IMPORT PROCEDURE

Home Import Procedures

INTRODUCTION

Import means goods and services brought to Tanzania from a foreign country. Import procedures have to be followed in order to clear goods as per the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004.
Imports to Tanzania are subjected to different stages whereby the importer is advised to make declaration through his Clearing and Forwarding Agent by lodging documents at least 7 days before arrival of the vessel.

How do I process Import documents?

The importer is required to appoint a Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA) to clear goods: List of Clearing and Forwarding Agent
Documentation process is done online through Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) for imports and exports and can be completed before arrival of the goods
Customs agents lodge the documents in the clearance system i.e. Tanzania Customs Integrated System Mainland and Zanzibar attaching all other relevant import supporting documents. The Agents are urged to lodge such documents at least 7 days before arrival of the goods.

Import documents include

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.

Note:

The clearance system automatically rejects incomplete declaration or declaration having insufficient descriptions through Integrated Query System (IQS) which is in TANCIS

Goods on transit

Transit goods in Tanzania require the appointment of a licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA) to lodge transit documents via the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS). Goods must be covered by a Regional Transit Bond and are subjected to electronic cargo tracking (ECTS). The process involves strict, time-bound movement from the port of entry to the exit border, with mandatory compliance with EAC Customs Management Act regulations.

logistics

Key Procedures for Transit Goods in Tanzania

1. Appointment of Agent

Importers must hire a licensed CFA. Documentation: Lodging transit documents (T1) in TANCIS, including the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List

2. Regional Transit Bond

Goods must be secured under a regional bond to guarantee duties. Cargo Tracking: Vehicles carrying transit goods are equipped with an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for monitoring

3. Mandatory Routing

Transit trucks must use authorized routes and are prohibited from parking in unauthorized areas, including fuel stations

4. Exit Confirmation

The inland border officer confirms the exit, releasing the transit bond.Single Customs Territory (SCT) ProceduresFor goods moving through Tanzania to other EAC Partner States, the SCT framework simplifies the process

5. Electronic Cargo Seal

Consignments are sealed at the port of entry.

6. OSBP Management

One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) combine exit and entry procedures to expedite clearance.

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