Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Tanzania accepts the following items as document shipments from
Canada:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Books and manuscripts
- Business cards
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, and drafts
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings, including sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Labels
- Maps
- Mylars
- Pamphlets and price lists
- Periodicals, magazines, and newspapers
- Publications
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Travellers cheques
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped to Tanzania as a document shipment
if they abide by the restriction shown.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Advertising literature | Only if the material is on paper; plastic and laminated paper
advertising will incur duty |
| Envelopes | Providing they are blank |
| Examination papers | Maximum shipment weight of 31.5 kg |
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Manuals | Must be of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Providing it is for intercompany use |
| Stationery | Must be blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Tanzanian authorities do not allow gift shipments to be exempt from
duty and taxes. Therefore, all gift parcels shipped to the country
will incur fees.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Tanzania will be charged duty and taxes no matter its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Tanzania
will incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the parcel.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
When a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Tanzania,
it will be liable to duty and tax fees. There is no value threshold
for gift shipments.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you are sending more than one gift in a parcel, then be sure to tag
and wrap each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Duty-free entry of personal effects to Tanzania from Canada is allowed
to those taking up residence in Tanzania. This applies to Tanzanian
citizens and Canadians arriving to live in Tanzania for the first
time.
The exemption is allowed providing the person:
- Is not already living in Tanzania
- Has not previously claimed this exemption
Goods allowed entry as personal effects include:
- Clothing and footwear
- Household items* that are used and belong to the person and his or
her family
- Tools and instruments required for the importer's trade or
profession
*The following are not allowed duty-free entry: bicycles, radios,
televisions, and visual and audio recording equipment.
NOTE:
Personal effects of a
deceased person may be imported duty-free providing they are used, are
not for sale, and have been bequeathed to the recipient.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information available at this time regarding students
moving temporarily to Tanzania with their personal effects in order to
study.
Non-students
For people moving temporarily for a period of no longer than 6 months,
personal effects may be imported duty-free if they are in a reasonable
quantity and are returned to Canada at the end of the stay.
A shipment may include items such as:
- Non-consumable goods
- Consumable products and beverages (non-alcoholic)
Moving Permanently
Personal effects of those moving permanently to Tanzania may enter the
country exempt from duties providing the individual:
- Is either Tanzanian or a Canadian arriving to live in the country
for the first time
- Is currently NOT living in Tanzania
- Has never claimed the exemption before
Personal effects allowed under the exemption provision may be:
- Used household* items that were part of their residence in Canada
- Equipment such as instruments and tools used for a profession or
trade
- Footwear and clothing
*Household items NOT allowed to enter duty-free include televisions,
radios, bicycles, and audio and visual recording equipment.
NOTE:
The shipment must arrive
within 2 months of the individual entering Tanzania.
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided, including invoices
to show length of ownership of the goods
- For those moving permanently, provide a resident permit
Sources:
https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/returning-residents
https://mof.go.tz/mofdocs/revenue/exemptcustoms.htm
https://www.tra.go.tz/tax%20laws/THE%20VALUE%20ADDED%20TAX%20ACT,%202014.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
There is little information available at this time regarding the
importation of foodstuffs into Tanzania from Canada.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables
- Meat and dairy
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s384-04_e.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Product samples are shipped to potential clients to display and
demonstrate goods for sale.
Commercial samples may be shipped to Tanzania duty-free as a temporary
import for a maximum period of 12 months.
NOTE:
A security deposit in the
amount of duties owed will be required.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/temporary-importation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising material may enter Tanzania from Canada exempt from duty
charges as a temporary import.
Be advised that a security deposit in the amount of duty owed will be
required.
NOTE:
The material must leave
Tanzania within 12 months of its entry.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/temporary-importation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Equipment and goods for repair may enter Tanzania from Canada exempt
from duty charges as a temporary import. The items may only stay in
Tanzania for a maximum of 12 months.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired under warranty in Canada, and at no charge, may be
returned to Tanzania without incurring duty.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment that is no longer under warranty and repaired in Canada will
be liable to duty when it returns to Tanzania.
Sending Product for Repair to Tanzania
Equipment requiring repair may be shipped to Tanzania without
incurring any duty. This is subject to the goods being re-exported to
Canada within 12 months of their entry to Tanzania.
Returning Repaired Product to Tanzania
Providing equipment repaired in Canada was done under a warranty
without any charges, it may re-enter Tanzania without incurring any
duty.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Tanzania or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/temporary-importation
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/VAL/N1BDI1-02.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary imports are allowed into Tanzania duty-free providing the
goods stay no longer than 12 months in the country, and are NOT
prohibited items.
Be aware that a deposit is required in the amount of duty owed on the
importation.
Goods that qualify for temporary importation include:
- Equipment for an entertainment event
- Items for display at exhibitions
- Commercial samples
- Promotional or advertising material
ATA Carnets
Tanzania does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Complete Form C17 (TANCIS)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/temporary-importation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Shipments of sold goods with a small value (less than $5,000 USD -
about $6,000 CAD) may enter Tanzania without undergoing a Pre-Shipment
Verification of Conformity assessment.
Occasional Shipper
For goods sold and shipped to someone in Tanzania via e-commerce, the
Tanzanian government has simplified the process for small parcels of
relatively low value.
Therefore, shipments of sold goods with a value of less than $5,000
USD (about $6,000 CAD) may enter Tanzania without undergoing a
Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity assessment.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods in large, high-value quantities, we
recommend that you consult a licenced Tanzanian customs broker. This
is because the goods may require a Pre-Shipment Verification of
Conformity (PVoC) assessment.
A PVoC is applied to products such as:
- Furniture
- Foodstuffs
- Used items
- Electronics and electrical devices
- Toys and sports equipment
- Textiles
Sources:
https://www.tbs.go.tz/pages/inspection
https://www.sgs.com/-/media/global/documents/technical-documents/technical-datasheets/sgs-pca-tanzania-datasheet-a4-en-20-v10.pdf
https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/dtlstict2020d2_en.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
May Balisidya
Changanyikeni Rd.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255 22 241 0700 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
