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Tanzania import clearance guide: TBS PVoC, TANCIS and the charges
From November 2025 Tanzania requires pre-shipment inspection for regulated goods. How to get the CoC, clearance through TANCIS, and what makes up the charges.
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Regulated goods imported into Tanzania must have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued in the exporting country by a TBS-appointed body, mandatory from 4 November 2025. Goods arriving without one undergo destination inspection and a fine of 15% of their value. Clearance goes through TANCIS, and VAT is 18%.
Information updated: 2026-10-03
Clearance steps
- Confirm whether the product is regulated by TBS.
- Arrange inspection in China through a TBS-appointed provider and obtain the CoC.
- Ship the goods; the CoC is verified by the TBS import certification office.
- The clearing agent submits the bill of lading, commercial invoice, TANSAD declaration and CoC on TANCIS.
- Payment, inspection and release.
What makes up the charges
| Item | Base | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | CIF | EAC Common External Tariff 0% / 10% / 25% / 35% |
| Customs Processing Fee (CPF) | FOB | 0.6% |
| Railway Development Levy (RDL) | CIF | Rate adjusted in recent years; follow the Tanzania Revenue Authority |
| Excise duty | Some goods | |
| VAT | CIF + duty + excise + RDL + CPF | 18% |
Points to note
- No CoC: destination inspection plus a fine, with time and cost rising sharply.
- Dar es Salaam port also serves landlocked countries such as Zambia and DR Congo; transit goods follow a dedicated procedure.
- Customs converts at the official exchange rate.