Tanzania (United Republic of) Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Import duty in Tanzania is calculated as a percentage of your shipment's CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), with rates ranging from 0% to 35% depending on the goods type. For most consumer items forwarded by Stackry, the 25% rate for finished goods applies, and Tanzania has no de minimis threshold so duties apply from the first cent. Beyond import duty, your shipment will also incur VAT (18% on Mainland Tanzania), a 2% Railways Development Levy, and potential carrier clearance fees.

Tanzania has no VAT threshold. Duties and taxes apply from the first cent on your shipment. VAT is charged at 18% on Mainland Tanzania (15% in Zanzibar) on the CIF value plus import duty and other levies.

Tanzania applies import duty (typically 25% for consumer goods), VAT at 18% on Mainland (15% in Zanzibar), and a 2% Railways Development Levy to your shipment. There is no de minimis threshold, so taxes apply to all shipments from the first cent.

The standard VAT rate is 18% for imports into mainland Tanzania. Note that if your shipment is delivered to Zanzibar, the rate is 15%.

Most finished consumer goods are subject to a 25% import duty under the East African Community tariff. Some sensitive items like textiles or footwear may be charged up to 35%.

The RDL is a 2% levy calculated on the CIF value of your shipment. This charge is applied in addition to import duty before VAT is calculated.

VAT is calculated on the sum of your goods' CIF value, plus any import duty, RDL, and excise duty. This means you are effectively paying tax on top of other taxes.

Yes, carriers like DHL or FedEx typically charge a disbursement fee for advancing taxes on your behalf, often around 2% of the tax amount or a flat minimum. They may also charge document processing fees.

You may be required to provide a TIN if your shipment is high-value or if you are making repetitive imports. For occasional personal shipments, the carrier often handles this, but requirements can vary.

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) collects all import duties, VAT, and levies. Your carrier will collect these fees on behalf of the TRA before releasing your shipment to you.