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

There is no age limit.

Steering Position

Only right-hand drive cars are accepted.

Vehicles Accepted

Only passenger cars are offered from Japan auctions.

Shipping and Port Details

Primary Ports: Dar es Salaam Seaport

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Duties and Taxes

Duties and taxes are worked out on the CIF value, which is the car's price plus sea freight. Customs duty is 25% of the CIF value. Excise duty is 0% to 10% of the CIF value plus customs duty, depending on engine size. The age levy is nothing for cars up to 7 years old, 15% of the CIF value for cars 8 to 10 years old and 30% for cars over 10 years old. VAT is 18% of the CIF value plus customs duty, excise duty and age levy. The railway development levy is 2% of the CIF value. The destination inspection costs 0.6% of the car's price. Registration costs TZS 150,000.

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 40 days
Shipping Schedule: weekly sailings via MOL

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