Regulations for Importing Japanese
Used Cars to Tanzania

Considering importing a car from Japan to Tanzania? Understand the essential rules, duties, and required documentation to ensure a smooth import process

Key Import Guidelines

Vehicle Age Restrictions

No age limits

Steering Position

Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are permitted

Shipping and Port Details

Primary Ports: Dar es Salaam Seaport

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Duties and Taxes

Customs duties and taxes calculated based on Japanese Yellow Book Value

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

Registration Certificate (Country of Origin)

Confirms car registration status

Export Certificate

Issued by Japanese authorities, required for customs

Original Invoice

Provided by Carbarn.

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate

Mandatory pre-shipment condition appraisal by the approved inspection body.

Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping company detailing shipment specifics

Condition Report

Detailed description of vehicle condition, including exterior, interior, and mechanical status

Import Rules & Regulations for Japanese Used Cars in Tanzania

Planning to import Japanese used cars to Tanzania? Here are the essential import rules, taxes, and guidelines:

Key Import Guidelines:

Year Restrictions:

No official age restriction on used cars imported from Japan.
Vehicles older than 8 years incur additional excise duties (non-utility: 25%, utility vehicles: 5%).

Mandatory Inspections:

All vehicles must undergo a pre-shipment inspection in Japan by EAA.
Upon arrival in Tanzania, a roadworthiness inspection by EAA (East Africa Automobile Services) is required as mandated by the Tanzanian government.

Shipping Information:

Destination Port: Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania
Shipping Method: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), typically taking 25-35 days
Shipping Schedule: Weekly sailings via Hoegh Autoliners

Duties and Taxes:

Vehicles up to 2000cc:

Import Duty: 25%
VAT: 20%
Total cumulative duty approximately 50% of dutiable vehicle value.

Vehicles above 2000cc:

Import Duty: 25%
Excise Duty: 10%
VAT: 20%
Total cumulative duty approximately 65% of dutiable vehicle value.

Excise Duty by Engine Capacity:

0% for vehicles up to 1000cc
5% for vehicles between 1001cc and 2000cc
10% for vehicles exceeding 2000cc

Ensure you have proper documentation (Bill of Lading, Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice, and Inspection Certificate) ready for smooth customs clearance in Tanzania.

Regulations for Importing Japanese Used Cars to Tanzania