Import Cars from Japan & the UK to Tanzania

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from Japan and the UK directly to Tanzania. With years of experience exporting to Tanzania, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our Japanese & UK Car Export Service for Tanzania – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We search across Japanese auctions and wholesalers to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications and condition and negotiate the best prices.

All cars must be grade 4 and above unless agreed otherwise. We only supply the best quality cars and always advise against purchasing below grade 4.

Popular models for Tanzania include the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Rav4, Mitsubishi Canter, and other reliable, durable vehicles suited to Tanzanian road conditions.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

• Bespoke search across Japanese auctions and wholesalers
• Management of purchase and collection in Japan
• Quality assessment (grade 4 and above only)
• Mileage verification and condition reports
• Pre-shipment inspection (JEVIC/EAA)
• Transport insurance throughout Japan

Car Shipping to Tanzania

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed Japan & UK to Tanzania car shipping service via Dar es Salaam, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Tanzania import requirements.

Shipping from Japan to Tanzania:

• Transit time: 24-34 days via RoRo
• Monthly vessel schedule
• Hoegh Autoliners shipping line
• High-level marine insurance included
• CIF or FOB shipping options

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Tanzania.

Japan & UK to Tanzania Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Tanzania permits vehicle imports from Japan, the UK, and other countries. There is no strict age limit, but vehicles 8 years and older incur additional excise duty. All vehicles must pass EAA/JEVIC inspection before importation. Returning residents receive significant duty exemptions.

Key Requirements:

1. EAA/JEVIC inspection: Mandatory pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection
2. No maximum age: Vehicles of any age can be imported (with additional duty if 8+ years)
3. Right-hand drive: Mandatory for Tanzania
4. Import duties & VAT: 25%-65% depending on engine capacity
5. Excise duty: 0%-10% depending on engine size
6. Returning resident exemption: Duty-free import available
7. Licensed clearing agent: Strongly recommended for customs
8. Third-party insurance: Mandatory

Tanzania Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Tanzania permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from Japan, the UK, and other countries.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

• No strict age limit: Vehicles of any age can be imported
• 8-year threshold: Vehicles 8 years or older (from date of manufacture) subject to additional excise duty
  • Non-utility vehicles: 25% additional excise duty
  • Utility vehicles: 5% additional excise duty
• Effective from July 1, 2023: Age limit reduced from 10 to 8 years
• Dumping fee: Additional fees may apply beyond 8-year threshold
• Exceptions: Age restrictions do not apply to cargo in transit, machinery, or heavy equipment

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

• All vehicles: Must have steering wheel on left side (right-hand drive)
• Left-hand drive prohibited: Not allowed for road use in Tanzania
• Driving side: Tanzania drives on left side of the road.
• Safety requirement: LHD would be dangerous on left-hand traffic roads

EAA/JEVIC Inspection Requirement:

• Mandatory: All vehicles imported from Japan must pass EAA inspection
• Provider: Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute (JAAI) or EAA
• Verification: Vehicle must be safe and meet safety standards
• Certificate required: EAA inspection certificate must accompany shipment
• Failure process: If vehicle fails inspection, repairs required before import
• Non-compliance penalty: Importing without certificate results in penalties

Documents Required for Tanzania Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents:

• Bill of Lading
• Export Certificate
• Proforma Invoice
• JEVIC or EAA Inspection Certificate: Mandatory
• Agent's Authorization Letter from importer
• Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
• Vehicle registration documents

For Customs Clearance at Dar es Salaam:

• Bill of Lading (original from shipping company)
• Export Certificate
• Proforma Invoice with full vehicle details
• JEVIC/EAA Inspection Certificate
• Agent's Authorization Letter
• Import permits from relevant authorities:
  • TFDA (Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority)
  • TBS (Tanzania Bureau of Standards)
• Commercial invoice
• Proof of insurance
• Original vehicle registration (from country of origin)

For Vehicle Registration:

• Customs release documentation
• Bill of Lading
• Invoice and certificates
• Driver's licence (valid)
• National ID or passport
• Third-party insurance proof

For Returning Residents (Additional):

• Returning Resident Certificate
• Proof of ownership
• Proof of usage abroad (12+ months)
• Valid driver's license

Import Duties & Taxes

For Standard Importers:

Vehicles with Engine Capacity up to 2000cc:

• Import Duty: 25%
• VAT: 20%
• Total Dutiable Value: 50%

Vehicles with Engine Capacity above 2000cc:

• Import Duty: 25%
• Excise Duty: 10%
• VAT: 20%
• Total Dutiable Value: 65%

Commercial Vehicles (Buses, Pickups, Lorries, Passenger Vans):

• Import Duty: 15%
• VAT: 20%
• Total Dutiable Value: 35%

Excise Duty by Engine Capacity:

• Engine capacity not exceeding 1000cc: 0%
• Engine capacity 1000cc-2000cc: 5%
• Engine capacity exceeding 2000cc: 10%

Age-Related Additional Duty (8+ years):

• Non-utility vehicles: 25% additional excise duty
• Utility vehicles: 5% additional excise duty
• Dumping fees: May apply beyond 8-year threshold

Returning Resident Exemptions

Eligibility:

• Tanzanian citizen/resident returning from abroad
• Lived abroad for 12+ months
• Returning to settle permanently
• Own and use vehicle abroad for 12+ months

Exemption Benefits:

• Import duty: Exempt
• Excise duty: Exempt
• VAT: Exempt
• Other fees: Still apply (registration, clearance, insurance)

Exemption Conditions:

• Single vehicle per returning resident
• Must declare vehicle upon arrival
• Must follow specific customs procedures
• Must obtain local insurance

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Tanzania begins when the vehicle arrives at Port of Dar es Salaam, where it is held pending customs processing and the clearing agent is notified. It is strongly recommended to appoint a licensed clearing agent to coordinate with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), manage documentation, and arrange duty payments. Required documents—including the original Bill of Lading, JEVIC/EAA inspection certificate, export certificate, proforma invoice, import permits, insurance proof, and registration documents—must be submitted for review.

TRA may conduct a physical inspection to verify the vehicle’s specifications, age, and engine capacity before calculating applicable duties and taxes, including any additional charges for vehicles over eight years old. Once all assessed duties and port fees are paid, TRA issues the release documentation, and the vehicle is cleared for collection and subsequent registration.

Vehicle Registration in Tanzania

Registration Requirements:

• Customs release documentation
• Vehicle inspection by TRA/road authority
• Payment of registration fees and taxes
• Proof of third-party insurance (mandatory)
• Valid driver's license
• ID/passport

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Tanzania car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Tanzania Government Agencies:

• Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) – Import duties, taxes, and vehicle regulations
  • Duty calculator and guidelines
  • Motor vehicle registration information
• Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute (JAAI)/EAA – Pre-shipment inspection
  • EAA inspection certificates
  • Inspection guidelines and requirements
• Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) – Import permits
  • Vehicle import documentation
• Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) – Import permits
  • Vehicle standards and compliance
• Dar es Salaam Port Authority – Port operations
  • Vehicle import procedures

Ready to Import Your Car from Japan or the UK to Tanzania?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from Japan and the UK to Tanzania via Dar es Salaam. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions and vehicle sourcing from Japan and the UK (grade 4+ quality only) and Tanzania import regulations and requirements.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll source your perfect vehicle and manage every step to Dar es Salaam.