How to Import a Car to Tanzania: VAT & Duties Guide (2024 Update)

For Tanzanians, Japanese used cars offer a great way to save money without compromising on quality. However, before importing a Japanese used car to Tanzania, it's crucial to understand the import duties, regulations, and other associated costs as outlined by the Tanzania Revenue Authority car import tax office.

Contents

• Importing a Used Car to Tanzania

• Car Import Duties & Taxes for Tanzania

• Additional Import Fees & Taxes

• Japanese Used Car Inspections & Certifications

Importing a Used Car to Tanzania

When importing cars from Japan, they will be shipped to the maritime port of Dar es Salaam. If you purchase your car through BE FORWARD, they handle the export and shipping process from Japan to Dar es Salaam. There is no age limit for used vehicles imported from Japan to Tanzania.

For comprehensive information on Japanese car import duties to Tanzania, clearing and forwarding, delivery details, and more visit BE FORWARD Tanzania!

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However, note that different tax amounts apply depending on the vehicle's age. Older cars attract higher taxes. For cars older than 10 years, the fees are significantly higher. Therefore, it’s advisable to import cars that are less than ten years old.

Car Import Duties & Taxes for Tanzania

The import duties and taxes for different vehicle types are as follows:

• Passenger Vans, Buses, Lorries, and Pickup Trucks: Import duty is 15%, VAT is 20%, and excise duty is 0%, totaling about 32% of the vehicle's dutiable value.

• Vehicles with Engine Capacity 0-1000cc: Import duty is 25%, VAT is 20%, and excise duty is 0%.

• Vehicles with Engine Capacity 1001cc-2000cc: Import duty is 25%, VAT is 18%, and excise duty is 5%.

• Non-Utility Vehicles with Engine Capacity Above 2000cc: Import duty is 25%, VAT is 20%, and excise duty is 10%.

What is Excise Duty?

Excise duty on motor vehicles is a tax imposed on luxury vehicles to help raise government revenue. The Tanzania Revenue Authority is responsible for implementing all revenue collection in Tanzania.

Additional Import Fees & Taxes

There is an import declaration fee calculated as (Free on Board) FOB Price * 1.12 + $10. This fee is multiplied by the number of vehicles imported. Vehicles older than 8 years from their date of manufacture incur an additional excise duty of 20% due to age. To simplify pricing concerns, the Tanzania Revenue Authority offers a used car import calculator on their website.

Japanese Used Car Inspections & Certifications

In Japan, all used or new cars intended for export to Tanzania undergo roadworthiness inspections. The Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute (JAAI), a government-funded not-for-profit organization, performs these inspections and issues the relevant certificates.

Vehicles failing the inspection must be repaired and retested. Importing a vehicle without the JAAI certificate results in high penalties. However, BE FORWARD ensures that any vehicle they export to Tanzania is JAAI certified, guaranteeing roadworthiness before shipping.

By understanding these duties, taxes, and regulations, you can smoothly import a high-quality Japanese used car to Tanzania without unexpected costs or complications.