Japanese Used Cars for Tanzania - Import Rules & Shipping

Tanzania does not currently publish a simple maximum-age rule for ordinary used vehicle imports in the official import procedure. However, the year of manufacture can significantly affect the amount of excise duty and other import taxes payable.

Before buying an older vehicle, customers should therefore check its manufacture year, engine specification and current TRA valuation and tax treatment.

Used motor vehicles exported from Japan to Tanzania are required to undergo pre-shipment inspection before leaving Japan under the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) PVoC programme.

TBS has contracted EAA Company Limited to inspect used motor vehicles exported from Japan. A compliant vehicle is issued the required Certificate of Roadworthiness.

Customers should avoid shipping a vehicle without the required inspection and certificate, as this can result in additional procedures, delays and costs at destination.

Tanzania vehicle import taxes can include customs duty, excise duty, VAT and other applicable charges. The final amount varies according to factors such as vehicle type, engine size, year of manufacture, customs value and tariff classification.

Older vehicles can attract additional age-related excise duty. Because tax rates and age bands may be amended through Tanzania's annual finance legislation, customers should use the current Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) motor vehicle valuation system or obtain a calculation from a licensed clearing agent before making a final purchase decision.

Documents commonly required for importing a used vehicle into Tanzania include:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Japanese export or deregistration certificate
• TBS Certificate of Roadworthiness
• Customs declaration and TANSAD documentation
• Importer and clearing-agent documentation required for the shipment

Dar es Salaam is the principal destination port for Japanese used vehicles shipped to Tanzania. Available shipping lines, vessel schedules, freight rates and transit times change throughout the year.

Kaede Trading checks the available shipping options when preparing a quotation rather than relying on a fixed carrier or monthly schedule.

Kaede Trading can source suitable vehicles from Japanese used-car auctions and other Japanese suppliers. Before bidding, we can help check the vehicle's manufacture year, condition, specifications and suitability for Tanzania.

After purchase, we can coordinate transportation in Japan, EAA inspection, export documentation and shipping arrangements to Dar es Salaam.

Import taxes, inspection procedures and other requirements can change. Before bidding or purchasing a vehicle for Tanzania, confirm the latest TBS and TRA requirements and obtain an up-to-date estimate of the destination import charges.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026