The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule for used vehicles, effective July 1, 2025, significantly impacting the importation of Lexus vehicles into Kenya. The CRSP serves as the basis for calculating import duties, VAT, excise duties, and other levies, influencing costs for importers, dealers, and consumers. This guide explores the 2025 CRSP schedule for Lexus vehicles, providing insights into its implications and strategies for navigating the Kenyan luxury automotive market.
Understanding the KRA CRSP Schedule
The CRSP is a standardized valuation system used by the KRA to determine the customs value of imported used vehicles. This value is essential for calculating:
- Import Duty: 35% of the customs value.
- Excise Duty: 25% for engines up to 3000cc, 35% for engines above 3000cc (e.g., 3456cc–5662cc models).
- VAT: 16% of (customs value + import duty + excise duty).
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 3.5% of the customs value (minimum KES 5,000).
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of the customs value.
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Lexus vehicles includes a range of models, from compact hybrids like the CT200h to high-performance coupes like the LC500 and luxury SUVs like the LX600. With options for petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles, Lexus caters to Kenya’s growing demand for premium, eco-friendly, and performance-oriented vehicles.
Reasons for the 2025 Update
The KRA updates the CRSP schedule to reflect:
- Currency Fluctuations: Changes in the Kenyan Shilling’s value against the Japanese Yen and other currencies impact import costs.
- Market Trends: Rising demand for luxury hybrids, electric vehicles, and SUVs influences pricing.
- Government Policies: Incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside tax adjustments, shape CRSP values.
- Global Factors: Increased production and shipping costs due to global supply chain dynamics contribute to price updates.
This update ensures customs valuations align with Kenya’s automotive market dynamics as of July 31, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CRSP Schedule for Lexus Vehicles
The 2025 CRSP schedule covers Lexus’s premium lineup, including sedans, SUVs, coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks, and minivans. Below is a detailed breakdown of selected models, categorized by vehicle type, with CRSP values in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
Sedans
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES300H | Standard | CVT | 2WD | 2487 | 9,379,777 | Gasoline |
| ES300H | F SPORT | CVT | 4WD | 2487 | 11,422,629 | Gasoline |
| GS F | Standard | AT | 2WD | 4968 | 19,421,962 | Gasoline |
| IS300H | VERSION L | CVT | 4WD | 2493 | 10,496,942 | Gasoline |
| LS500H | EXECUTIVE ADVANCED DRIVE | CVT | AWD | 3456 | 33,934,640 | Gasoline |
SUVs
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX250 | Standard | 8AT | 4WD | 2487 | 7,946,936 | Gasoline |
| NX450H+ | VERSION L | CVT | AWD | 2487 | 12,470,577 | Gasoline |
| RX350 | F SPORT | 8AT | 4WD | 2393 | 12,348,316 | Gasoline |
| RX500H | F SPORT PERFORMANCE | CVT | AWD | 2393 | 15,736,680 | Gasoline |
| LX600 | Standard | 10AT | AWD | 3444 | 23,578,822 | Gasoline |
| RZ450E | VERSION L | CVT | AWD | 0 | 13,525,511 | Electric |
Hatchbacks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT200H | VERSION L | CVT | 2WD | 1797 | 7,750,050 | Gasoline |
Coupes and Convertibles
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC500 | L PACKAGE | AUTO | 10AT | 4WD | 4968 | 26,408,280 |
| LC500 | CONVERTIBLE | 10AT | 4WD | 4968 | 29,237,739 | Gasoline |
| RC F | Standard | 8AT | 2WD | 4968 | 17,892,459 | Gasoline |
| RC350 | VERSION L | 8AT | 4WD | 3456 | 13,322,977 | Gasoline |
Minivans
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM500H | EXECUTIVE | 6AT | 4WD | 2393 | 34,921,588 | Gasoline |
| LM500H | VERSION L | CVT | AWD | 2393 | 26,192,691 | Gasoline |
Implications for the Kenyan Automotive Market
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Lexus vehicles has significant implications for importers, dealers, and consumers, particularly in the luxury and eco-friendly vehicle segments.
For Importers
- Premium Models: High-end models like the LM500H EXECUTIVE (KES 34,931,588) and LS500H EXECUTIVE ADVANCED DRIVE (KES 33,934,640) face high import duties due to elevated CRSP values, potentially reducing import volumes.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Electric and hybrid vehicles like the RZ450E (KES 13,525,511) and NX450H (KES 12,470,577) may qualify for tax incentives, encouraging imports of these models.
- Depreciation Advantage: Importing older models (e.g., 2018 models with 65% depreciation) reduces customs values, making models like the CT200H (KES 7,750,050) more viable.
For Dealers
- Pricing Strategies: High CRSP values for models like the LC500 CONVERTIBLE (KES 29,237,739) require strategic pricing to attract affluent buyers.
- Inventory Focus: Affordable hybrids like the NX250 (KES 7,946,936) and UX200 (KES 7,634,720) appeal to budget-conscious luxury buyers, prompting dealers to prioritize these variants.
- Marketing Opportunities: Highlighting the performance of the RC F, the luxury of the LS500H, and the eco-friendliness of the RZ450E can attract diverse customer segments.
For Consumers
- Luxury Appeal: High-end models like the LS500H EXECUTIVE ADVANCED DRIVE cater to buyers seeking prestige and advanced features.
- Accessible Options: Models like the UX200 VERSION C (KES 6,694,220) and CT200H (KES 7,714,059)) offer affordable entry points into the Lexus brand.
- Eco-Conscious Choices: Electric and hybrid models like the RZ450E and NX450H+ attract buyers seeking sustainability with potential tax benefits.
How CRSP Affects Customs Valuation
The CRSP determines the customs value, adjusted for depreciation based on vehicle age (e.g., 65% for 2018 models in 2025). The customs value is used to calculate taxes and levies.
Example Calculation for Lexus CT200H VERSION L (CRSP KES 7,750,050, 1797cc, 2018 model):
- Depreciation: 65% (2018 model) → Customs Value = 7,750,050 × (1 – 0.65) = KES 2,304,263
- Import Duty: 35% of 2,304,263 = KES 806,492
- Excise Duty: 25% of (2,304,263 + 806,492) = KES 777,689
- VAT: 16% of (2,304,263 + 806,492 + 777,689) = KES 621,351
- IDF: 3.5% of 2,304,263 = KES 80,649
- RDL: 2% of 2,304,263 = KES 46,085
- Total Taxes (approx.): KES 2,332,266
- Total Landed Cost: KES 2,304,263 + 2,332,266 = KES 4,636,529
This calculation illustrates how CRSP and depreciation impact the final cost of importing a vehicle.
Strategies for Navigating the New CRSP Schedule
- For Importers:
- Focus on models like the UX200 VERSION C or CT200H to minimize tax burdens.
- Prioritize electric and hybrid variants like the RZ450E and NX450H+ to leverage potential tax incentives.
- Source vehicles from markets with favorable exchange rates, such as Japan, to offset high CRSP values.
- For Dealers:
- Offer financing options for premium models like the LM500H EXECUTIVE to make them accessible.
- Promote the luxury, performance, and eco-friendly features of Lexus’s lineup in marketing campaigns.
- Work with customs agents to ensure accurate valuation and streamline clearance processes.
- For Consumers:
- Compare CRSP values to identify cost-effective models like the UX200 or CT200H.
- Consider electric and hybrid models for potential tax breaks and fuel savings.
- Verify chassis codes and documentation to ensure accurate valuation and avoid customs disputes.
The Future of Lexus Vehicles in Kenya
The 2025 CRSP schedule reinforces Lexus’s position in Kenya’s luxury vehicle market, with models like the LS500H, RX500H, and RZ450E appealing to affluent buyers, eco-conscious consumers, and performance enthusiasts. Affordable options like the UX200 and CT200H broaden the brand’s reach, while premium models like the LM500H target the elite. As Kenya promotes sustainable transport and its middle class grows, demand for Lexus’s electric and hybrid models is expected to increase, though high CRSP values for top-tier models may shift focus to more accessible variants. The anticipated shift to an invoice-based valuation system by July 2025 could streamline costs, benefiting importers and consumers.
The KRA’s 2025 CRSP schedule for Lexus vehicles, effective July 31, 2025, introduces updated valuations that shape the cost of importing sedans, SUVs, coupes, and more. By understanding these changes, importers, dealers, and consumers can make informed decisions in Kenya’s dynamic automotive market. From the compact CT200H to the luxurious LS500H and eco-friendly RZ450E, Lexus offers a vehicle for every lifestyle. Stay proactive, verify valuations, and adopt strategic planning to thrive in this competitive landscape.
