How can import vehicles in Tanzania? Tanzania Car Import Policy

Tanzania, a breathtaking East African gem, takes pride in its flourishing car import industry, particularly when it comes to Japanese used cars. This industry has gracefully adapted over the years to align with the ever-changing landscape of the country and its business world. If one is looking to import from there, it would be fruitful to know some regulations beforehand. So in this article, we will delve deeper into the Tanzania car import policy with a focus on the latest rules and key factors for importers. Let us roll!

Please check out Hyundai vs Honda 

Tanzania Car Import Policy

Used Car Imports from Japan

Japan plays a big role in providing used cars for Tanzania. The Japanese government has some programs to help send these used cars abroad, including there. This has made cars from Japan more affordable for people in Tanzania. 

Importation Requirements

There are some basic requirements for importing a car into Tanzania:

• The car needs to be in good working condition and have a valid registration certificate from its home country.
• The car must be insured against third-party liability.
• The importer must pay import duty, excise duty, and value-added tax (VAT).

Inspection for Road Worthiness

Before cars from Japan can be used on Tanzanian roads, they must go through a strict safety check. The Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute (JAAI) is in charge of this process. They carefully inspect the cars to make sure they are safe to drive and meet all the safety rules. If a car passes this inspection, it gets an important certificate that allows it to be shipped to Tanzania. But if a car does not pass, it has to be fixed up before it can be imported. Importing a car without this special certificate might lead to fines. So, making sure the car is safe is a big deal!

Import Duty

In the Tanzania car import policy, there are strict rules about taxes for imported cars. They look at the engine of the car size to decide how much tax you need to pay. These taxes can make a big difference in how much it costs to bring a car into Tanzania. For example:

• For cars with an engine capacity up to 2000cc, the taxation includes an import duty of 25%, and VAT of 20%, amounting to a cumulative 50% of the dutiable value.
• Vehicles with an engine capacity above 2000cc face an import duty of 25%, an excise duty of 10%, and a VAT of 20%, totaling 65% of the dutiable value.
• Commercial units, such as buses, pickups, lorries, and passenger vans, incur an import duty of 15% and VAT of 20%, totaling 32% of the dutiable value.

Excise Duty

Excise Duty is a kind of tax that the government charges on certain things, like cars, whether they are made here or brought from other places. For cars, they look at how big the engine is to decide the tax rate:

• If the engine is not bigger than 1000cc, there is no Excise Duty.
• If the engine is between 1000cc and 2000cc, they charge a 5% Excise Duty.
• And if the engine is bigger than 2000cc, the tax is 10%

Age Limit

Unlike strict age limits in some places, Tanzania takes a more flexible stance. Under the Tanzania car import policy, they allow cars that are within a 10-year age range to be imported without major restrictions. But if a car exceeds this 10-year limit, importers should be aware that additional taxes and duties will apply upon importation impacting the overall cost.

However, there is a noteworthy change starting from July 1st, 2023. The allowable age of imported vehicles from Japan has been reduced to 8 years from the year of manufacture. If a car from Japan is older than 8 years then it will face additional excise duty upon importation. The rate is 25% for regular cars and 5% for utility vehicles. Beyond this 8-year limit, there may also be additional fees, often referred to as dumping fees. It is important to note that this age restriction mainly applies to standard cars and trucks, not to specialized machinery, cargo in transit, or heavy equipment such as bulldozers and agricultural machinery.

Popular Cars in Tanzania

The Tanzanian market has shown a preference for certain car models from Japan. Some of the most popular cars imported to Tanzania include:

• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2010-2020
• Mitsubishi Canter 2010-2020
• Toyota Harrier 2010-2020
• Toyota Rav4 2010-2020
• Toyota Coaster 2010-2020
• Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter 2010-2020
• Mitsubishi Rosa 2010-2020
• Toyota Ist 2010-2020
• Toyota Corona Premio 2010-2020

Shipping Ports of Tanzania

Used cars from Japan destined for Tanzania are typically shipped to the port of Dar Es Salaam. This serves as the primary entry point for vehicles imported into the country.

Documents Required for Importation

To successfully navigate the requirements of the Tanzania car import policy and bring a vehicle into the country, importers must ensure they have all the necessary documents in order. These essential documents include:

• Bill of Lading
• Export Certificate
• Proforma Invoice
• JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) or QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan) Certificate
• Agent’s Authorization Letter from the importer
• Import permits from relevant authorities such as TFDA (Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority) and TBS (Tanzania Bureau of Standards)

Why take the car from Nextdrive

Looking for the best hassle-free option to buy a used car? NEXTDRIVE JAPAN is the answer for you. They specialize in exporting used vehicles. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan,  and staffed with experienced professionals dedicated to top-notch service.

With a wide selection of Japanese imports and global shipping, finding your dream car has never been easier. NEXTDRIVE offers unbeatable prices, fantastic deals, and peace of mind. That is why this company is a beloved destination for car enthusiasts. Visit them today and find your perfect used car!

Conclusion

The Tanzania car import policy may sound complicated at first, but if the buyer does proper research it can be a piece of cake for them. So what are you waiting for? Select your dream car and start your amazing journey ahead!

FAQs

How old should a car be to import to Tanzania?

There is no age limit for imported used cars in Tanzania, but cars that are more than 10 years old will be subject to a dumping fee of 30%.

What is the import tax on cars in Tanzania?

The import duty for cars in Tanzania is 25% of the dutiable value, plus excise duty and VAT.

What is the import duty in Tanzania?

The import duty in Tanzania is 25% of the dutiable value of the imported goods. The dutiable value is the price of the goods plus the cost of shipping and insurance.

Are left-hand cars allowed in Tanzania?

No, left-hand cars are not allowed in Tanzania. Tanzania is a left-hand traffic country, which means that cars drive on the left side of the road. Left-hand cars have the steering wheel on the right side, which would make it difficult and dangerous for drivers to operate them on left-hand traffic roads.