Import procedures
Introduction
Import means goods and services brought to Tanzania from a foreign country. Import procedures have to be followed in order to clear goods as per the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004.
Imports to Tanzania are subjected to different stages whereby the importer is advised to make declaration through his Clearing and Forwarding Agent by lodging documents at least 7 days before arrival of the vessel.
How do I process Import documents?
- The importer is required to appoint a Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA) to clear goods
- Documentation process is done online through Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) for imports and exports and can be completed before arrival of the goods
- Customs agents lodge the documents in the clearance system i.e. Tanzania Customs Integrated System Mainland and Zanzibar attaching all other relevant import supporting documents. The Agents are urged to lodge such documents at least 7 days before arrival of the goods.
Import documents include;
- Final Invoice
- Agent’s Authorization Letter from the importer
- Import permits from TMDA, TBS, TASAC etc
- Exemption documents (If applicable)
- Packing List
- Transport documents i.e Bill of Lading/Airway Bill/Road Consignment note.
- Cross Border Declaration of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments.
Note:
The clearance system automatically rejects incomplete declaration or declaration having insufficient descriptions through Integrated Query System (IQS) which is in TANCIS.