Everything you need to know about Kenya’s CRSP 2025 update. Discover how KRA import duty is now calculated, what’s changing, and how it affects taxes on small and prestige car imports and what to do.
Understanding CRSP 2025: What It Means for KRA Import Duty in Kenya
Who are the big winners and losers in the new CRSP and what to do now
What’s New?
From 1 July 2025, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is implementing a major overhaul to the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) system used in calculating KRA Car Duty. This update marks the most significant change since 2019, driven by updated market data and extensive stakeholder consultations.
What is CRSP & How It Works
The Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) official benchmark for determining the value of new cars. It is primarily used to calculate depreciation based on the age of a vehicle, which directly influences the amount of duty payable. This valuation method forms the foundation for calculating KRA Kenya Duty, including import duty, excise tax, VAT, and other associated levies. By relying on standardised pricing, the CRSP system helps reduce disputes over vehicle valuations and ensures a more consistent approach to tax assessment.
🔧 How the CRSP System Works
- The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) assigns an official Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) to each new car model.
- This value is then adjusted for depreciation, depending on the vehicle’s age.
- All applicable taxes—such as import duty, excise duty, and VAT—are calculated based on the depreciated CRSP value.
- The importer then pays the total amount required to clear the vehicle through customs.
📈 CRSP July 2025 Changes Explained: How KRA Import Duty is Now Calculated
The Kenya Revenue Authority has introduced several critical updates to the CRSP system that will directly impact how vehicle import taxes are calculated. Here's what importers need to know:
Expanded CRSP Database
The KRA has increased the number of vehicles listed in the CRSP database from approximately 3,000 models in 2019 to over 5,200 models in the 2025 update. This means a wider range of vehicles now have a fixed benchmark value, which helps reduce valuation disputes and ensures a more consistent and transparent approach to calculating KRA Kenya Duty.
Higher Duty Rates & Adjusted Variables
Importers should be aware that the import duty rate has risen from 25% to 35%, while excise duty can now reach up to 35%, depending on the type of vehicle. Additionally, the exchange rate used to calculate duty has shifted from KES 100 to KES 130 per USD, aligning with current market rates. These changes will significantly increase the overall import cost for many vehicles, especially budget and mid-range models.
More Granular Valuation
The new CRSP values are far more model-specific, taking into account a vehicle’s exact trim, engine type, drive configuration, and body style. This replaces the older, more general approach based on engine size alone. The goal is to more accurately reflect a car’s true market value and ensure a fair and consistent calculation of KRA Car Duty across all vehicle types.
CRSP 2025 Impact on Small Car Imports: How KRA Duty Affects Vitz & Swift
Popular budget imports face steep tax hikes under the new system
For many popular compact models, the increases have been steep. Below, we highlight the small cars that have seen the largest CRSP hikes, how much they’ve increased by, and what this means for you.
🚘 Top Small Car CRSP Increases
The Toyota Vitz Hybrid F saw a nearly 50% jump in its CRSP value, substantially increasing its tax burden.
With a CRSP more than doubling, the Suzuki Swift 1.2L is one of the hardest-hit compact imports.
The Probox Hybrid’s CRSP increase of over 70% puts added pressure on budget utility imports.
The Alto Hybrid X has more than doubled in value under the new CRSP, affecting kei-class affordability.
The popular Mazda Demio XD urban hatchback now attracts significantly higher taxes due to its new valuation.
Although a sportier variant, the Swift Sport is still a compact model that’s seen a major increase in CRSP.
KRA Import Duty Benefits? How CRSP 2025 Could Lower Taxes on Prestige Cars
Why high-end car buyers may save under the new regime
While most small cars have risen sharply, some larger or luxury models have seen noticeable drops in CRSP, offering a potential savings for high-end buyers
The July 2025 CRSP update brought significant reductions for a number of popular luxury models, translating to substantial tax savings for buyers. Savings can be found on the very popular Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Mercedes E250. See the details below.
Does the KRA CRSP 2025 Lower Taxes on all Prestige Cars?
Our analysis shows that the majority of popular premium vehicles imported into Kenya have seen a sharp rise in their Current Retail Selling Prices (CRSP) under the new 2025 framework. In many cases, the CRSP has increased by 65% to over 200%, leading to significantly higher import duty liabilities, especially for newer vehicles around three years old.
However, not every model has been hit with higher taxes. Some, like the Toyota Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser, now benefit from reduced import duties. This suggests that their previous CRSP values may have been overestimated — and the revised, invoice-driven valuation has worked in their favour.
This variation across models highlights the real impact of CRSP 2025: while it introduces consistency and transparency, it also shifts the tax burden depending on the vehicle type, age, and value. For importers and buyers alike, understanding these shifts is now more important than ever.
Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213): The CRSP value dropped from KSh 6,000,000 to KSh 4,320,000, saving importers approximately KSh 1,680,000 — a 28% reduction.
Mercedes-Benz S500 (W222): This model saw a reduction from KSh 16,000,000 to KSh 12,000,000, resulting in a saving of KSh 4,000,000 or 25%.
Lexus LX570: With a CRSP drop from KSh 15,900,000 to KSh 11,930,000, importers benefit from a KSh 3,970,000 saving — also a 25% decrease.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: The CRSP now stands at KSh 6,130,000, down from KSh 8,140,000 — a KSh 2,010,000 saving (25%).
The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (J200) is big news because it saw the steepest drop among luxury models, with its CRSP falling by 33% — a potential tax saving of over KSh 4.4 million depending on age and configuration.
Volkswagen Tiguan: The July 2025 CRSP update brought significant reductions for a number of popular luxury models, translating to substantial tax savings for importers:
These reductions, while not dramatic, are welcomed by the importers of luxury cars and SUVs as they improve the value of some of the most popular cars imported to Kenya in the premium segment.
Import Duty changes for popular premium car imports
Models with Lower Duties Under CRSP 2025
Toyota Prado (Diesel)
* CRSP increase: 95%
* Import duty has decreased by KSh 133,480 (3-year) and KSh 77,864 (7-year)
Toyota Land Cruiser (Diesel)
* CRSP increase: 65%
* Import duty down significantly: KSh 1.89M less (3-year) and KSh 1.1M less (7-year)
These reductions suggest that older CRSP values were likely inflated, and the new invoice-based calculation favours these models.
Models with Substantial Increases in Duties
Mercedes-Benz GLC (Petrol)
* CRSP up 173%
* Duty increase: KSh 2.08M (3-year), KSh 1.22M (7-year)
Ford Ranger (Diesel)
* CRSP up 175%
* Duty increase: KSh 1.39M (3-year), KSh 809K (7-year)
Porsche 911 (Petrol)
* CRSP up 209%
* Duty increase: KSh 6.53M (3-year), KSh 3.8M (7-year)
These cars are now more expensive to import, reflecting sharp rises in CRSP and highlighting the impact on luxury petrol and performance cars.
📈 Other Notable Increases
Mercedes-Benz S500 & S350 (Diesel)
* Both show CRSP increases >140%
* Duty increases between KSh 1.9M – 2.5M (3-year)
BMW X5 (Diesel)
* CRSP up 103%
* Duty increase of KSh 150,846 (3-year), KSh 87,994 (7-year)
Toyota Harrier (Petrol) – CRSP up 129%; duty increase of KSh 447K (3-year)
Toyota RAV4 (Petrol) – Smaller increase but still adds KSh 88K (3-year)
💡Summary of Trends
* Diesel SUVs like the Prado and Land Cruiser may benefit from CRSP 2025 with reduced duties.
* High-end German brands (Mercedes, BMW) and performance cars (Porsche) see the largest duty hikes.
* CRSP increases of 100–200% are now common for newer (3-year-old) cars, leading to significantly higher tax bills.
KRA Import Duty Breakdown Under CRSP 2025: What Every Importer Must Know
Kenya's tax structure for car imports remains broadly the same in terms of categories, but the way these taxes are calculated — and in some cases the actual rates — has changed significantly under CRSP 2025, effective from 1st July 2025.
Below is a comparison of the old vs. new tax structure, showing how each component has evolved and what impact it will have on your total import costs:
🚗 CRSP 2025: Tax Components Comparison Table
Import Duty has risen by 10 percentage points, now calculated on depreciated CRSP rather than fixed tables — this is the most noticeable cost increase.
Excise Duty now has a broader range (up to 35%) and is applied after import duty, making it a compounding cost.
VAT remains 16%, but it’s applied on the full taxable value, which is now generally higher under CRSP 2025.
Levies: The import declaration fee (IDF) and the railway development levy remain at their previous levels and are added to the calculation in the same way.
How to Prepare for CRSP 2025 and KRA’s New Import Duty Rules
Steps importers and buyers should take to make sure you navigate the new process smoothly.
✅ 1. Get Your Documentation in Order
Ensure you have complete, verifiable paperwork for every vehicle:
* Invoice from the supplier
* Bill of lading
* Freight and insurance documents
* Pre-shipment inspection certificate
This will be critical for KRA to accept your declared vehicle value under the new system.
✅ 2. Use Accurate CIF Valuations
Your import duty is now calculated based on the Cost, Insurance & Freight (CIF) value. Avoid estimating — use actual figures from your supplier and shipping agents to reduce the risk of reassessment.
✅ 3. Audit Your Supply Chain
Work only with reliable, transparent suppliers who can provide genuine documentation. KRA may reject suspiciously low invoices, so it’s important your partners are trustworthy and compliant.
✅ 4. Check the New CRSP Values in Advance
Review the updated CRSP 2025 list to understand how your target vehicles are priced under the new regime. This will help you forecast total taxes and avoid surprises at clearance.
✅ 5. Run Pre-Import Tax Calculations
Use KRA’s online duty calculator (once updated) or consult with a reputable clearing agent to estimate your total import costs, including duty, VAT, excise, IDF and RDL.
✅ 6. Plan Vehicle Age & Model Selection Strategically
Older vehicles (6–7 years) attract more depreciation, which may reduce taxable value. In contrast, 3-year-old vehicles may be taxed more heavily under CRSP 2025, especially if their market price has risen sharply.
✅ 7. Stay Updated with KRA Announcements
The rollout of CRSP 2025 may include clarifications or adjustments in the coming months. Subscribe to updates from KRA or industry forums to stay compliant.
✅ 8. Consult an Import Duty Specialist or Agent
If in doubt, work with an expert to handle your paperwork and customs clearance. They can help you avoid errors, reduce the risk of reassessment, and save money.
CRSP 2025 Summary: Key Takeaways on KRA Import Duty & Car Taxes
Final thoughts and what to do next
As CRSP 2025 takes effect from 1st July, it’s clear that Kenya’s vehicle import landscape is changing significantly. With taxes now calculated on actual invoice values, the focus has shifted to transparency, accurate documentation, and strategic planning. While some vehicles will attract higher duties under the new system, others — particularly select luxury models — may benefit from reduced CRSP values. Whether you're an individual buyer or a professional importer, understanding these changes is crucial to avoid costly surprises.
If you’re preparing to import a vehicle, now is the time to review your paperwork, run pre-import duty estimates, and choose your car wisely. And if you’re unsure how CRSP 2025 will affect your next import — our expert team is here to help you navigate it all with confidence.
CRSP 2025 FAQs: Navigating KRA Import Duty & Vehicle Valuation
Top questions answered for stress-free importing
- What is CRSP 2025 and when does it take effect?
CRSP 2025 refers to the updated Current Retail Selling Price schedule released by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). It replaces the older CRSP tables with a more dynamic, invoice-based valuation system. The new rules take effect from 1st July 2025 and apply to all used vehicle imports arriving into Kenya on or after this date
2. How is tax now calculated under CRSP 2025?
Taxes are calculated using the actual invoice value of the vehicle (known as CIF: Cost + Insurance + Freight), adjusted for depreciation and other applicable charges. Import duty, excise duty, VAT, IDF and RDL are then applied sequentially to this customs value.
3. What documentation is required for the new valuation system?
You’ll need to submit:
* A genuine purchase invoice
* Bill of lading
* Insurance documents
* Freight/shipping invoice
* Pre-shipment inspection certificate
The KRA may reject under-declared values if they suspect inconsistencies, so full transparency is essential.
4. Will my import taxes be higher or lower under CRSP 2025?
It depends on the vehicle.
* Budget and mid-range cars have often seen CRSP increases, resulting in higher taxes.
* Some luxury vehicles (e.g. Land Cruiser, Prado) have actually seen lower CRSP values, leading to reduced tax bills.
5. Can KRA still challenge my declared invoice value?
Yes. KRA reserves the right to verify and adjust your declared value if they believe it doesn’t reflect the true market value. They may consult global pricing databases or recent transactions to assess accuracy.
6. How do I check the new CRSP values?
The updated CRSP list is available on the KRA website or through licensed clearing agents. The 2025 version covers over 5,000 vehicle models, providing a more comprehensive pricing structure than before.
7. What happens if my vehicle was shipped before July 1st, 2025?
If your car arrives before 1st July 2025, it will be processed under the previous CRSP rules. Any vehicle arriving on or after this date will be subject to the new CRSP 2025 valuation method, even if purchased earlier.
8. Can I still import older vehicles?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is:
* Right-hand drive
* Eight years old or newer
* Passes KEBS & NTSA inspection
Vehicles outside this age or condition may be rejected at the port.
