Model Overview
The Toyota Hilux is a legendary pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capability. In China, the Hilux is not officially sold by Toyota, but a significant number of used units are imported from Japan, Australia, and the Middle East. Common variants available in China from 2020 to 2024 include:
- 2.7L Petrol (2TR-FE) – base workhorse, manual or automatic.
- 2.8L Diesel (1GD-FTV) – popular for torque and fuel economy, often in higher trims.
- 4.0L V6 Petrol (1GR-FE) – less common, but available for those wanting more power.
- GR Sport – high-performance variant with sport-tuned suspension and styling.
Most units are double-cab (4-door) with 4WD, and trims range from SR to SR5 and Invincible. Condition varies from 2020 models with 30,000-60,000 km to 2024 models with low mileage. The Hilux is highly sought after in Kenya for its reliability, suitability for rough terrain, and strong resale value.
China Domestic Price Range (FOB Shanghai)
As of early 2026, approximate FOB Shanghai prices for used Toyota Hilux (2020-2024) are:
- 2020-2021 models: $18,000 – $24,000
- 2022-2023 models: $25,000 – $32,000
- 2024 models: $33,000 – $40,000
These prices include the cost of the vehicle and loading onto the vessel at Shanghai port. They vary based on mileage, condition, trim, and specific features. For a precise quote, contact us with your preferred year, mileage, and budget.
Route from Shanghai to Kenya
The primary sea route from Shanghai to Kenya's main port, Mombasa, typically takes 22-28 days depending on the shipping line and transshipment. Common transshipment hubs include Singapore or Port Klang (Malaysia).
Shipping Method Recommendation:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Recommended for standard used vehicles. It is cost-effective and safe. The vehicle is driven on and off the vessel. Transit time is similar to container shipping. Cost for a single vehicle is around $1,200 – $1,800.
- Container (20ft or 40ft): Ideal if you want to ship spare parts or personal items with the vehicle. A 20ft container can hold one Hilux (with careful loading) and costs $1,500 – $2,200. A 40ft container can hold two vehicles, but loading is more complex and may incur extra charges.
For most buyers, RoRo is the simplest and most economical.
Duty and Taxes at Kenya Destination
Import duties and taxes in Kenya are based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) of the vehicle. As of 2026, the applicable rates are:
- Import Duty: 25% of CIF value.
- Excise Duty: 20% of (CIF + Import Duty) for vehicles with engine capacity >1500cc. (Note: Hilux engines are typically above 1500cc, so this applies).
- VAT: 16% of (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty).
- IDF (Import Declaration Fee): 3.5% of CIF value.
- RDL (Railway Development Levy): 2% of CIF value.
Additionally, there is a compliance fee and port charges which vary. As a rough example, for a Hilux with CIF of $25,000, the total taxes and levies would be approximately:
Import Duty: $6,250
Excise Duty (on $31,250): $6,250
VAT (on $37,500): $6,000
IDF: $875
RDL: $500
Total: ~$19,875 (about 79.5% of CIF).
These rates are subject to change; always verify with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) at the time of import.
Certification Required
To clear customs in Kenya, the following certifications are typically required:
- PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity): Mandatory for used vehicles. It is issued by an accredited inspection agency (e.g., Intertek, SGS, Bureau Veritas) in China before shipment. It confirms the vehicle meets Kenya's safety and environmental standards.
- Certificate of Roadworthiness: Issued by the inspection agency in China, verifying the vehicle's roadworthiness.
- Bill of Lading: Shipping document.
- Commercial Invoice: From the exporter.
- Import Declaration Form (IDF): Obtained from KRA before arrival.
Note: Kenya does not require SBKTS (used for Tanzania), GCC CoC (Gulf), or SONCAP (Nigeria). The PVoC is the key document.
What Documents GoldenLane Auto Provides
As a CCPIT-certified exporter, GoldenLane Auto provides the following documents with every vehicle:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin (CCPIT)
- PVoC Certificate (arranged by us with an accredited agency)
- Inspection Report (with photos and videos of the vehicle)
- Export Customs Declaration
- Title (if available) or Export Ownership Certificate
We handle all export formalities, ensuring a smooth process.
Timeline: Inquiry → CIF Quote → Deposit → Yard-in → Loading → Arrival
Here is a typical timeline for importing a used Hilux from China to Kenya:
- Day 0 – Inquiry: You contact us via WhatsApp or the inquiry form with your requirements (year, budget, etc.).
- Day 1-2 – CIF Quote: We provide a CIF Mombasa quote including vehicle price, shipping, insurance, and inspection fees.
- Day 3-5 – Deposit: You pay a 30% deposit to secure the vehicle. We then conduct a thorough inspection and prepare the export documents.
- Day 6-10 – Yard-in: The vehicle is delivered to our Shanghai yard, where it is cleaned, checked, and prepared for export. You receive photos and videos.
- Day 11-15 – Loading: The vehicle is loaded onto the vessel (RoRo or container). We send you the Bill of Lading and other documents.
- Day 16-40 – Transit: The vessel sails to Mombasa. You can track the vessel online.
- Day 41-45 – Arrival & Clearance: The vessel arrives. You or your clearing agent handle customs clearance with the documents we provided. We assist remotely if needed.
Total time from deposit to arrival is typically 6-8 weeks.
For a current quote and vehicle availability, contact us:
WhatsApp: 86-15556920288 or use our inquiry form.
Buyer FAQ
What is the approximate total cost to import a used Hilux from China to Kenya?
The total cost includes the vehicle price (FOB), shipping (around $1,500), insurance (0.3-0.5% of CIF), and Kenya import taxes (approx. 79.5% of CIF). For a $25,000 CIF, expect total taxes of about $19,875, bringing the total landed cost to roughly $45,000-$50,000 depending on the vehicle.
How long does shipping from Shanghai to Mombasa take?
Transit time is typically 22-28 days, depending on the shipping line and transshipment. Including loading and clearance, the entire process from deposit to arrival is about 6-8 weeks.
Do I need a PVoC certificate for a used vehicle import to Kenya?
Yes, PVoC is mandatory for used vehicles. GoldenLane Auto arranges this with an accredited inspection agency before shipment, and we include it in the documentation provided.
Can I ship a used Hilux in a container with other items?
Yes, you can ship in a 20ft or 40ft container. A 20ft container can hold one Hilux and some spare parts. However, RoRo is usually simpler and more cost-effective for a single vehicle.