How to Import Goods Into Tanzania: TRA, TBS and Dar es Salaam Port Basics

To import goods into Tanzania, you register as an importer, hire a licensed clearing and forwarding agent, get your goods through customs with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), meet any product standards set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and collect the cargo from the port. Most commercial cargo arrives through the port of Dar es Salaam, which is run by the Tanzania Ports Authority. This guide explains each step in plain English so a trader or small importer knows what to expect before the first container is booked.

It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, forms and rates change, so confirm current requirements with the TRA, TBS and your licensed agent before you pay a supplier.

The three bodies you will deal with

Three names come up again and again when you import into Tanzania.

Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). TRA is the customs authority. It assesses duties and taxes, processes your declaration and publishes the tariff and procedures on its website, tra.go.tz.
Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). TBS sets and enforces product standards. It oversees the pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) programme, which checks that regulated imported products meet national standards before they ship.
Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). TPA manages the port side: port charges, gate entry and physical release of the cargo from the yard.

Behind these sits the regional rulebook. Tanzania is part of the East African Community (EAC), and customs clearance follows the EAC Customs Management Act of 2004, according to the US government's country commercial guide. That means the basic customs concepts, such as classification under the Harmonised System, valuation and the common external tariff, are shared with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the other member states.

Step 1: Get your business and tax set-up right

Before you buy anything, make sure your company or business name is registered and that you hold a taxpayer identification number with TRA. Clearing agents will ask for these first, because the customs declaration is filed in the importer's name. Some products also need a licence or permit from a sector regulator, for example for food, medicines, chemicals or telecoms equipment. Ask your agent which approvals apply to your exact product before you place the order, not after the goods have landed.

Do not skip this step because the shipment is small. A small first order is the best time to learn the paperwork, because mistakes cost less.

Step 2: Choose a licensed clearing and forwarding agent

The US commercial guide states that Tanzanian importers must appoint a licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA). The Tanzania Ports Authority's own import guide tells customers to pick an agent from the TRA list of registered agents for the current year. So the first practical task is to check any agent's name against that list rather than trusting a business card.

When you compare agents, ask for a written quote that separates TRA duties and taxes, port charges, shipping line charges, inland transport and the agent's own fee. Our guide on how to find a reliable clearing and forwarding agent lists the questions to ask and the red flags to watch for.

Step 3: Understand TRA import duty and taxes

Tanzania customs clearance is built around the customs value, the product classification and the duty and tax rates that follow from them.

TRA import duty is calculated on the customs value of the goods, using the classification code (HS code) for your product. The duty rate depends on that code, and other taxes such as value added tax may apply on top. We do not quote rates here because they change and differ by product. Instead, do this:

Ask your supplier for the exact product description and the HS code they use.
Ask your agent to confirm the correct Tanzanian HS code and the current duty and tax rates in writing.
Build a landed cost sheet before you commit. Our article on import duties, VAT and landed cost shows how to set it out.

Customs valuation matters as much as the rate. TRA has described a commodity database of standard customs values meant to shorten clearance and make valuation decisions more transparent. If your invoice value is far below what customs expects for similar goods, expect questions. Honest, consistent invoices are the safest policy.

Step 4: Meet TBS standards on imports

For regulated products, TBS requires proof of conformity from the exporting country. In practice this usually means a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by an inspection company authorised under the PVoC programme. SGS reported that TBS introduced an updated CoC template from 1 November 2025 and is phasing in system integration to improve tracking of pre-shipment assessments. The detail will keep evolving, so ask TBS or your agent which products on your list are regulated and which inspection companies are currently appointed.

The key habit is to ask your supplier about conformity before the goods are made or shipped. Inspection after shipping is not the same thing, and a missing certificate can hold up a container while storage charges build up. A TBS standards import check at the start of the deal is cheap insurance.

Step 5: Documents you should expect to prepare

Exact requirements depend on the product, but most Tanzanian import files include the following.

Commercial invoice and packing list from the supplier.
Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air).
Certificate of conformity for regulated goods under PVoC.
Certificate of origin if you want to claim a preferential rate under a trade agreement, which must be checked against the rules.
Any import permit or licence the product needs.

If these terms are new, read our explainer on the bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list. Mismatched quantities or descriptions between these documents are one of the most common causes of delay.

Tanzanian customs processing runs on an electronic system called TANCIS, which the US guide says covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. Agents submit documents electronically, and the guide notes that documents should be submitted ahead of arrival. Ask your agent how early they need your final documents so the file is ready when the vessel docks.

Step 6: Clearing at the port of Dar es Salaam

The Tanzania Ports Authority publishes the import process at its ports. In summary, your agent receives the bill of lading, pays the applicable customs charges and obtains a release order from the shipping agent, then obtains a delivery order. The agent then uploads the documents to the TPA electronic payment portal to generate a port charges invoice with a control number. That invoice can be paid by bank or mobile money using the control number. The agent registers the delivery truck and driver to obtain a gate-in ticket, and the cargo gets physical checks at the port gates before release.

This is a summary of what the port authority describes, and individual shipments can involve extra steps such as customs examination or standards inspection. The important point for you as the buyer is that each document has a purpose. Keep copies of every receipt your agent shows you, and ask for the control numbers so you can follow the file yourself. If you are thinking about Dar es Salaam port clearing costs, remember that the port charges, shipping line charges and storage days all add up, so the faster the paperwork is ready, the lower the risk of extra storage fees.

Importing from China to Tanzania

Many Tanzanian traders buy from Chinese factories and wholesale markets. If you import from China to Tanzania, the steps above apply in full, with a few extra checks.

Agree the Incoterm clearly (for example FOB or CIF) so you know who pays freight and insurance.
Ask the factory to arrange the PVoC inspection if your product is regulated, and confirm the certificate details match the invoice.
Use a sample order first. Our step-by-step guide to importing from China walks through samples, payment and shipping.
Verify the supplier before you send money. Never pay in full to an unverified seller.

If you plan to resell at Kariakoo, read our Kariakoo wholesale guide to see how the market works before you import in bulk, and compare the cost of importing directly against buying locally from wholesalers.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing an agent by price alone. A very low quote can hide extra charges later. Compare line by line.
Ordering before checking standards. Regulated goods without the right certificate can be stuck at the port.
Wrong product description or HS code. This leads to the wrong duty and possible penalties.
Sending final documents late. Delays mean storage days, which cost money.
No landed cost sheet. Without it you cannot price your goods properly for resale.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a clearing agent to import into Tanzania? Yes for commercial cargo. The US commercial guide says importers must appoint a licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent, and the port authority tells customers to use an agent registered with TRA.

Which port do most importers use? Dar es Salaam is the main sea port for commercial cargo. Ask your agent about your specific route and any inland transit.

How do I find the TRA import duty for my product? Get the HS code for the product, then check the tariff on the TRA website or ask your licensed agent to confirm the current rate in writing before you order.

What is the TBS certificate of conformity? It is proof, issued by an authorised inspection company in the exporting country, that regulated goods meet Tanzanian standards. Ask TBS or your agent which of your products need it.

Can I import used goods? Some used goods face extra rules or restrictions. Confirm with TRA and TBS before you buy.

How long does clearance take? It varies with the product, the documents and the season. We do not quote times. Ask your agent for a realistic range based on recent shipments.

Getting started

Start small: pick one product, confirm its HS code, standards and duty with an agent, then order a sample or a first small consignment. If you would rather source from verified suppliers, you can post a sourcing request on Comilmart or browse the catalogue. Comilmart connects buyers with verified sellers across Africa, and there are no listing fees to get started for suppliers.