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and beyond. Here is what we do.
1. Pre-inspection checks
We check every car against common failure points before booking. Moreover, we fix minor issues such as tyres and bulbs.
As a result, cars usually pass first time.
2. Age and document verification
We verify the export certificate and first registration date. Similarly, we confirm the chassis number matches every document.
That avoids age-related rejections.
3. Booking and fees
We book inspection at an approved centre and pay the fees. The cost is included in your landed quote.
No surprise charges.
4. Re-inspection management
If a car fails for a fixable reason, we repair it and re-book quickly. In addition, we keep you updated on WhatsApp.
Delays are kept to a minimum.
5. Shipping
Once the car passes, we ship it to Mombasa. Read our shipping guide.
The certificate travels with the documents.
6. Clearing and registration
We clear the car at Mombasa and register it with NTSA. Read our NTSA registration guide.
You receive the logbook in your name.
7. Delivery
We deliver to Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Machakos, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyeri, Meru, Mombasa and Malindi.
Read our car transport guide.
Inspection timeline
Inspection usually happens within a few days of the car reaching the port area. Results are quick. If a re-inspection is needed, it may add several days. Therefore, plan for inspection to take about one week within the overall shipping timeline.
Inspection costs
Inspection fees are paid in the export country. They are a small part of the total landed cost. However, re-inspections add extra fees. We include standard inspection in our quotes.
Inspection and the 8-year rule: timing matters
Cars first registered in 2019 are at the edge of the age limit in 2026. If they ship late in the year, they may arrive after the cut-off changes. Consequently, we plan these purchases carefully. Read our 8-year rule guide.
Is the inspection certificate checked in Kenya?
Yes. KRA and KEBS check the certificate during clearing at Mombasa. Physical verification also confirms the car matches the documents. Missing or invalid certificates cause delays and penalties.
Popular cars that pass easily
Well-kept Toyotas such as the Aqua, Fielder and Harrier usually pass easily when bought at grade 4 or above. Similarly, Prados pass well if not damaged off-road. Small cars like the Nissan Note pass easily when tyres and lights are good.
What if the inspection agent changes?
KEBS appoints inspection agents for set periods. When agents change, procedures and fees may change too. Therefore, cars already inspected under an old agent may need to follow transition rules. We track these changes and adapt for our clients.
Inspection and self-importers
If you buy directly from a Japanese exporter, they usually book inspection. However, you should still confirm the certificate is valid and matches the car. Moreover, ask what happens if the car fails. Read our car import scams guide for warning signs.
A walk through inspection day
Here is what typically happens on inspection day. First, the car arrives at the approved inspection yard near the port, often in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe or Osaka. Next, staff confirm the chassis number and match it to the export certificate. Then the inspector checks the exterior, lights, glass and tyres.
After that, the car goes on a lift or pit for underbody checks. The inspector looks at brakes, steering joints, suspension, exhaust and fluid leaks. Meanwhile, a radiation scanner checks the body, tyres and air filter area. Finally, the inspector records the results. If the car passes, the certificate is issued and linked to the shipment.
Documents needed for inspection
The main document is the Japanese export certificate, which proves the car has been deregistered for export. In addition, the inspection agent needs the chassis number, make, model, year and the exporter's details. Similarly, the consignee details for Kenya are recorded. Mistakes in names or numbers cause delays, so we check every entry.
Small faults that commonly cause failure
In practice, most failures come from small items. For example, a cracked windscreen in the driver's view, a blown number-plate bulb or a worn wiper blade. Moreover, tyres with low tread or visible cracks often fail. Seat belts that do not retract properly also fail.
Therefore, a quick pre-check saves days. We replace worn tyres, bulbs and wipers before booking. As a result, our cars rarely need re-inspection.
Radiation checks explained
After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, many importing countries added radiation screening for Japanese vehicles. The scan measures surface radiation on the car. Levels above the threshold mean the car cannot be exported to Kenya.
Today, contaminated cars are rare. Still, the check remains part of the process. Consequently, buyers can be confident that cars arriving in Mombasa have been screened.
Inspection and modified cars
Cars with heavy modifications can face extra scrutiny. Lowered suspension, aftermarket exhausts, very large wheels or tinted windscreens may cause failures. Moreover, some modifications can affect registration in Kenya. Therefore, we prefer standard, unmodified cars for our clients.
What inspection does not cover
Pre-shipment inspection focuses on safety and compliance. It does not guarantee the engine or gearbox will last for years. Similarly, it does not check every electronic feature. That is why we also read the auction sheet, verify mileage and check known weak points for each model. Read our mileage check guide.
Inspection for returning residents and diplomats
Returning residents and diplomats bringing personal cars may follow special procedures. However, most still need inspection and must meet safety rules. Read our duty exemptions guide for an overview.
Tips for buyers using exporters directly
If you buy from an exporter's website, ask whether inspection is included in the price. Ask for a copy of the certificate before the car ships. Moreover, check that the certificate shows the correct chassis number. Finally, ask in writing what happens if the car fails. Read our Japanese auctions guide for more.
Inspected cars and landed prices
Here are popular cars we regularly inspect and ship, with landed prices that already include inspection, shipping, duty and registration.
Toyota Aqua specifications by version
Here is how each Toyota Aqua version we import compares. All of them seat 5, and you can import them from Japan.
Toyota Aqua S 1.5 Hybrid. This version uses a 1.5-litre hybrid engine with 100 hp, a e-cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 34 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 1.3M – 1.55M.
Toyota Aqua G 1.5 Hybrid. This version uses a 1.5-litre hybrid engine with 100 hp, a e-cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 33 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 1.45M – 1.7M.
Toyota Aqua Crossover 1.5 Hybrid. This version uses a 1.5-litre hybrid engine with 100 hp, a e-cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. As a result, it returns about 32 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 1.5M – 1.75M.
Every Toyota Aqua we import includes these key features: full hybrid system, 30+ km/L, EV mode for silent low-speed driving, push start & smart key, toyota Safety Sense and ideal for taxi & ride-hailing.
Nissan Note specifications by version
Here is how each Nissan Note version we import compares. All of them seat 5, and you can import them from Japan.
Nissan Note X 1.2. This version uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 79 hp, a cvt automatic gearbox and two-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 20 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 0.95M – 1.15M.
Nissan Note e-Power X. This version uses a 1.2-litre hybrid engine with 109 hp, a e-power (single-speed) gearbox and two-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 34 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 1.3M – 1.55M.
Nissan Note e-Power Nismo. This version uses a 1.2-litre hybrid engine with 136 hp, a e-power (single-speed) gearbox and two-wheel drive. As a result, it returns about 30 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 1.55M – 1.8M.
Every Nissan Note we import includes these key features: roomy compact hatch, e-Power drive option, around View Monitor, emergency braking and low running costs.
Both models pass inspection easily when tyres, lights and glass are in good order. Moreover, they are among the cheapest cars to import and run. Read our cheap Japanese cars guide and browse hybrid cars for more options.
Where we deliver
We serve buyers across Nairobi, including Kilimani, Westlands, South B, South C, Syokimau, Ruaka and Rongai. We also serve Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Thika, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Machakos, Meru and Kakamega. At the coast, we serve Mombasa, Nyali and Malindi.
Start your Japan import
Use the order form on this page, call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. You can also read our Japan import guide or the full import guide.
