Import guide · East Africa
Shipping to Tanzania: Dar es Salaam first, then inland.
Tanzania routes nearly all of its container trade through the Port of Dar es Salaam, with road corridors feeding Dodoma, Arusha, and the landlocked neighbours. This guide covers sea options, TRA customs, TBS standards, and realistic door-to-release timing.
01
Entry points
Dar es Salaam is the primary sea gateway, with ferry and ro-ro options for vehicles and the Tanga and Mtwara routes serving specialised traffic. Air cargo moves through Julius Nyerere International.
- Port of Dar es Salaam
- Handles the large majority of Tanzania's containers. Asia origins run 18 to 26 days, Middle East origins 10 to 14 days.
- Inland corridors
- Road links from the port to Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza, plus onward rail to landlocked Zambia and Malawi.
- Air cargo
- JNIA Dar es Salaam for pharma, perishables, and urgent parts, with day-level transit from Gulf and European hubs.
02
FCL, LCL, and timing
Share containers suit shipments under 10 cubic metres and non-urgent cargo. Own containers win above 15 cubic metres and for anything on a fixed production date. Book 2 to 3 weeks before sailing in peak season, longer before Ramadan and Christmas windows.
03
Customs and standards in Tanzania
The Tanzania Revenue Authority processes entries in the SIMBA system, and regulated goods need Tanzania Bureau of Standards conformity approval, with pre-shipment inspection for controlled lines. VAT and import duties are assessed on the CIF value at entry.
04
How Ekutano handles the move
We take the booking, prepare the document set against TRA and TBS requirements, and coordinate delivery from the port. Movements into Madagascar run on the same file through our Toamasina desk.
FAQ
Questions we get.
- How long does shipping to Tanzania take?
- From Jebel Ali to Dar es Salaam, 10 to 14 days port to port. From Shanghai, 18 to 26 days. Add 3 to 7 days for inland delivery depending on destination.
- Which documents does a Tanzania import need?
- Invoice, packing list, transport document, TIN of the importer, entry lodged in SIMBA, and conformity documents for TBS-controlled goods.
- Is pre-shipment inspection required?
- For controlled product lines, yes. Inspection at origin avoids holds at Dar es Salaam. We check your HS codes against the controlled list when you brief us.
- Can you deliver outside Dar es Salaam?
- Yes. Road delivery to Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza can be quoted on the same booking, with rail options for Zambia and Malawi destinations.
The platform
Vohitra on the Tanzania import corridor.
- One file from booking through Dar es Salaam entry to inland delivery.
- AI assistant trained on TRA procedures, SIMBA entries, and TBS conformity checks.
- Status shared with your Tanzanian consignee, updated at every milestone.
Vohitra · live files
AI assistantAsk the Vohitra assistant whether your product lines fall under TBS controlled goods and which inspections apply before loading.
Moving goods into Tanzania?
Share origin, HS lines, and volume. We return FCL and LCL options, the TRA and TBS document checklist, and transit you can plan production around.