HS 8429.52 — Self-propelled machinery with a 360° revolving superstructure
Shipping hydraulic excavators from Qingdao to Mombasa
Port-to-port in 30–35 days from Qingdao to Mombasa. Hydraulic Excavators enter Kenya at 0% import duty; VAT and levies add 20.5% of the customs value.
TYPICAL TIMELINE
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Before loadingInspect & certifyKEBS pre-export verification (PVoC): the machine is inspected before loading and a certificate of conformity issued.
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Day 0Load at QingdaoLashed on a 40′ flat rack, or driven aboard a RoRo vessel.
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Day 30–35Arrive MombasaDirect services are fastest; a transshipment adds 5–10 days.
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On arrivalClear customsEntry lodged on KenTrade single window, taxes paid, release order issued.
Cargo & compliance
- HS code
- 8429.52 · Self-propelled machinery with a 360° revolving superstructure
- Equipment
- 40′ flat rack, or RoRo if it can drive aboard
- Pre-shipment inspection
- KEBS pre-export verification (PVoC): the machine is inspected before loading and a certificate of conformity issued.
- Age limit for used units
- Used construction machinery must be no more than 20 years from manufacture, with service records showing it is serviceable.
- Customs system
- KenTrade single window
- Sea leg
- 30–35 days, CNQIN → KEMBA
Where these shipments get stuck
- Used construction machinery must be no more than 20 years from manufacture, with service records showing it is serviceable. Check both before you pay a deposit.
- Most sailings transship through Singapore, Port Klang or Colombo, adding 5–10 days. Ask for a direct service if a site is waiting on the machine.
- List buckets, breakers and other attachments shipped loose on the invoice and packing list so they are classified with the machine.
What sea freight costs
Published prices from forwarders' rate lists — benchmarks to sanity-check a quote, not a quote. Port and inland charges are extra.
| Shipment | Price (USD) | As of · source |
|---|---|---|
| THIS LANE | ||
| 40ft standard container (ocean freight + BAF) | $5,100–$6,300 | Aug 2026 · dantful.com |
| ANY LANE, BY MACHINE SIZE | ||
| RoRo · small excavator, 8–15 t | $3,000–$5,000 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
| RoRo · mid-size excavator, 20–30 t | $4,000–$8,000 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
| RoRo · large excavator, 35–50 t | $8,000–$18,000 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
| Flat rack · small excavator, 8–15 t | $5,500–$8,500 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
| Flat rack · mid-size excavator, 20–30 t | $8,000–$12,000 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
| Flat rack · large excavator, 35–50 t | $15,000–$25,000 | Jul 2026 · yiqihangmachinery.com |
Import taxes in Kenya
Full guide: importing machinery into Kenya → From China to Kenya →
Lands in Kenya? Containers for Kenyan ports need an ACD number on the bill of lading before loading. What the exporter must file → Stuck? Get ACD help →
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 0% | Customs value (CIF) — EAC common external tariff |
| VAT | 16% | Customs value + duty |
| Import declaration fee | 2.5% | Customs value (CIF) |
| Railway development levy | 2% | Customs value (CIF) |