The process of importing a car into Uganda begins by identifying your car of choice. The car can be identified online on any of the renown sites like Befoward which lists multiple used brands available for sale in Japan.
At Bigwings, we also have a good portfolio of cars available for import that are listed on our website and anyone can check them out.
Alternatively, you can share any other website link or details of your preferred vehicle with us and we will help with the process of securing your vehicle up to Kampala.
Used cars must undergo a “Road Worthiness Inspection” performed by selected agencies in conjunction with the UNBS. In Japan there’s JEVIC which issues a mandatory inspection report recognised in Uganda. The inspection ensures the car has genuine mileage, and that its tires, brakes, and lights are all in good condition. The car must also not be hostile or damaging to the local environment, such as emitting toxic gases due to a malfunctioning engine or having overly rusted parts.
The buyer proceeds to place an offer on their vehicle of preference and negotiation ensues with the dealer. Upon agreement, the buyer can have the car reserved for 24 to 48 hours pending payment.
This process can as well be conducted physically through one of the physical offices within Kampala as most of the reputable dealers have opened up branches here.This is considered the most reliable & safest mode of transaction, however, one can always opt for an international transfer that can then be verified through their offices here.
Upon confirmation of payment which includes Cost & freight as well as inspection(CIF), the shipping process begins on the dealer’s side.
Vehicles can be shipped via Roll on – Roll off services or in secure containers.
Roll on Roll off shipping; This is the cheapest method for shipping cars to Mombasa which makes it the most popular choice. Cars are driven onto the ship’s deck and secured with large straps before leaving for Mombasa.
Container shipping; This is the most viable option for high value cars. The process involves carefully loading the cars into either single 20ft containers or a shared 40ft container where they are secured prior to locking the container. One can ship additional items in the container such as accessories or household items. This is a more expensive method of shipping but it provides gives peace of mind security-wise.
It is advisable to use a clearing agent at this stage to assist with the paperwork. At Bigwings, we will be glad to assist our clients with this journey as well. The agent conducts an assessment of taxes for the particular vehicle in line with the prevailing URA valuation guide.
Taxes applicable include import duty, VAT, withholding tax, the environmental levy(charged on vehicles over 8 years from date of manufacture), stamp duty, infrastructure levy as well as a number of fixed charges including but not limited to the registration fees, third-party insurance, bond fees, number plate, agency fee etc
Taxes are subject to change with time in accordance with the law, and a reputable clearing agent might come in handy to avoid inconveniences.
Some of the documents required for the clearance of the imported vehicles include:
Upon clearance, the buyer will receive a number plate and they can freely drive the vehicle out of the bond. This whole process from the time of shipping might take between 30 to 60 days, depending on the original location of the vehicle and the means. Albeit uncommon in Uganda, one can opt for air freight for faster importation of their vehicle. We import most vehicles in Uganda from Japan and Europe.
