Country profile
Tanzania
TZ · TZAAs of: 6/30/2026East African transit and port hub
Tanzania, with the port of Dar es Salaam handling about 95 percent of foreign trade, is East Africa's key seaport and transit hub for the landlocked countries Zambia, DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. As an EAC member it applies the EAC customs union with external tariffs of 0, 10, 25 and 35 percent; import VAT is 18 percent. Clearance is electronic via TANCIS (mainland) and ASYCUDA++ (Zanzibar). Road, the new standard gauge railway (SGR) and the TAZARA line to Zambia connect port and hinterland.
Overview
Tanzania (ISO code: TZ) lies in East Africa, bordering Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, with a long Indian Ocean coastline. It is a presidential republic whose capital is Dodoma. The economy rests on agriculture, mining (notably gold), energy, tourism and services. Exports are dominated by gold, agricultural goods such as coffee, cashew nuts, tobacco and cotton, and minerals, while machinery, vehicles, petroleum products and consumer goods are imported. Logistically Tanzania is the gateway and transit hub for the region's landlocked countries: the port of Dar es Salaam handles around 95 percent of foreign trade, complemented by Tanga, Mtwara and the lake ports. As an East African Community member it applies the EAC customs union and a standard import VAT of 18 percent. The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Customs and Excise DepartmentImport system
Mainland imports are cleared electronically via TANCIS, Zanzibar via ASYCUDA++. Legal basis EACCMA 2004; declaration by a licensed freight forwarder, documents at least 7 days before the vessel's arrival.
Export system
Export declaration via TANCIS by a licensed clearing and forwarding agent; requirements under EACCMA 2004 and the EAC Customs Union; export of goods to the EAC is duty-free.
Import VAT
- Import VAT standard rate 18 percent on CIF plus import duty
- exports 0 percent. VAT deferment for capital goods ends from 30. June 2026 (TRA).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- TANCIS import declaration
- Certificate of origin
- Import licences/permits (TBS, TMDA)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- TANCIS export declaration
- Certificate of origin (EAC/SADC/AfCFTA)
- Phytosanitary certificate
Origin proofs / FTA
Proofs of origin: EAC certificate of origin (duty-free within the EAC), SADC certificate, AfCFTA origin declaration. Tripartite FTA not yet ratified; no agreement with CH/EFTA or EU.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Bans and licence requirements inter alia for weapons, drugs, hazardous waste, certain agricultural and pharmaceutical products; single-use plastic bags prohibited. Controlled by TBS and TMDA.
Export controls & sanctions
Tanzania is not subject to comprehensive international sanctions. Export and import of strategic goods follows national and EAC rules; UN sanctions are implemented.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Julius Nyerere International (DAR), Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
- Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ), Sansibar
Seaports / access ports
Inland ports & terminals
- Mwanza (Lake Victoria)
- Kigoma (Lake Tanganyika)
- Itungi/Kyela (Lake Nyasa)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Central Corridor Dar es Salaam-Rwanda/Burundi/DR Congo/Uganda
- TANZAM Highway Dar es Salaam-Zambia
- Dar es Salaam-Arusha-Namanga (Kenya)
Rail corridors
- SGR Dar es Salaam-Morogoro-Dodoma (extension towards Mwanza)
- Central Line (metre gauge) Dar es Salaam-Kigoma/Mwanza
- TAZARA Dar es Salaam-Kapiri Mposhi (Zambia)
Top trade lanes
- China-Dar es Salaam
- UAE/Dubai-Dar es Salaam
- India-Dar es Salaam
- Transit to DR Congo and Zambia
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Regional hub for landlocked countries (Zambia, DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda). Main risks: clearance times, road conditions in the hinterland, seasonal flooding.
Seasonal & weather risks
Two rainy seasons (Masika March to May, Vuli October to December) with flooding and difficult roads in the hinterland; tropical, hot coast.
Current logistics notes
SGR passenger service Dar es Salaam-Morogoro-Dodoma since July 2024, electric freight service from June 2025; TAZARA modernisation (USD 1,4 bn, 2025) under way. DP World operates container terminals in Dar es Salaam.
As of: 2026-06-30
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- tra.go.tz
- ports.go.tz
- eac.int
- trade.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Tanzania?
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent and is levied on the customs value (CIF) plus import duty. Exports are zero-rated at 0 percent. The VAT deferment on import VAT for capital goods ends from 30. June 2026.
Which customs system does Tanzania use?
On the mainland, clearance is handled electronically via TANCIS (Tanzania Customs Integrated System), and in Zanzibar via ASYCUDA++. The legal basis is the EAC Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004.
Which import duties apply in Tanzania?
As a member of the EAC Customs Union, Tanzania applies the Common External Tariff (CET): 0 percent for raw materials, 10 percent for semi-finished goods, 25 percent for finished goods, and a fourth band of 35 percent for sensitive goods. Goods originating in the EAC are duty-free.
Through which port does Tanzania's foreign trade run?
The port of Dar es Salaam handles around 95 percent of foreign trade and also serves as a transit port for the landlocked countries Zambia, DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Other ports are Tanga, Mtwara and Zanzibar, as well as seaports on the Great Lakes.
Which free trade agreements does Tanzania have?
Tanzania is part of the EAC Customs Union and SADC and has ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Tripartite Free Trade Area COMESA-EAC-SADC has been in force since July 2024, but has not yet been ratified by Tanzania. There is no free trade agreement with Switzerland/EFTA or the EU.
How is Tanzania connected by rail?
The new electric standard-gauge railway (SGR) has connected Dar es Salaam with Morogoro and Dodoma since July 2024 (freight traffic from June 2025). In addition, there is the metre-gauge central line to Kigoma/Mwanza and the TAZARA line to Zambia, which has been undergoing modernisation since 2025.
Which documents are required for imports?
Commonly required are the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, the TANCIS import declaration, a certificate of origin, as well as product-related licences and permits (for example from TBS or TMDA). The declaration is made by a licensed freight forwarder, ideally at least 7 days before the vessel's arrival.
Which trade partners are important for Tanzania?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Tanzania?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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