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  • Import Licences

Quick information guide

 

Import license application checklist:

  • Hold a valid general business license whose procedures are available at Customs License section of the TRA portal
  • Execute Customs Security Bond to the tune of TZS 10 million;
  • Certificate of registration with SUMATRA
  • Submit a renewal letter confirming annual premium for bond security of TZS 10 million from guarantor attached with copy of the original bond that is subject to renewal;
  • Adhere to General Conditions in Part A whereby persons to directly handle Customs documents or transact with Customs shall be only the directors/owners/employees;
  • Submit proof of affiliation or membership to a recognized relevant association;
  • Submit proof of Payment of TZS 1 million for Certificate of Transporters (COT); and
  • Make payment of TZS 20,000 for licensing of each individual carrying unit, using form C.28.
     

Incentives

  • 100% import duty free for importation of export packaging boxes
  • 100% import duty free for processing Machines and tractors
  • Import of seed, fertilizer is tax-free

Import Information in Tanzania

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is responsible for importation in Tanzania. Imports to Tanzania are subjected to different stages, processes and certifications by different authorities.

To simplify the importation process, importers are required to appoint an official Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA).

The importers are required to lodge the import documents at least 7 days before the arrival of the vessel carrying the goods. Main imports to Tanzania can be categorized as raw materials, intermediate goods, consumer goods and capital goods. Main imports partners are China, India, South Africa, Kenya, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.

Import Procedures

To be able to import goods into Tanzania, the importer is required to follow the required Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) set standards and procedures. Failure to do so may lead to penalty or refusal to import the goods.
 

Step 1: Before goods are ordered:

  1. Ensure you have a Business License;
  1. Ensure you have an Import License.
     

Step 2: After ordering goods:

  1. Appoint a Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA) to clear the goods.
  2. Process Documents: Documentation process for all imports is done online through Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) before arrival of the vessel carrying goods;
  3. Lodge Documents: the contracted CFA shall lodge the documents in the clearance system, attaching all other relevant import/ supporting documents. The importers/Agents are urged to lodge their at least 7 days before arrival of the vessels carrying the goods.
  4. Final Invoice:Receive Final invoice on import duties and other related taxes from TRA
     

Step 3: Receiving the goods:

Documents to have at Hand:

  • Final Invoice from TRA;
  • Agent’s Authorization Letter from the importer;
  • Import permits from Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). Depending on the nature of the product, it must meet the minimum standards as stipulated by the TBS;
  • Exemption documents (If applicable);
  • Packing List;
  • Transport documents i.e. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill/Road Consignment note;
  • Tax Clearance to verify tax clearance processing and payments;
  • Cargo Inspection certificate to verify the cargo had been inspected (all cargo must be inspected at the country of origin or at the final destination);
  • Certificate of Origin to certify and verify the place of origin of the product.


For more information visit the Import Procedure section of the TRA portal.