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Import Cars from the UK and Japan to Uganda

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to Mombasa and Kampala. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Uganda. With years of experience, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to Kampala.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for Uganda – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and Japanese trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications and condition and negotiate the best prices for you.

All prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Uganda.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

  • Bespoke sourcing across UK and Japanese markets
  • Management of purchase and collection
  • Quality assessment and condition verification
  • Mileage verification and reports
  • UNBS/QISJ roadworthiness inspection
  • Paintwork reconditioning and customisation (if required for UK Cars)

Car Shipping to Uganda

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK & Japan to Uganda car shipping service via the Port of Mombasa (Kenya) and Kampala, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Uganda import requirements.

Shipping Options:

  • RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Most economical (for saloons/4x4s)
  • Container shipping: Most secure (20 ft/40 ft options available)
  • Shipping to Mombasa: 5-6 weeks' transit from UK
  • Transport to Kampala: Additional transport via Upstream partner

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items to support smooth customs clearance in Uganda.

UK & Japan to Uganda Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Uganda permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, Australia, and other countries. Vehicles must be a maximum of 15 years old and pass a mandatory roadworthiness inspection. Both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Import duties are calculated on CIF value at 25% plus 20% excise duty and 18% VAT. Returning residents and special exemptions may apply.

Key Requirements:

  1. Age restriction: Maximum 15 years old (from July 4, 2023)
  2. Right-hand drive
  3. Roadworthiness inspection: Mandatory (UNBS/QISJ/EAA)
  4. Import duty: 25% of CIF value
  5. Excise duty: 20% of (CIF + import duty)
  6. VAT: 18% on adjusted value
  7. Environmental levy: 20%-50% for vehicles 8+ years old
  8. Licensed clearing agent: Strongly recommended
  9. Bond registration: Required in Kampala

Uganda Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Uganda permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from the UK, Japan, and other countries.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

  • Maximum age: 15 years old from year of manufacture
  • Effective date: July 4, 2023, onwards
  • No exceptions: Strict 15-year maximum enforced
  • Verification required: Age verification documentation (year of manufacture) mandatory

Drive Side Approval:

  • Both permitted: Right-hand drive AND left-hand drive vehicles allowed
  • No restriction: Both steering wheel positions acceptable
  • Flexibility: Unlike many countries, Uganda allows both options

Roadworthiness Inspection Requirement:

  • Mandatory: All vehicles must pass pre-export roadworthiness inspection
  • Inspector: Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) or authorized EAA
  • Timing: Inspection conducted before shipment (UK/Japan)
  • Certificate required: Roadworthiness inspection certificate must accompany the shipment.
  • Standard: Uganda Standard KS 1515:2000 compliance required

Radioactive Contamination Inspection (Japan Only):

  • Mandatory for Japan vehicles: Radioactive contamination inspection required
  • Timing: Must be completed BEFORE leaving Japan
  • Certification: Appropriate certificate must accompany shipment
  • Requirement: Safety and environmental compliance

Vehicle Condition Requirements:

  • Structural soundness: Vehicle must be structurally sound
  • Environmental compliance: Must meet environmental standards
  • Functionality: All major systems operational
  • General condition: Generally good overall condition

Eligible Importers

Who Can Import:

  • Ugandan citizens
  • Registered importers and car dealers
  • Companies with proper registration
  • Foreigners with valid work permits
  • Foreigners with legal residence status
  • Organizations/NGOs/project buyers (with proper documentation)

Who Cannot Import:

  • Persons without complete documents
  • Imports through unverified sellers
  • Imports with fake or under-declared invoices
  • Tourists (temporary importation only)

Documents Required for Uganda Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK/Japan):

  • Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
  • Proof of ownership (registration certificate/title)
  • Insurance documentation
  • Vehicle identification (engine/chassis/VIN numbers)
  • Age verification (year of manufacture documentation)

For Roadworthiness Inspection:

  • Vehicle registration/ownership documentation
  • Inspection booking (managed by exporter)
  • UNBS/QISJ/EAA inspection certificate
  • Radioactive contamination certificate (Japan vehicles only)

For Customs Clearance in Mombasa:

  • Original V5 Logbook (UK vehicles)
  • Original Bills of Lading (from shipping company)
  • UNBS/QISJ/EAA Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate
  • Commercial Invoice (with full vehicle details)
  • Japan Export Certificate/Deregistration Certificate (Japan vehicles)
  • Shipping documents (with vehicle specifications)

For Uganda Customs & Registration:

  • Original CIF Invoice (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Import Declaration Form (IDF) (from Uganda Customs)
  • Original Logbook (from country of origin)
  • Passport/National ID (of importer)
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN) (from Uganda Revenue Authority)
  • UNBS/QISJ Inspection Certificate
  • Proof of insurance (marine and third-party)
  • Chassis/VIN documentation

For Vehicle Registration in Uganda:

  • All customs clearance documentation
  • Proof of duty payment (URA receipt)
  • Passport/National ID
  • Address verification
  • Insurance documentation

Import Duties & Taxes (Detailed Calculation)

Duty Structure (Cumulative Calculation):

Step 1 - Import Duty:

  • Rate: 25% of CIF value
  • Formula: CIF × 25%

Step 2 - Excise Duty:

  • Rate: 20% of (CIF + Import Duty)
  • Formula: (CIF + Import Duty) × 20%

Step 3 - VAT:

  • Rate: 18% of (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
  • Formula: (CIF + Import Duty + Excise Duty) × 18%

Environmental Levy (for vehicles 8+ years old):

  • Rate: 20%-50% depending on vehicle age
  • Less than 8 years: No environmental levy
  • 8-10 years: 20%
  • 10-12 years: 30%
  • 12-15 years: 50%

Additional Fees:

  • Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.25% of CIF
  • Infrastructure Levy: Applicable
  • Vehicle Registration: Kampala Bond fee
  • Bond charges: Storage/handling at Kampala
  • Pre-delivery inspection & valet: Included in clearing service

Electric & Hybrid Vehicles:

  • Import Duty: 25% (recently adjusted, same as standard)
  • Documentation: Battery specifications sheet required
  • Otherwise: Standard excise and VAT apply

For 12-Year-Old Vehicle (50% Environmental Levy):

  • Additional Environmental Levy (50%)

Customs Clearance Process (Mombasa & Kampala)

The customs clearance process for vehicles shipped via the Port of Mombasa to Kampala begins with pre-shipment inspections in the UK or Japan, including UNBS/QISJ roadworthiness certification and, where applicable, radioactive contamination checks for Japanese exports. Once shipped (RoRo or container), the vehicle arrives in Mombasa, where a clearing agent submits documentation to Kenya Customs for processing and temporary clearance.

After release, the vehicle is transported by container or car carrier to a bonded warehouse in Kampala. The clearing agent then lodges the full documentation set with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), including the Bill of Lading, original logbook, inspection certificate, and Import Declaration Form. URA assesses import duty, excise duty, VAT, IDF, infrastructure levy, and any environmental charges. Once payment is made through the URA online system and confirmed, the vehicle is released from bond and proceeds to registration, where the importer receives Ugandan registration plates and a vehicle licence.

Vehicle Registration in Uganda

Registration Process:

  • Online: Visit www.ura.go.ug for self-registration
  • In-person: Visit regional URA office
  • Required documents: Customs release, payment proof, logbook, ID
  • Registration fee: Standard registration charge
  • Personalized plates: Available (20,000,000 UGX for vehicles, 1,500,000 UGX for motorcycles)
  • Licence plate: Issued upon registration

Mandatory Requirements:

  • Roadworthiness inspection certificate
  • Customs release documentation
  • Proof of duty payment
  • Original logbook
  • Importer present for registration

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Uganda car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Uganda Government Agencies:

Clearing Ports:

  • Port of Mombasa (Kenya) – Primary discharge port for Uganda imports
  • Port of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) – Alternative port option

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Uganda?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Uganda via Mombasa and Kampala. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from UK and Japan and Uganda import regulations and requirements.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle everything from sourcing through delivery to Kampala and provide transparent costing showing your total import burden.