International convention and customs procedures of Tanzania

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Party to the International Coffee Agreement

International Economic Cooperation

Member of the WTO - World Trade Organization

Member of EAC - East African Community

Member of SADC - Southern African Development Community

African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary country

Non Tariff Barriers

Trade reforms have abolished import and export licenses, except for goods deemed sensitive for health and security reasons. Trade regulations and standards generally reflect normal expectations to protect consumers’ health.

The customs department and the port authorities are the greatest hindrance to importers throughout Tanzania. Clearance delays and extra‑legal levies are commonplace when dealing with customs officials within the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). These hindrances can cause unpredictable delays when importing goods into the country. However there are some benefits for large taxpayers who have a track record of compliance, including expedited clearance and reduced auditing.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

8,64%
(Weighted mean applied tariff is the average of effectively applied rates weighted by the product import shares corresponding to each partner country. Source: World Bank)

Customs Classification

Tanzania is a member of the World Customs organisation and does comply with the harmonised customs system.

Import Procedures

Import procedures have to follow the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004. The importer is advised to make declaration through his appointed Clearing and Forwarding Agent by lodging documents at least 7 days before arrival of the vessel.

• The importer  is required to appoint a Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA) to clear goods
• List of Clearing and Forwarding Agents
• Documentation process is done online through Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) for importations to the Mainland and ASYCUDA++ for importations to be made through Zanzibar and can be completed before arrival of the goods
• Customs agents/importers lodge the documents in the clearance system i.e. Tanzania Customs Integrated System (Mainland) and through ASYCUDA++ (Zanzibar) attaching all other relevant import/ supporting documents. The importers/Agents are urged to lodge their at least 7 days before arrival of the goods.

Importing Samples

There is no specific procedures for samples shipments. Sample shipments require the same set of documents as a normal shipment.
The value of goods should still appear on the commercial invoice indicating "for customs clearance purpose only'' on the invoice.
Zero value invoices are not acceptable.

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

For Further Information

Tanzania Revenue Authority
Business Portal for Africa