Clearing & Forwarding Services in Tanzania
As a licensed clearing and forwarding agent based in Dar es Salaam, Portage Logistics manages the full movement of your cargo from origin to final destination — handling the documentation, customs formalities, and coordination that keep goods moving without costly delays.
Every shipment that enters or leaves Tanzania must pass through customs, and an error in declaration or documentation can mean demurrage charges, storage fees, or held cargo. Our team prepares and lodges your entries through the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS), liaises directly with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and tracks each consignment until it is released and delivered.
We handle clearing and forwarding for:
- Import cargo arriving at the Port of Dar es Salaam and Julius Nyerere International Airport
- Export consignments leaving Tanzania for regional and overseas markets
- Transit cargo moving through Tanzania to the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe
Because we combine clearing and forwarding under one roof, you deal with a single point of contact for documentation, customs, transport, and delivery — which usually means faster clearance and lower overall cost.
Need to clear or move a shipment? Get a quote or call +255 763 666 993.
How Our Clearing & Forwarding Process Works
Every consignment follows a clear sequence, so you always know where your cargo stands. Before arrival, we review your documents — the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and packing list — and pre-lodge your customs entry in TANCIS so assessment can begin the moment the vessel berths.
Once the cargo is discharged at the Port of Dar es Salaam, we handle the customs assessment, arrange duty and VAT payment where applicable, and obtain the release order from the Tanzania Revenue Authority. We then coordinate port charges, collect the delivery order from the shipping line, and position transport for collection.
From there, your goods are delivered to their final destination — whether that’s a warehouse in Dar es Salaam or an onward border crossing to the regional interior. Throughout, you deal with one point of contact who keeps the shipment moving and the costs controlled.
Why Documentation Accuracy Matters
In Tanzanian customs, most delays and unexpected costs trace back to the same source: incorrect tariff classification, undervaluation, or missing permits. A wrongly classified consignment can be re-assessed, penalised, or held for inspection — and every day cargo sits at the port adds storage and demurrage charges.
Our role is to get the declaration right the first time. We classify your goods correctly, value them accurately under the East African Community Customs Management Act, and confirm which agency permits your specific cargo requires before it arrives — not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a clearing agent to import into Tanzania?
In practice, yes. Customs declarations are lodged through TANCIS by a licensed clearing and forwarding agent, and the process requires familiarity with tariff classification, valuation, and TRA procedures. Using an agent significantly reduces the risk of penalties, demurrage, and held cargo.
What documents do I need for clearing and forwarding?
The core documents are the Bill of Lading (or airway bill), commercial invoice, packing list, and your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Depending on the goods, you may also need permits from agencies such as TBS or TMDA. We confirm exactly what your specific cargo requires before it arrives.
How long does customs clearance take at the Port of Dar es Salaam?
With complete documentation and the entry pre-lodged, clearance typically takes a few working days after the vessel discharges. The biggest causes of delay are incomplete documents and valuation queries — both of which we work to resolve before they hold up your cargo.
Can you handle transit cargo to neighbouring countries?
Yes. We clear and forward transit cargo moving through Tanzania to the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, managing the transit bond and corridor coordination so your cargo crosses borders without unnecessary holds.