Tanzania Shipping Guide
Tanzania is located on the East African coast, with Dar es Salaam Port serving as its largest port and a vital transit corridor for landlocked countries such as Zambia and DR Congo. Tanzania's economy has maintained stable growth with increasing infrastructure investment. China-Tanzania economic cooperation has a long history, and China is an important trading partner. Tanzania has significant demand for Chinese building materials, machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
Basic Information
Major Ports & Airports
Tanzania's largest port and a key East African transit port serving multiple landlocked countries.
Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest international airport.
Customs & Clearance
Tanzania Customs is managed by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) using the TANCIS electronic clearance system.
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Permit
- TBS Standards Mark Permit
Restricted Items
- Plastic bags are banned
- Used clothing requires special permits
- Certain foods require TBS certification
- Medicines need TMDA approval
Customs Tips
Tanzania also enforces a plastic bag ban. Complete all clearance documentation before cargo arrival to avoid port demurrage charges.
Logistics Services
- FCL
- LCL
- Air Freight
- DDP Door-to-Door
- Transit to Landlocked Countries
Logistics Challenges
Dar es Salaam Port is undergoing modernization but capacity remains limited. Inland infrastructure is underdeveloped, making remote area deliveries costly and time-consuming.
Common Trade Goods
Exports from China
Imports from Country
Practical Tips
- 1Comply with plastic bag ban — use alternative packaging
- 2Prepare clearance documents early to avoid demurrage
- 3Dar es Salaam can serve as transit for landlocked countries
- 4Check TBS product standard requirements