G-Wagon import duty in Kenya is a large share of the price you pay for a Mercedes G-Class. Because the G-Class has one of the highest KRA valuations of any SUV, taxes can add millions of shillings. Therefore, understanding how duty works helps you budget, compare quotes and choose the right version.
This guide explains KRA's CRSP valuation, each tax, why the G63 pays more than the G400d and what importing from the UK, Japan or Dubai involves. Moreover, it covers clearing at Mombasa and registration. Finally, it explains how Elisa Motors gives you one all-inclusive price.
KRA updates its values and rates from time to time. Therefore, we explain the method rather than quote fixed duty figures. For an exact number on a specific car, ask us for a written quote.
G-Wagon landed prices including duty
These indicative landed prices include every KRA tax, shipping, clearing and registration for 2019-or-newer cars.
| Model & version | Engine | Est. landed price (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d | 2.9L Diesel, 330 hp | KES 20M – 24M |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 4.0 V8 | 4.0L Petrol, 422 hp | KES 22M – 26M |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG | 4.0L Petrol, 585 hp | KES 28M – 36M |
What is CRSP and why does it matter?
CRSP stands for Current Retail Selling Price. KRA publishes a CRSP schedule listing values for each make, model, engine and version. When you import a car, KRA uses this value, not your purchase price, as the starting point for tax.
KRA then applies a depreciation allowance based on the car's age. Newer cars get less depreciation, so they pay more duty. As a result, a 2023 G63 pays more than a 2019 G63, even if the purchase prices were similar.
The G-Class has very high CRSP values, especially the G63. Consequently, duty is a large part of its landed cost.
Taxes on a G-Wagon import
Import duty
Import duty is charged on the customs value under the East African Community Common External Tariff.
Excise duty
Excise duty is charged on the customs value plus import duty. The rate depends on engine size and fuel type. The G63's 4.0 V8 and the G400d's 2.9 six-cylinder may fall into different bands.
VAT
VAT at 16% is charged on the customs value plus import duty plus excise duty. Because it sits on top of the other taxes, it adds a lot on an expensive car.
IDF and RDL
The Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy are charged on the customs value. On a high-value car, they add up too.
Read our KRA duty calculator guide for the full method.
G63 vs G400d vs G550 duty
The G63 AMG has the highest CRSP value, so it pays the most duty. The G400d has a lower value and a different engine, so it pays less. Meanwhile, the G550 sits between them.
Therefore, if budget matters, the G400d gives you the G-Class experience with a much lower tax bill. It also uses far less fuel.
Importing a G-Wagon from the UK
The UK offers right-hand-drive G-Classes with full Mercedes dealer history. Approved-used cars come with warranties. In addition, MOT records confirm mileage. Shipping to Mombasa takes about five to seven weeks.
Some UK dealer cars are VAT qualifying. When exported correctly, UK VAT may be removed, lowering the purchase price. Read our German cars from the UK guide.
Importing a G-Wagon from Japan
Japanese G-Classes are right-hand drive and often very low mileage. Auction sheets document condition. Shipping to Mombasa takes about four to six weeks. However, Japanese navigation systems may need English conversion.
Read our auction sheet guide.
Importing a G-Wagon from Dubai
Dubai has many G-Classes, and some Kenyans look there first. However, most Gulf-spec G-Classes are left-hand drive. Kenya does not allow left-hand-drive cars for general private use. Therefore, a typical Dubai G-Class cannot be registered here.
Some right-hand-drive cars pass through Dubai from the UK or Japan. Those can work, but check the history and spec carefully.
Clearing a G-Wagon at Mombasa
Your clearing agent lodges the customs entry, KRA assesses duty, you pay and the car is physically verified. KRA checks that the car matches the declared version. Subsequently, the port releases it. Read our Mombasa clearing guide.
Delays add storage charges. Moreover, mis-declared versions lead to penalties. Therefore, accurate documents and an experienced agent matter.
Registration and number plates
After clearing, the car is registered with NTSA and receives a logbook and plates. Read our NTSA registration guide.
Our services: G-Wagon imports with duty included
Elisa Motors handles every tax and every step. Here is what we do for buyers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and beyond.
1. Exact duty before purchase
We calculate duty for the exact version and year using KRA's current CRSP schedule. As a result, you know the tax before we buy.
We can compare versions too, such as a G400d and a G63.
2. UK and Japan sourcing
We search UK dealers and Japanese auctions for your spec. Moreover, we verify history, mileage and options.
See our G-Wagon price guide.
3. One all-inclusive price
Your quote includes the car, freight, insurance, every KRA tax, port charges, clearing and registration. In other words, no surprise top-ups.
Payment terms are agreed in writing first.
4. Correct documentation
We prepare the export certificate, invoice, bill of lading and customs documents. Correct paperwork avoids delays and penalties.
We also confirm the exact version for KRA verification.
5. Secure shipping
We quote container and RoRo options, with marine insurance. Read our shipping guide.
We track the vessel and update you on WhatsApp.
6. Fast clearing and registration
Our clearing team works quickly to limit storage charges. Then we register the car with NTSA.
You receive the logbook in your name.
7. Delivery across Kenya
We deliver to Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, Gigiri, Lavington and other Nairobi areas. We also deliver to Nakuru, Nanyuki, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyali, Vipingo and Diani.
Covered carriers protect the paint and wheels.
G-Class versions and landed prices
Here is how each Mercedes-Benz G-Class version we import compares. All of them seat 5, and you can import them from UK or Japan.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d. This version uses a 2.9-litre diesel engine with 330 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. In addition, it returns about 10 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 20M – 24M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds inline-6 diesel, three diff locks.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 4.0 V8. This version uses a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 422 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. Moreover, it returns about 7 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 22M – 26M.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG. This version uses a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 585 hp, a 9-speed amg speedshift gearbox and four-wheel drive. As a result, it returns about 7 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 28M – 36M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds AMG side exhausts, 22" wheels, AMG Night package.
Every Mercedes-Benz G-Class we import includes these key features: three locking differentials, ladder frame, G63 AMG V8, iconic design and luxury interior.
How to lower your G-Wagon import cost
Choose the G400d instead of the G63 if you can. It pays less duty and uses less fuel. Consider a slightly older car within the 8-year window, which benefits from more depreciation. Moreover, choose RoRo shipping if you are comfortable with it.
Clear quickly to avoid storage. However, never under-declare the car. KRA verifies every vehicle, and penalties are severe.
Common G-Wagon import mistakes
First, buying a left-hand-drive car from Dubai. Second, comparing CIF prices instead of duty-paid prices. Third, buying a car that misses the 8-year window. Finally, paying a deposit to an unverified seller. Read our car import scams guide.
Duty on other luxury SUVs
The Mercedes GLE and GLS have lower CRSP values than the G-Class. The Range Rover and Land Cruiser 300 also attract high duty. Read our Mercedes SUV price guide.
How age affects G-Wagon duty
KRA applies a depreciation allowance to the CRSP value based on the car's age. The older the car, the bigger the allowance and the lower the tax. However, cars must still be within the 8-year window to be imported at all.
Therefore, a 2019 G-Class often pays noticeably less duty than a 2023 car of the same version. That said, the older car also has more mileage and a shorter remaining import window. Consequently, we help you find the best balance for your budget.
What if KRA revalues the car?
Sometimes KRA's valuation differs from what an importer expected. That can happen if the version was declared wrongly or the CRSP schedule changed. In such cases, extra duty may be payable before release.
Importers can request a review if they believe a valuation is wrong. However, the process takes time, and storage charges keep running. Therefore, accurate declarations from the start are the best protection. In our quotes, we explain who carries this risk.
Documents needed to clear a G-Wagon
Clearing needs a clear paper trail. The main documents include the original export certificate or V5C, the purchase invoice, the bill of lading and the KEBS inspection certificate. In addition, you need your KRA PIN and ID or passport.
Missing or inconsistent documents cause delays. As a result, storage charges and frustration increase. We prepare and check every document before the ship arrives.
Timeline for a G-Wagon import
A typical G-Wagon import takes about six to ten weeks. Sourcing and checks take one to two weeks. Shipping from Japan takes about four to six weeks and from the UK five to seven weeks. Clearing and registration then take about one week.
Container shipping can add a little time. However, it adds protection for high-value cars. We update you on WhatsApp at each stage.
Duty exemptions and special cases
Returning residents, diplomats and some international staff may qualify for duty concessions. Strict conditions apply, and selling such a car later can trigger duty. Read our duty exemptions guide for an overview.
Mercedes GLS: a lower-duty luxury alternative
Here is how each Mercedes-Benz GLS version we import compares. All of them seat 7, and you can import them from UK or Japan.
Mercedes-Benz GLS GLS400d 4MATIC. This version uses a 2.9-litre diesel engine with 330 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and AWD. In addition, it returns about 12 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 15M – 18M.
Mercedes-Benz GLS GLS580 4MATIC. This version uses a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 489 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and AWD. Moreover, it returns about 8 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 17M – 21M.
Mercedes-Benz GLS GLS63 AMG 4MATIC+. This version uses a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 612 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and AWD. As a result, it returns about 7 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 22M – 27M.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. This version uses a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 558 hp, a 9-speed automatic gearbox and AWD. Similarly, it returns about 7 km/L and lands in Kenya at roughly KES 30M – 38M. Furthermore, compared with lower trims, it adds 4 seats, reclining rear, Maybach two-tone.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLS we import includes these key features: 7 full-size seats, 4MATIC, air suspension, maybach GLS600 and limousine comfort.
The GLS offers seven seats and limousine-like comfort. Its CRSP values sit below the G63 for most versions, so it often pays less duty. However, the Maybach GLS 600 is a different story, with a very high value of its own. As a result, always compare the exact versions you are considering.
Why duty-paid quotes beat "cheap" adverts
Many online adverts show attractive G-Wagon prices. Often, these are CIF or FOB prices that exclude duty. Others exclude registration, clearing or delivery. Consequently, buyers compare the wrong numbers.
A duty-paid, registered quote shows the true cost of putting the car on Kenyan roads. Therefore, always ask for that figure. We give it in every quote, with every component listed.
Registration fees and plates
After duty is paid, NTSA registration adds a smaller but real cost. It covers the logbook, number plates and processing. Moreover, some buyers choose personalised plates, which cost extra and usually take longer to process. We include standard registration in every quote, so there are no surprises when your G-Wagon is finally ready to drive home.
Where we deliver
We serve buyers across Nairobi, including Westlands, Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, Gigiri, Lavington and Kileleshwa. We also serve Nakuru, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Eldoret and Kisumu. At the coast, we serve Mombasa, Nyali, Vipingo, Kilifi and Diani.
Get your G-Wagon duty quote
Use the order form on this page or open the G-Class page. Questions? Call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. You can also read our G63 price guide or contact us.
