Customs Requirements for Shipping Vehicles to Tanzania

Shipping a vehicle into Tanzania involves strict customs regulations designed to control vehicle age, ensure proper taxation, and prevent illegal imports. Before your car leaves the USA, you must have the original vehicle title, a Bill of Sale, and a copy of your passport or ID. Tanzania requires all imported vehicles to undergo a pre-shipment inspection through EAA (East African Automobile Services) to verify roadworthiness, vehicle details, and valuation. Without this inspection certificate, customs will apply penalties upon arrival at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Once the vehicle reaches Tanzania, customs clearance cannot begin until all duties, taxes, and fees are paid. These include Import Duty, VAT (Value Added Tax), Excise Duty (based on engine size), and the Higher Rate on older vehicles. Tanzania generally restricts vehicles older than 10 years by applying higher tax rates rather than banning them completely. The consignee must also provide a TIN (Tax Identification Number) and Import Declaration Form (IDF). After successful clearance, customs will issue a release order allowing the vehicle to be collected or delivered. Missing documents, incorrect valuation, or undeclared items inside the vehicle can lead to delays, fines, or seizure, so proper preparation is essential.

✅ Required Documents for Customs Clearance

To clear a vehicle through Tanzanian customs, the consignee must provide:

• Original Vehicle Title
• Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
• Copy of Passport or ID
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Import Declaration Form (IDF)
• Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (EAA)
• Bill of Lading (from the shipping line)
• Cargo Arrival Notice
• Registration Documents (if previously registered)

Important: Photocopies of the title are not accepted—only the original document is valid for export and clearance.

✅ Pre-Shipment Inspection (Mandatory)

Tanzania requires all used vehicles to undergo a pre-shipment inspection conducted by EAA – East African Automobile Services before departure from the USA. This inspection verifies:

• Vehicle identity (VIN, model, year)
• Roadworthiness
• Odometer reading
• General condition
• Valuation

Without this certificate, customs may:

• Impose penalties
• Delay clearance
• Charge higher taxes

✅ Vehicle Age Rules

Tanzania allows used cars of various ages but applies strict tax rules:

• Vehicles older than 10 years attract higher excise duty
• No outright ban, but significantly higher taxes make older imports more expensive

For commercial trucks and machinery, age flexibility is generally higher, but taxes still apply based on year of manufacture.

✅ Taxes and Duties Payable

To release a vehicle from customs, the importer must pay the following:

1️⃣ Import Duty

Typically 25% of the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)

2️⃣ Excise Duty

Based on engine size and age:

• Smaller engines = lower rate
• Vehicles over 10 years = higher rate

3️⃣ Value Added Tax (VAT)

Standard 18%, calculated after duty and excise

4️⃣ Additional Fees

• Port handling charges
• Registration and plate fees
• Wharfage and storage (if delayed)

CIF value is determined by:

• Purchase price
• Shipping cost
• Marine insurance

Customs may adjust the value if they believe the declared price is too low.

✅ Port of Arrival: Dar es Salaam

Almost all vehicle imports enter through:

Port of Dar es Salaam

• Largest gateway for Tanzania
• Handles both RoRo and container cargo
• Clearance typically takes 5–10 business days (faster if documents are complete)

Customs may charge storage fees if clearance exceeds the free storage period.

✅ Clearance Process Step-by-Step

1. Vehicle arrives and is unloaded
2. Importer/agent submits documents
3. Customs verifies inspection and valuation
4. Taxes and duties are calculated
5. Payment of all charges
6. Release order issued
7. Vehicle collected or transported inland

Using a licensed clearing agent helps expedite this process.

✅ Rules on Personal Items Inside the Vehicle

• Personal belongings are generally not allowed inside RoRo-shipped vehicles
• If present, customs may:
  • Inspect and declare items
  • Charge additional duty
  • Delay release

For container shipments, rules are more flexible but items must be declared.

✅ Non-Running or Damaged Vehicles

These are allowed but:

• Must still pass inspection
• May incur higher handling charges
• Require container loading if not drivable

✅ Violations & Penalties

Customs may impose fines for:

• Missing documents
• False valuation
• Undeclared goods
• No inspection certificate
• Illegal modifications

In extreme cases, vehicles may be seized.

✅ Final Tips for a Smooth Clearance

• Arrange pre-shipment inspection early
• Keep all original documents safe
• Use a licensed clearing agent in Tanzania
• Ensure accurate vehicle valuation
• Clear the vehicle quickly to avoid storage fees

✅ Conclusion

Meeting Tanzania’s customs requirements is crucial for a fast and hassle-free vehicle import. With proper documentation, mandatory inspection, and full payment of taxes and duties, vehicles can be cleared smoothly through the Port of Dar es Salaam. Whether importing for personal use or commercial resale, compliance with TRA regulations helps protect your investment and ensures legal entry into the country.

📞 Need Help Shipping a Car to Tanzania?

Contact us for quotes, timelines, and booking assistance:

📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📞 +1 (678) 528-5794
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497