How to Import OEM Spare Parts Directly from the UK to Kenya: Complete Guide

Finding the right spare part for your car can be frustrating, especially when the part is unavailable locally, difficult to verify, or expensive to source.

For owners of European vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Volvo and MINI, sourcing parts directly from the UK can provide access to a wider range of genuine and OEM components.

But how exactly do you order a spare part from the UK and get it delivered to Kenya?

The process is more straightforward when you know what information to provide, how to identify the correct part, which shipping method to choose and what to expect during customs clearance.

In this guide, we'll explain how to import OEM spare parts from the UK to Kenya, from identifying the correct part to getting it delivered to your door.

Quick Answer: How Do You Import OEM Spare Parts from the UK to Kenya?

To import OEM spare parts from the UK to Kenya, first identify the exact part you need using your vehicle details and, where possible, the OEM part number. You can then request a quotation from a UK supplier or exporter, confirm compatibility and availability, choose air or sea freight, and arrange shipping and customs clearance in Kenya.

The basic process is:

1. Identify the vehicle and required part.

2. Find the OEM or manufacturer part number.

3. Request a quotation.

4. Confirm compatibility, price and availability.

5. Choose air or sea freight.

6. Prepare the required shipping and customs documents.

7. Ship the parts from the UK.

8. Clear the shipment through Kenyan Customs.

9. Pay applicable taxes, duties and clearance charges.

10. Arrange delivery to your location.

UK RoadRunner provides a spare-parts sourcing and export service from the UK to Kenya, including genuine and OEM parts for all European vehicle brands. The parts are delivered in Nairobi every week.

What Are OEM Spare Parts?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

An OEM part is generally produced by the original equipment supplier or manufacturer associated with the vehicle's original components.

However, the terms OEM, genuine and aftermarket are not always interchangeable.

OEM vs Genuine vs Aftermarket Parts

For this reason, don't choose a part based only on the word "OEM" in an online listing. The manufacturer, part number, specification and supplier all matter.

Why Import OEM Spare Parts from the UK?

The UK has a large automotive aftermarket and parts-supply network, making it a useful sourcing market for European vehicle components.

Importing from the UK can give Kenyan vehicle owners and businesses access to:

• Genuine and OEM components

• A wider range of European vehicle parts

• Hard-to-find parts

• Manufacturer-specific components

• Specialist parts

• Potentially competitive pricing

• Parts that may not be readily available locally

For businesses, importing directly can also make sense when you need to source parts regularly for a garage, dealership, fleet or parts business.

UK RoadRunner currently sources genuine and OEM spare parts from the UK for European brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Porsche, Volvo and MINI.

Which Car Spare Parts Can You Import from the UK?

Depending on availability, you can source a wide range of vehicle components, including:

Engine Parts

• Engine components

• Belts

• Gaskets

• Filters

• Sensors

• Cooling components

Braking Parts

• Brake pads

• Brake discs

• Brake calipers

• Brake sensors

• Other braking components

Suspension and Steering

• Shock absorbers

• Control arms

• Bushes

• Ball joints

• Steering components

Electrical Components

• Sensors

• Switches

• Modules

• Alternators

• Starters

• Wiring components

Body and Exterior Parts

• Mirrors

• Lights

• Grilles

• Bumpers

• Body panels

• Trim

Interior Parts

• Switches

• Interior trim

• Controls

• Seats and related components

The availability of a particular part depends on the vehicle, manufacturer, supplier and applicable import requirements.

What Information Do You Need to Order the Correct Spare Part?

The more accurately you identify the vehicle and part, the lower the risk of ordering the wrong component.

Ideally, provide:

• Vehicle make

• Model

• Year

• Engine size

• Fuel type

• Transmission

• VIN/chassis number

• Registration number where applicable

• Part name

• OEM/part number

• Quantity required

• Photograph of the existing part, if available

Why Is the OEM Part Number Important?

The OEM or manufacturer part number is one of the most useful pieces of information when sourcing a replacement component.

Two vehicles can have the same model name but use different components depending on:

• Engine

• Production year

• Trim

• Market

• Transmission

• Facelift/generation

• Production date

For example, saying:

"I need brake pads for a BMW 3 Series"

may not provide enough information to identify the correct part.

Providing the VIN and part number, where available, gives the supplier much more information to work with.

Step-by-Step: How to Import OEM Spare Parts from the UK to Kenya

Step 1: Identify the Part You Need

Start by determining exactly which component needs replacing.

If you already have the old part, check whether it has a manufacturer's number printed or stamped on it.

Your mechanic may also be able to identify the required part number.

Step 2: Provide Your Vehicle Details

Give the supplier as much information as possible.

At minimum, provide:

Make + Model + Year + Engine + VIN/Chassis Number

If you have the OEM part number, include that as well.

This gives the supplier a better chance of matching the part correctly.

Step 3: Request a Quote

Once the part has been identified, request a quotation.

Your quotation should ideally distinguish between:

• Part price

• Quantity

• Shipping cost

• Applicable taxes or customs charges

• Clearance costs

• Local delivery

This gives you a better understanding of the potential landed cost rather than looking only at the price of the part. 

You can get a free quote from UK RoadRunner by filling out this order parts form.

Step 4: Confirm Compatibility and Availability

Before making payment, confirm:

• The exact part number

• Manufacturer

• Condition

• Quantity

• Compatibility

• Availability

• Expected sourcing lead time

This step can save you from the expensive mistake of receiving a part that does not fit your vehicle.

Step 5: Choose Your Shipping Method

The two main options are air freight and sea freight.

Air Freight

Air freight is generally better for:

• Urgent repairs

• Smaller orders

• Lightweight parts

• Individual vehicle owners

• Parts that are needed quickly

UK RoadRunner currently offers an approximate air-freight delivery timeframe of 5–7 business days to Nairobi, subject to the shipment and clearance process.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is generally more suitable for:

• Bulk orders

• Heavy shipments

• Garages

• Dealerships

• Fleet operators

• Businesses replenishing stock

UK RoadRunner currently offers approximately 6–8 weeks for sea freight to Mombasa for spare-parts shipments. Actual timelines can vary depending on the shipment and clearance process.

Air vs Sea Freight

Step 6: Prepare the Shipping and Customs Documentation

Importing spare parts isn't just about putting the parts in a box and shipping them.

The shipment needs the appropriate documentation for export and import clearance.

KRA's general import guidance states that importers should engage a licensed customs clearing agent and lists documents such as:

• Import Declaration Form (IDF)

• Customs declaration/entry

• Commercial invoice

• Pro forma invoice where applicable

• Certificate of Conformity for regulated products

• Import Standards Mark where applicable

Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the goods.

KRA's broader customs guidance also lists documents such as a Bill of Lading for sea cargo, Air Waybill for air cargo, certificate of origin, packing list, permits or licences where applicable, and other supporting documentation.

What About a Certificate of Origin?

Kenya introduced a mandatory Certificate of Origin requirement for imports from 1 July 2025, subject to specified exemptions and transitional/provisional arrangements. KRA's notice also identifies certain categories that are exempt, so the requirement should be checked against the specific shipment.

This is another reason to work with an experienced exporter and clearing agent rather than assuming that every shipment has exactly the same documentation requirements.

Step 7: Customs Clearance in Kenya

Once your parts arrive in Kenya, the shipment must go through customs clearance.

KRA states that importers generally need a licensed customs clearing agent to process import documentation electronically through the customs system.

The exact process depends on the shipment, but generally involves:

1. Submission of the customs declaration.

2. Verification of documentation.

3. Assessment of applicable duties and taxes.

4. Payment of assessed amounts.

5. Customs release.

6. Collection or delivery of the shipment.

UK RoadRunner spare-parts service coordinates customs clearance for shipments arriving in Kenya.

Do You Pay Customs Duty When Importing Spare Parts into Kenya?

Imported spare parts may be subject to customs duty, VAT and other applicable taxes or levies.

However, there is no single tax rate that applies to every spare part.

The amount payable can depend on factors including:

• The type of part

• HS/tariff classification

• Customs value

• Country of origin

• Applicable duty rate

• Whether VAT applies

• Whether excise duty applies

• Other applicable government levies

• Any applicable exemptions or special treatment

KRA explains that customs duties are assessed according to the customs value and the applicable rates under the relevant legislation.

Always confirm the applicable rates at the time of importation. UK RoadRunner offers standard shipping, customs and handling fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Import Spare Parts from the UK?

There is no single price because the total cost depends on the shipment.

A useful way to think about your budget is:

Part price + shipping +  customs and handling taxes + local delivery = estimated landed cost

For example, a small urgent replacement part may be economical to send by air, while a large order of multiple parts may make more sense by sea.

The cheapest part price isn't necessarily the cheapest overall option once shipping and import costs are included.

What Determines the Shipping Cost?

Your shipping cost can depend on:

• Weight

• Dimensions

• Volumetric weight

• Number of items

• Type of parts

• Shipping method

• Collection location in the UK

• Destination in Kenya

• Packaging requirements

For bulky but lightweight items, volumetric weight can also affect air-freight pricing.

This is why it's better to request a shipment-specific quote rather than relying on a general price per kilogram.

How Long Does It Take to Import Spare Parts from the UK?

The overall delivery time includes more than the time the shipment spends travelling.

You should consider:

Sourcing time + preparation + freight + customs clearance + local delivery

For UK RoadRunner's current service, published indicative freight timelines are approximately:

• Air freight: 5–7 business days to Nairobi

• Sea freight: 6–8 weeks to Mombasa

These are indicative rather than guaranteed delivery times and can vary depending on availability, shipping schedules, customs processing and other circumstances.

If the part is needed for an urgent repair, air freight may therefore be the more practical option.

How to Avoid Ordering the Wrong Spare Part

One of the most expensive mistakes in spare-parts sourcing is ordering a part based on a general description.

For example:

"I need a headlight for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz."

That may not be enough information.

Instead, provide the:

• VIN

• Exact model

• Engine

• Year

• Part number

• Side of the vehicle where relevant

• Photos

• Existing part number

OEM vs Aftermarket Spare Parts: Which Should You Choose?

There is no universal answer.

The right choice depends on the component, vehicle and your priorities.

OEM Parts

OEM parts can be attractive when you prioritise:

• Original-equipment specifications

• Fitment

• Consistent manufacturing standards

• Long-term reliability

Aftermarket Parts

Quality aftermarket parts can also be appropriate for certain applications. However, aftermarket quality varies significantly between manufacturers. For safety-critical components such as braking, steering and suspension parts, the quality and compatibility of the specific product should be considered carefully.

The cheapest available part is not always the best value.

Can Garages and Dealers Import Spare Parts in Bulk?

Yes. Bulk sourcing can be particularly useful for garages, dealers, fleet operators and spare-parts businesses.

Instead of ordering individual components every time a customer needs a repair, businesses can consolidate orders and potentially reduce the shipping cost per item. Sea freight can be particularly useful for larger consignments.

Bulk sourcing can also help businesses:

• Maintain stock

• Source difficult-to-find components

• Reduce repeated international shipping

• Plan recurring orders

• Serve customers looking for European vehicle parts

If you're ordering regularly, discuss your expected quantities and shipping requirements with your supplier before placing the order.

Common Mistakes When Importing Spare Parts from the UK

1. Ordering Without the Part Number

A general description may not be enough to identify the correct component.

2. Providing Incomplete Vehicle Information

The same model can have multiple engine and specification variants.

3. Choosing Based Only on Price

A very cheap part may not offer the quality or compatibility you need.

4. Assuming Every "OEM" Listing Is Genuine

Always verify the supplier, manufacturer and part number.

5. Forgetting Shipping Costs

The price of the part is not the final landed cost.

6. Ignoring Customs Charges

Imported goods may be subject to duties, VAT and other applicable charges.

7. Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method

Air freight may be more appropriate for an urgent individual order, while sea freight can make more sense for bulk shipments.

8. Failing to Check Import Requirements

Some products can have specific regulatory or documentation requirements.

9. Not Confirming Compatibility

Always verify the part before payment and shipment.

10. Using an Unverified Supplier

A reputable supplier should be able to provide information about the part, its condition, manufacturer and sourcing.

Summary: How to Import OEM Spare Parts from the UK to Kenya

Importing OEM spare parts from the UK to Kenya involves more than simply buying a part online and arranging delivery. The most important thing is to get the part identification right before you ship. Your VIN, chassis number and OEM part number can make the sourcing process significantly easier and reduce the risk of receiving the wrong component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import OEM spare parts from the UK to Kenya?

Yes. You can source and import genuine and OEM spare parts from the UK to Kenya, subject to applicable customs, documentation and regulatory requirements.

UK RoadRunner provides a spare-parts sourcing and export service from the UK to Kenya.

How do I order car spare parts from the UK?

Start by providing your vehicle details and the exact part you need. If you have the OEM part number, provide it along with the vehicle's make, model, year and VIN/chassis number. The supplier can then confirm availability, compatibility, pricing and shipping options.

What information do I need to order a spare part?

Ideally provide:

• Make

• Model

• Year

• Engine

• VIN/chassis number

• OEM part number

• Part name

• Quantity

• Photos of the existing part where useful

What is an OEM spare part?

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM component is generally made by the original equipment supplier associated with a vehicle's original components. However, OEM, genuine and aftermarket are not necessarily identical categories.

Are OEM parts better than aftermarket parts?

It depends on the part and manufacturer. A quality aftermarket component can be suitable for some applications, while OEM or genuine parts may be preferred when exact specifications and fitment are priorities.

How much does it cost to import spare parts from the UK to Kenya?

The cost depends on the part, weight, dimensions, shipping method, customs value, applicable taxes and clearance charges. Request a shipment-specific quotation rather than relying on a general shipping rate. 

How long does it take to ship spare parts from the UK to Kenya?

UK RoadRunner currently gives indicative delivery times of approximately 5–7 business days for air freight to Nairobi and 6–8 weeks for sea freight to Mombasa. Actual delivery times can vary depending on sourcing, shipping schedules and customs clearance.

Do I pay customs duty on imported spare parts in Kenya?

Imported spare parts may be subject to customs duty, VAT and other applicable charges. The amount depends on the specific product, its tariff classification, customs value and the laws applicable at the time of importation.

Can I import spare parts by air freight?

Yes. Air freight is particularly useful for smaller or urgent spare-parts orders. UK RoadRunner currently offers air-freight shipping of spare parts from the UK to Kenya.

Can I import bulk spare parts by sea?

Yes. Sea freight can be a practical option for larger or heavier consignments, particularly for garages, dealers and businesses ordering multiple parts. UK RoadRunner offers sea freight to Mombasa for spare-parts shipments.

Can UK RoadRunner source a specific spare part for me?

Yes. UK RoadRunner's spare-parts service allows customers to submit the part name, part number, quantity and vehicle make, model and year for sourcing from the UK.

I get asked this alot ‘Can you send actual photos of the part and packaging before dispatch? 

Need a Spare Part from the UK?

You don't have to spend hours searching different UK websites trying to find the correct component for your vehicle. UK RoadRunner can help source genuine and OEM spare parts from the UK and arrange shipping to Kenya.

Whether you need a single replacement part for your car or a larger order for your garage or business, provide your vehicle details, VIN/chassis number and part number where available, and our team can help you identify and source the right component.