Import Guides by Country

The UAE registers left-hand-drive vehicles only. Right-hand-drive vehicles are generally not permitted for private registration unless converted to LHD.

Confidence: medium Source: UAE traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

There is no universal age limit for importing used cars into the UAE, but vehicles must meet GCC specification and older vehicles may require additional approval in some emirates. Confirm with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Dubai Customs

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Imported vehicles should conform to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) specification. Non-GCC-specification vehicles may require modification before registration.

Confidence: medium Source: Dubai Customs

Last checked: 2026-10-04

The UAE offers incentives for electric vehicles including public charging programs and toll exemptions in some emirates. Confirm current EV import requirements with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: UAE authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Saudi Arabia is a left-hand-drive market. Vehicles must be LHD to be registered.

Confidence: medium Source: Saudi traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Saudi Arabia generally restricts import of used passenger cars to those no older than five years; heavy vehicles may have different limits. Confirm with official customs before trading.

Confidence: medium Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Imported vehicles require SASO conformity and registration on the SABER platform before shipment.

Confidence: medium Source: SASO / ZATCA

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Saudi Arabia is promoting EV adoption through charging infrastructure and fee exemptions. Confirm current EV import rules with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Saudi authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kenya is a right-hand-drive market. Vehicles must be RHD to be registered under KS 1515.

Confidence: medium Source: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KS 1515)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kenya limits import of used motor vehicles to those not older than eight years, enforced under KS 1515:2000. Confirm the exact cut-off with official customs (KRA/KEBS) before trading.

Confidence: medium Source: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) / KRA

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Used vehicles require a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate before export to Kenya.

Confidence: medium Source: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kenya applies a reduced import duty and exempts electric vehicles from excise duty under the EAC Common External Tariff. Confirm current rates with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: EAC / Kenya Revenue Authority

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Tanzania is a right-hand-drive market. Vehicles must be RHD to be registered.

Confidence: medium Source: Tanzania traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Tanzania restricts import of used vehicles by age, commonly around eight to ten years. Confirm the current limit with official customs (TRA) before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Used vehicles require a Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards before import.

Confidence: low Source: Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Tanzania has introduced incentives to encourage EV imports, including reduced excise on electric vehicles. Confirm current policy with official authorities before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Tanzania authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Nigeria is a right-hand-drive market. Left-hand-drive vehicles are generally not permitted for registration.

Confidence: medium Source: Nigeria traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Nigeria restricts import of used vehicles by age, and the rules have changed in recent years. Confirm current limits with official customs (Nigeria Customs Service) before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Nigeria Customs Service

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Used vehicles are subject to Nigeria's import clearance and pre-shipment inspection requirements (SONCAP / Form M). Confirm current procedure with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Nigeria Customs Service / SON

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Nigeria's EV import policy is developing, with discussion of duty relief for electric vehicles. Confirm current rules with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Nigeria authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kazakhstan is a left-hand-drive market. Right-hand-drive vehicles are generally not permitted.

Confidence: medium Source: Kazakhstan traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kazakhstan applies an age limit to imported used vehicles, which has been adjusted in recent years. Confirm the current limit with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: State Revenue Committee (KGD)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Imported vehicles must comply with EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) technical regulations and certification.

Confidence: medium Source: State Revenue Committee (KGD)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Kazakhstan has temporarily exempted electric vehicles from customs duty and recycling fee to promote adoption. Confirm current status with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Kazakhstan authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Uzbekistan is a left-hand-drive market. Vehicles must be LHD to be registered.

Confidence: medium Source: Uzbekistan traffic authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Uzbekistan applies strict controls on vehicle imports, including certification and recycling fees. Confirm current requirements with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: State Customs Committee

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Uzbekistan has historically restricted used vehicle imports by age. Confirm current limits with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: State Customs Committee

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Uzbekistan exempts electric vehicles from import duty and excise tax to encourage adoption. Confirm current rates with official customs before trading.

Confidence: low Source: Uzbekistan authorities (public record)

Last checked: 2026-10-04