Essential Guidelines for Shipping to Tanzania
Embark on a secure shipping journey to Tanzania, where safety is the guiding principle. In this guide, we delve into the fundamentals, ensuring your shipments reach their destination with utmost security and reliability. Whether you’re a business prioritizing cargo integrity or an individual sender valuing peace of mind, join us as we navigate the essentials, making safety the cornerstone of your shipping experience to Tanzania
Understanding Tanzania’s import regulations
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), overseas the imports procedure. When shipping to Tanzania, the following documents must be produced for your goods to be cleared;
Required documentation for shipping to Tanzania
- Final Invoice
- Agent’s Authorization Letter from the importer
- Import permits from TMDA, TBS, TASAC etc
- Exemption documents (If applicable)
- Packing List
- Transport documents i.e Bill of Lading/Airway Bill/Road Consignment note.
- Cross Border Declaration of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments.
Customs clearance process
Tanzania’s customs clearance process follows the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS). Importers must submit documentation electronically through this system. Pre-arrival declaration is recommended to expedite clearance. A local clearing agent registered with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is typically required for customs clearance. The customs agents are adviced to lodge the required documents, at least 7 days before arrival of the goods.
You can find more information about the clearing process here.
Tanzania import duties and taxes
Being a member of the East African Customs Union, the import duty in Tanzania is payable in accordance with the East African Community Customs. Management Act, 2004. Therefore, if shipping to Tanzania from any country within the union, no tarrifs are applied. However, note that a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18% is charged on all non-EAC imports.
Get a detailed break down of import duties and taxes here.
Main Ports in Tanzania
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Port of Dar es Salaam
This is the main shipping port in Tanzania. It handles over 90% of the country’s international maritime trade. It’s features include; modern container terminal, specialized handling equipment, direct connection to major shipping routes.
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Port of Tanga
Located on the northern coast of Tanzania, near the Kenyan boarder, this is the second largest port in Tanzania. It is the longest serving facility of the East African region. The port serves the northern part of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and northern Uganda. It’s annual cargo capacity is 1,200,000 tonnes.
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Port of Mtwara
The port of Mtwara mainly deals with general cargo. It is known for exporting cashew nuts, cassava roots and sisal. The port is the third major deep water port in Tanzania, and is located at the mouth of the Mturara River in the southern part of the country, just 20 kilometres from the border of Mozambique. The port also serves Mozambique, malawi, and Eastern Zambia.
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Port of Zanzibar
Located on the western coast of the island of Zanzibar, this port can handle 165,000 tonnes of general cargo and 50,000 TEUs annually. It covers 25,000 m2 and can store around 2000 TEUs
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Port of Mwanza
The Port of Mwanza consists of the North Port and the South port which have a combined cargo handling capacity of more than 1 million tonnes. It is the main port facility in Lake Victoria, and is managed by the Tanzania Ports Authority.
Shipping to Tanzania – Choosing the right shipping method
To choose the right shipping method, one has to consider factors like the nature of goods, shipping cost, and the urgency. Let’s have a look at the different options available;
Sea Freight shipping to Tanzania
Sea freight is an ideal choice for large quantities of goods. Depending with the nature of your goods, you can choose between;
- Container shipping; A Full Container Load (FCL) is recommended for large volume of goods. The entire container is dedicated to a single shipper. Less than Cntainer Load (LCL) on the other hand, is a cheaper option if you have a small shipment that cannot fill a container. Goods from different shippers are consolidated into a single container
- Break bulk & RoRo shipping; This method is suitable for oversized or heavy cargo, that cannot fit in a standard container. It is also a cost effective method for shipping a car to Tanzania.
Air Freight shipping to Tanzania
Air freight is the best method for less-time sensitive goods, or highly perishable goods. It offers fast deliveries for those urgent shipments. Note that, this shipping method is abit costly as compared to sea freight shipping. Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam serves as the primary air freight hub.
Ensuring safe and secure shipping to Tanzania
When moving your goods to Tanzania, proper packaging, insurance, and security measures are crucial to safeguard your shipment.
Packaging requirements
Tanzania’s tropical climate necessitates robust packaging solutions:
- Moisture-resistant materials to protect against humidity
- Heat-resistant packaging for temperature-sensitive goods
- Adequate ventilation for certain products
Implement comprehensive security measures including:
- Tamper-evident seals on all containers
- Reinforced packaging for valuable items
- Security marking and tracking systems
Insurance coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential:
- Marine cargo insurance for sea freight
- Air cargo insurance for airfreight
- Additional coverage for specific risks
- Transit insurance for inland transportation
Partnering with a reliable freight forwarder
A reliable freight forwarder can streamline the shipping process, handling customs clearance, documentation, insurance, and transportation. When selecting a freight forwarder, consider the following qualities:
- Experience in Tanzania Shipments: A strong track record of handling shipments to Tanzania.
- Strong Customs Brokerage Network: Efficient customs clearance and compliance.
- Reliable Tracking and Reporting Systems: Real-time visibility of shipment status.
- Competitive Rates: Cost-effective shipping solutions.
Cost considerations
Ensure you budget for various expenses such as;
- Customs duties (varying by product category)
- Port handling charges
- Transportation costs
- Insurance premiums
- Agency fees
- Documentation costs
Prohibited goods while shipping to Tanzania
Any country you export to has a list of restricted things that you must be familiar with. Although these differ greatly, it is simple to research them on their customs website. Sending something that is illegal will result in your shipment being confiscated and, in some situations, legal action against you. You should constantly conduct your research and never just assume what is illegal to avoid this headache.
For instance, some nations have outlawed specific types of literature, while others have even prohibited foreign calendars. The argument is that you shouldn’t automatically assume that anything must be hazardous or dangerous in order to be listed as being prohibited. Most of the items on some nations’ lists are deemed to be politically unacceptable.
Sending your box as early as you can help you avoid any customs delays that might cause you to be late for your scheduled arrival. Each nation has its own set of customs officers who carry out specific tasks.
Shortest transit time for container shipping to Tanzania
The shortest shipping time by sea from the United States to Tanzania is 34 days and 6 hours. Every 2-4 weeks, ships with planned departures arrive in Dar es Salaam (TZDAR) from Baltimore (USBAL).
Shortest transit time for airfreight shipping to Tanzania
The shortest departing from the United States to Tanzania is 17 hours and 27 minutes long. Flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Compliance and Safety Standards
Regulatory Compliance
Adhere to both international and local standards:
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations
- Tanzania Bureau of Standards requirements
- Environmental protection guidelines
- Industry-specific regulations
Conclusion
Successfully shipping to Tanzania requires careful planning, attention to detail, and strong local partnerships. While challenges exist, they can be effectively managed through proper preparation and understanding of local requirements. The growing infrastructure and modernization of Tanzania’s shipping facilities continue to improve the efficiency of import operations.