Import a Toyota Alphard from South Korea to Kenya: Provenance and RHD Checks

A Toyota Alphard advertised in South Korea needs vehicle-level checks before you consider a deposit. The seller’s location does not prove the car’s original market, steering position or first-registration date. Start with the chassis/VIN and the registration history.

For standard used-vehicle imports, KRA says the vehicle must be right-hand drive, less than eight years old from the year of first registration, and subject to roadworthiness inspection by a KEBS-appointed agent in the export country. Confirm how those requirements apply to this VIN before you commit.

How can you verify an Alphard’s origin and records?

Ask the seller for its current or last registration record, proof of ownership, export or deregistration papers, commercial invoice, and service or inspection history. Find out whether it was first registered in South Korea or imported there from Japan or another market. If it changed countries, request the earlier registration and export records so the full chain is visible.

• Match the chassis/VIN on the vehicle to every registration, invoice and export document.
• Use the official first-registration date for the Kenyan age check; an advertised model year is not a substitute.
• Request a clear photo of the VIN stamping, identification plate, dashboard and odometer.
• Resolve gaps in ownership, export permission, liens or mileage history before paying.

If records are in Korean, arrange a complete translation and compare it with the original documents. Keep both versions and ask the clearing agent which documents require formal validation.

What inspection route should you confirm for a South Korea export?

KEBS’s published used-vehicle contractor page lists Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, the UAE and the UK for QISJ roadworthiness inspection; South Korea is not on that list. KEBS also publishes separate destination-inspection guidance for goods from countries without an appointed inspection agent. These pages do not confirm the exact route for every vehicle shipment, so get written instructions for this VIN before signing or booking freight.

Check the current KRA motor-vehicle procedure, the KEBS used-vehicle contractor list and its published exemption guidance. Ask KEBS, the inspection provider and a licensed clearing agent to confirm the inspection, certificate and document-validation requirements for the country of export.

Which condition checks matter before buying?

Verify the steering wheel is on the right in the actual car, then match the exact generation, model code, engine, trim and hybrid status to its plate and records. Have an independent mechanic check for collision repairs, water damage, corrosion, inconsistent mileage, suspension wear, warning lights, braking and tyre condition.

Test the powered sliding doors, tailgate, cameras, sensors and air conditioning. For a hybrid, request a diagnostic report covering the traction battery and hybrid system. Confirm that local technicians and parts suppliers can support the precise variant; an Alphard badge alone does not prove that components are interchangeable.

How should you estimate the landed cost?

Ask for a dated, itemized estimate based on the VIN, model code, engine, first-registration date, purchase invoice, freight and insurance. Keep vehicle valuation and taxes, inspection, port, clearing, registration and delivery charges separate. Do not rely on a generic Korean listing price, tax percentage or shipping estimate for the final amount. Ask the shipper for a current schedule for the actual route.

Should you compare the import with local stock?

Compare the candidate with similar vehicles in the SilverTorque inventory, including its verified condition, documents and total cost. To review an Alphard listing, contact the team or WhatsApp SilverTorque with the VIN and records.

Frequently asked questions

Does South Korean registration prove that an Alphard is right-hand drive?

No. Check the steering position in the actual vehicle and trace its original market and registration history through the records.

Can I assume a South Korea shipment needs destination inspection?

Do not assume the route from the country name alone. South Korea is absent from KEBS’s published QISJ used-vehicle country list; ask KEBS and a licensed clearing agent to confirm the required route and documents for the VIN before purchase.