Following the terms of several bilateral and international trade agreements as well as investment incentive programs, some duty exemptions may be granted. A select few high-priority products have received higher ratings, some even reaching one hundred percent. In addition, a value-added tax (VAT) of 18 percent is levied on all goods imported from outside the EAC, except those that have been exempted by the Tanzania Investment Center or the Ministry of Finance.
As a country that is a part of the East African Customs Union, Tanzania is required to apply the EAC common external tariff to any goods that are imported from countries that are not part of the EAC. Tariffs on finished items range from 0% for raw materials to 10% for used industrial products and 25% for consumer goods. Tariffs on raw materials are always 0%. As of the first of the year 2010, there are no duties for items of EAC origin that originate in unionized nations. On occasion, Tanzania and other EAC members have found themselves at odds with one another, which has resulted in the imposition of temporary trade restrictions or tariffs.
Documentation and import requirements
Following the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) of 2004, import processes need to be completed before goods can be released from customs. Imports into Tanzania are processed through several phases, and the importer is strongly advised to declare goods through his clearing and forwarding agent by providing the relevant papers at least seven days before the ship is expected to arrive in Tanzania.
For goods to be cleared through customs, the importer is required to name a Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA).
It is possible to finish the documentation process for imports and exports online through Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS), and this can be done before the goods even arrive.
Agents of Tanzania Customs Integrated System Mainland and Zanzibar clearance input the paperwork, along with any other import supporting documents, into the Tanzania Customs Integrated System clearance system. It is highly advised that the Agents file this paperwork at least seven days before the delivery of the merchandise.
Import documents required
The following examples of import documents:
- the final invoice
- a letter of authorization from the importer’s agent
- permits to import from the TMDA, TBS, TASAC, and other agencies.
- Exemption-related papers and forms (If applicable)
- Documentation about transportation, such as a bill of lading, airway bill, or road consignment note
- A packing list
- Bearer negotiable instruments and currency related terms and cross declaration of the border
- Trade stumbling hurdles
More details
Tanzania is quite successful at gaining access to both domestic and international markets. The importation of goods is the primary contributor to the economy of this nation, which is projected to reach a value of 8.92 billion US dollars by the end of the fiscal year in August 2021.
Since its inception in 1995, Tanzania has been an active participant in the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is said that Tanzania is a member of several regional trade accords, such as the East African Community, the South African Development Community (SADC), and the EAC-COMESASADC Tripartite Framework (EAC). Tanzania can reap the benefits of unilateral non-reciprocal trade preferences such as the Everything But Arms (EBA) program of the European Union, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) program of the United States, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs of several countries, and duty-free quota-free market access for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Tanzania is granted enhanced market access to the relevant markets as a result of each of these accords, albeit to various degrees. In March 2018, Tanzania became the first country to ratify the Kigali Declaration, which initiated the African continental free trade agreement.
Laws and regulations about imports
- Free entry into the country for passengers older than 17 years old
- Consequences for the individual and the household
- Articles of clothing; Items for the individual and the home with a maximum value of $500.
- All products are made in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda.
- Regulatory Policies Regarding Firearms and Ammunition:
- It is in everyone’s best interest to obtain import authorization from the authorities in advance.
- One liter of whisky and liquor
- Two liters of wine
Also, perfume and toilet water weighing no more than half a liter, with no more than a quarter of it being perfumed; One packet of cigarettes containing 200 sticks, cigars, tobacco, and snuff weighing no more than 250 grams; One packet of cigarettes containing 200 sticks, tobacco, and snuff weighing no more than 250 grams (For instance, 125 milliliters of fragrance and 375 milliliters of toilet water)
