The Customs Clearing Process in Tanzania — A Practical Guide
Clearing imported goods through Tanzania customs involves multiple government agencies, strict documentation requirements, and tight timelines to avoid costly demurrage charges. This guide walks through the full process step by step.
Overview
When a vessel arrives at Dar es Salaam port (or a consignment arrives at a land border crossing), the importer or their clearing agent must complete a formal customs clearance process with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) before goods can be collected.
The process typically takes 3–10 working days depending on the nature of the goods, the completeness of documentation, and whether the shipment is selected for physical inspection.
Step 1: Obtain shipping documents
Before lodging any declaration, you need the core shipping documents from the supplier and shipping line:
| Document | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading | Shipping line | Proof of shipment and ownership |
| Commercial Invoice | Supplier | Establishes goods value |
| Packing List | Supplier | Details of each package/container |
| Certificate of Origin | Supplier/Chamber of Commerce | Determines applicable duty rate |
| Import Permit (if applicable) | Relevant ministry | Required for controlled goods |
Request these documents before the vessel arrives. Delays in obtaining paperwork are the most common cause of demurrage charges.
Step 2: Prepare the TANSAD
The Tanzania Single Administrative Document (TANSAD) is the official customs entry form. It contains:
- Importer and exporter details (including TIN)
- Description of goods and HS tariff classification codes
- Country of origin
- Invoice value (in foreign currency and TZS equivalent)
- Duty calculation
- Port of entry and customs office
The TANSAD is prepared using TRA's TANCIS (Tanzania Customs Integrated System) platform.
Step 3: Calculate and verify duties
Import duties in Tanzania are calculated on the CIF value — Cost + Insurance + Freight — converted to TZS at TRA's published exchange rate.
Common duty rates:
- 0% — COMESA originating goods with valid Certificate of Origin
- 0–10% — Raw materials and capital goods
- 25% — Finished consumer goods
VAT at 18% applies to the duty-inclusive CIF value for most goods.
Incorrect tariff classification (HS codes) is a common cause of assessment disputes. If unsure, consult a licensed clearing agent.
Step 4: Lodge the declaration
Submit the completed TANSAD electronically through TANCIS. TRA will assign a declaration number and route it for processing.
Assessment: TRA reviews the declaration, verifies the valuation, and confirms duties payable. This typically takes 1–3 working days.
Step 5: Pay duties
Once the assessment is finalised, pay the duties through TRA-approved banks or via the TANCIS payment portal. Obtain the official payment receipt.
Step 6: Physical inspection (if selected)
TRA uses a risk-based system to select shipments for physical inspection. If your consignment is selected:
- A TRA examiner will physically verify the goods against the declaration
- This adds 2–4 working days to the process
- Ensure the goods match exactly what is declared — discrepancies lead to penalties
Step 7: Obtain the Release Order
With duties paid and any inspection completed, TRA issues a Customs Release Order authorising the port to release the containers.
You also need a Shipping Line Release from the vessel's agent — issued after all freight charges are settled.
Step 8: Collect from the port
Present the TRA Release Order and Shipping Line Release at the port terminal to collect your containers.
Free days at Dar es Salaam port are typically 7 days for imports. After that, demurrage charges accrue daily. Start your clearing process immediately on vessel arrival to avoid these costs.
Common delays and how to avoid them
| Delay cause | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Missing documents | Request all docs from supplier before shipment departs |
| Incorrect HS classification | Use a licensed clearing agent or verify in advance |
| Valuation disputes | Ensure the commercial invoice reflects the actual transaction value |
| Physical inspection | Submit accurate declarations; maintain records to support valuation |
| Delayed duty payment | Arrange payment in advance; use TANCIS e-payment |
How ERP Tanzania helps
ERP Tanzania's Clearing module tracks every declaration through all seven stages — Draft, Lodged, Assessment, Paid, Released, Delivered, Closed — with a document checklist to ensure nothing is missing before lodgement.
Container numbers, port details, and duty values are all tracked in one place, giving clearing agents and logistics managers full visibility across all active jobs.