The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule for used vehicles, effective July 1, 2025, impacting the importation of Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, providing insights into its implications and strategies for navigating the Kenyan automotive market as of July 1, 2025.
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 critical for calculating:
- Import Duty: 35% of the customs value.
- Excise Duty: 25% for engines up to 3000cc, 35% for engines above 3000cc (e.g., 4000cc 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 Mercedes-Benz vehicles includes a diverse lineup of sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, convertibles, coupes, wagons, vans, and trucks, featuring gasoline, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants. Models like the A-Class, G-Class, and Actros cater to Kenya’s demand for luxury, performance, and commercial 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 Euro impact import costs.
- Market Trends: Growing demand for luxury SUVs, electric vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks influences pricing.
- Government Policies: Incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside tax adjustments, shape CRSP values.
- Global Factors: Rising production and shipping costs due to supply chain dynamics contribute to price updates.
This update ensures customs valuations align with Kenya’s automotive market dynamics as of July 1, 2025.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CRSP Schedule for Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
The 2025 CRSP schedule covers Mercedes-Benz’s extensive range, from compact A-Class sedans to rugged G-Class SUVs and heavy-duty Actros trucks. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-CLASS | A180 | AT | 2WD | 1300 | 5,931,058 | Gasoline |
| A-CLASS SEDAN | A180 STYLE AMG LINE | AT | 2WD | 1300 | 8,893,388 | Gasoline |
| C-CLASS | C180 AVANTGARDE | AT | 2WD | 1500 | 9,004,780 | Hybrid |
| S-CLASS | S500 4 MATIC LONG FIRST EDITION | AT | 4WD | 3000 | 25,774,586 | Hybrid |
| AMG A-CLASS | A45 S 4MATIC+ | AT | 4WD | 2000 | 16,517,599 | Gasoline |
SUVs
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA-CLASS | GLA180 | AT | 2WD | 1400 | 9,709,587 | Gasoline |
| GLC-CLASS | GLC300 4MATIC | AT | 4WD | 2000 | 19,196,740 | Gasoline |
| GLE | GLE450 4MATIC SPORTS | AT | 4WD | 3000 | 27,582,715 | Hybrid |
| G-CLASS | G550 AMG LINE | AT | 4WD | 4000 | 52,522,112 | Gasoline |
| EQS SUV | EQS580 4MATIC SUV SPORT | AT | 4WD | 0 | 22,555,342 | Electric |
Hatchbacks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-CLASS | A180 EDITION 1 | AT | 2WD | 1300 | 10,662,111 | Gasoline |
| B-CLASS | B180 AMG LINE | AT | 2WD | 1300 | 9,172,961 | Gasoline |
Convertibles and Coupes
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-CLASS | C180 CABRIOLET SPORTS | AT | 2WD | 1600 | 15,567,578 | Gasoline |
| CLE | CLE200 COUPE SPORT | AT | 2WD | 2000 | 14,291,003 | Hybrid |
| AMG SL | SL63 4MATIC+ | AT | 4WD | 4000 | 45,972,847 | Gasoline |
Wagons and Vans
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-CLASS STATIONWAGON | C200 STATIONWAGON AVANTGARDE AMG LINE | AT | 2WD | 1500 | 10,085,984 | Hybrid |
| V-CLASS | V220D AVANTGARDE LONG | AT | 2WD | 2200 | 15,890,129 | Diesel |
| TRANSPORTER | 207D | AT | 2WD | 2400 | 8,101,114 | Diesel |
Trucks
| Model | Variant | Transmission | Drive | Engine (cc) | CRSP (KES) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTROS | 3340S | AT | 6×4 | 12800 | 25,076,750 | Diesel |
| ACTROS | 4163 | AT | 8×4 | 15600 | 29,636,159 | Diesel |
Implications for the Kenyan Automotive Market
The 2025 CRSP schedule for Mercedes-Benz vehicles has significant implications for importers, dealers, and consumers, particularly in the luxury, electric, and commercial vehicle segments.
For Importers
- Premium Models: High-end models like the G-CLASS G550 AMG LINE (KES 52,522,112) and S-CLASS S550 CABRIOLET (KES 47,948,048) face higher import duties due to elevated CRSP values and larger engines, potentially limiting import volumes.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Electric models like the EQS SUV EQS580 4MATIC (KES 22,555,342) and hybrids like the C-CLASS C180 AVANTGARDE (KES 9,004,780) may benefit from tax incentives, encouraging imports.
- Depreciation Advantage: Importing older models (e.g., 2018 models with 65% depreciation) reduces customs values, making models like the A-CLASS A180 (KES 5,931,058) more viable.
For Dealers
- Pricing Strategies: High CRSP values for models like the AMG SL SL63 4MATIC+ (KES 45,972,847) require competitive pricing to attract buyers.
- Inventory Focus: Affordable luxury models like the A-CLASS A180 (KES 5,931,058) and GLA-CLASS GLA180 (KES 9,709,587) appeal to aspirational buyers, prompting dealers to prioritize these variants.
- Marketing Opportunities: Highlighting the performance of AMG models, the luxury of the S-Class, and the eco-friendliness of EQA/EQB models can attract diverse customers.
For Consumers
- Luxury Appeal: Entry-level luxury models like the A-CLASS A180 and B-CLASS B180 cater to buyers seeking prestige at a lower cost.
- Versatile Options: SUVs like the GLC-CLASS GLC300 4MATIC and G-CLASS G400D appeal to buyers seeking rugged performance.
- Eco-Conscious Choices: Electric models like the EQA EQA250 (KES 7,186,280) and hybrids like the S-CLASS S500 4 MATIC (KES 24,862,144) 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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180 (CRSP KES 5,931,058, 1300cc, 2018 model):
- Depreciation: 65% (2018 model) → Customs Value = 5,931,058 × (1 – 0.65) = KES 2,075,870
- Import Duty: 35% of 2,075,870 = KES 726,554
- Excise Duty: 25% of (2,075,870 + 726,554) = KES 700,606
- VAT: 16% of (2,075,870 + 726,554 + 700,606) = KES 560,485
- IDF: 3.5% of 2,075,870 = KES 72,655
- RDL: 2% of 2,075,870 = KES 41,517
- Total Taxes (approx.): KES 2,101,817
- Total Landed Cost: KES 2,075,870 + 2,101,817 = KES 4,177,687
This calculation illustrates how CRSP and depreciation impact the final cost of importing a vehicle.
Strategies for Navigating the New CRSP Schedule
- For Importers:
- Prioritize models like the A-CLASS A180 or EQA EQA250 to minimize tax burdens.
- Focus on electric and hybrid variants like the EQS SUV EQS450 4MATIC and C-CLASS C200 AVANTGARDE to leverage potential tax incentives.
- Source vehicles from markets with favorable exchange rates, such as Germany, to offset CRSP values.
- For Dealers:
- Offer financing options for premium models like the G-CLASS G550 AMG LINE to make them accessible.
- Promote the affordability, luxury, and eco-friendly features of Mercedes-Benz’s lineup in marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate with customs agents to ensure accurate valuation and streamline clearance processes.
- For Consumers:
- Compare CRSP values to identify cost-effective models like the A-CLASS A180 or GLA-CLASS GLA180.
- 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 Mercedes-Benz Vehicles in Kenya
The 2025 CRSP schedule solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s position in Kenya’s luxury and commercial vehicle market, with models like the A-Class, C-Class, and GLA appealing to aspirational buyers, while SUVs like the G-Class and GLE target affluent consumers. Electric models like the EQA and EQS align with Kenya’s push for sustainable transport, potentially benefiting from tax incentives. The Actros truck range supports Kenya’s logistics sector, driven by infrastructure growth. As Kenya’s affluent population expands and demand for premium vehicles rises, Mercedes-Benz’s diverse lineup is well-positioned, though high CRSP values for models like the G-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, effective July 1, 2025, introduces updated valuations that shape the cost of importing luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks. By understanding these changes, importers, dealers, and consumers can make informed decisions in Kenya’s competitive automotive market. From the stylish A-Class to the iconic G-Class and robust Actros, Mercedes-Benz offers a vehicle for every luxury and commercial need. Stay proactive, verify valuations, and adopt strategic planning to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
