Import rules and regulations on Japanese used vehicles in Tanzania


With time, the demand for buying Japanese used vehicles has increased. The reason for this is their superior quality and performance. Japanese automobile industry is known among people from years. Buying a used vehicle is a wise decision as one gets a quality vehicle at reasonable price. Like other countries, large numbers of used vehicles from Japan is imported in Tanzania.


Tanzania, a land of varied geography is located in the East Africa on the Indian Ocean is among major importer of Japanese used vehicles. The market of Tanzania demand resistant, economical transport solutions, and Japan manufactured cars are groomed to offer that. There are certain import regulations that should be followed to ensure that products imported into United Republic of Tanzania meet the safety standards.

There is no age limit on used vehicles. However, the taxation of the car may change depending on the age of the vehicle. Importation of right-hand drive vehicles is allowed in the country. Importation of left-hand drive vehicles is prohibited in the country. Vehicles imported to Tanzania are required to pass the Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute (JAAI) inspection. While clearing customs, it is important to have a JAAI certificate without which clearing vehicle would not be possible.

In case returning residents are importing a car, it is not allowed to import a car which was bought in another country other than the country of expatriation, unless proven that the shipper was expatriated in the country where the car was purchased.

Documents required:-
  • Original Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Original or copy of Commercial/Purchase Invoice
  • Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
  • Bill of Lading
  • PRO-6 – for diplomats
  • Interpol Certificate – in case the vehicle is coming from another African country
  • Exemption Certificate – applies to certain NGO’s and missions
  • Taxpayer Identifier Number Certificate (TIN) from a TRA office in Tanzania
* It is important that all documents should be in English.

The vehicle must have been owned and used by the shipper for at least 12 months in the country of origin and evidence of fact must be shown. The vehicle must be under the name of the shipper or taxes and duties will apply on the value assessed by Customs.

Import Taxation in Tanzania:-

Vehicles with the engine capacity up to 2000cc:
Import duty 25%
VAT 18%

Vehicles with the engine capacity above 2000 cc:
Import duty 25%
VAT 18%

Utility vehicles (trucks, Lorries, vans and buses):
Import duty 15%
VAT 18%

Excise Duty:-
Excise Duty is a duty charged on specific goods and services manufactured locally or imported on varying rates. Excise Duty on Motor vehicles is charged based on cylinder capacity as follows:

Description of vehicle Applicable Rate:-
  • Of cylinder capacity not exceeding 1000cc- 0%
  • Of cylinder capacity exceeding 1000cc but not exceeding 2000cc- 5%
  • Non-utility vehicles exceeding 2000cc- 10%
  • Utility vehicles (trucks, vans, Lorries and buses) – 0%

Note- Vehicles older than 8 years from the date of their manufacture attracts an excise duty on age of 20%.
The most common port for shipment of used vehicles is Dar Es Salaam. Generally, RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipment method is used for shipment of vehicles. However, ion request of customers, a more secure and expensive, container shipment method is used.

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