Export Cars
to Tanzania
UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Tanzania for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Tanzania
Tanzania has an established vehicle import market through the port of Dar es Salaam, which also serves as a major transit hub for landlocked East African countries. Right-hand drive UK vehicles are well suited to Tanzanian roads.
UK Car Source provides comprehensive export services to Tanzania including TBS compliance guidance, sea freight booking and full documentation preparation.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive required. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | Maximum 8 years from first registration at point of import. |
| Condition | Roadworthy condition. TBS pre-import verification may be required. |
| Customs Authority | Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty (25%), excise duty and VAT (18%) applicable on CIF value. |
| Standards | Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) approval may be required. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
18–24 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 25% CIF (EAC common external tariff) |
| Excise Duty | 5–25% depending on engine size/type |
| VAT | 18% |
| Port & Handling | Charges apply separately |
| Age Restriction | Vehicles over 8 years generally not permitted |
| EAC Trade | UK attracts standard third-country tariffs |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Dar es Salaam Port is Tanzania's main vehicle import port — operated by Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). The TICTS and TPCT container terminals handle most vehicle imports. Vehicles on RoRo arrive at dedicated berths. Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) handles customs clearance.
Pre-export inspection (PVOC) by a KEBS-approved body is required. Budget 10–21 days for clearance. Inland transport to Arusha or Mwanza available via bonded carriers.
Local Market Advice
Dar es Salaam and Arusha are the primary markets. 4WD vehicles dominate due to road infrastructure outside cities. The market strongly prefers Japanese models but UK vehicles are valued for quality and condition.
Dar es Salaam has a growing prestige market. Service and parts availability is strongest for Toyota — factor this into model recommendations. White vehicles dominate the market.
Most Popular Vehicles
Tanzania is one of East Africa's largest vehicle import markets, with Dar es Salaam serving as a major hub for both domestic use and onward transit to Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Malawi. The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is Tanzania's dominant 4WD — the 76 Station Wagon and 79 Dual Cab are standard issue for Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) rangers, NGOs, agricultural development organisations, and mining companies operating in remote regions of the country. The 70 Series's legendary durability on Tanzania's notoriously rough roads has cemented its position as the market leader.
The Toyota Hilux is Tanzania's best-selling light commercial vehicle by volume — the 2.4L and 2.8L diesel variants in Extra Cab and Double Cab configurations are used across every sector of the economy. Toyota Prado 150 is popular as a family SUV for Dar es Salaam's growing professional class. Land Rover Defender enjoys strong prestige among the safari industry, particularly for game drives in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Selous. Nissan Patrol Y61 is an affordable alternative for buyers who need serious off-road capability. Tanzania's 8-year age limit is strictly enforced by Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
| Top Seller | Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series |
| Runner Up | Toyota Hilux Double Cab (diesel) |
| Prestige Choice | Land Rover Defender / Toyota Prado |
| Budget Pick | Nissan Patrol Y61 |
Common Questions
How does the Dar es Salaam port clearance process work?
Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) processes all vehicle imports at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) facility in Dar es Salaam. Upon vessel arrival, the TRA conducts a physical inspection against the shipping documents (Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list and V5C). Import duty is levied on CIF value at rates set by TRA's tariff schedule. The Tanzania Electronic Single Window System (Tanzania SW) is used for electronic customs declarations. Having an experienced Dar es Salaam clearing agent is essential — we recommend agents we have worked with successfully on previous Tanzania shipments.
Does Zanzibar have different import rules from mainland Tanzania?
Yes — Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba islands) has its own semi-autonomous customs administration under the Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB), separate from mainland TRA. Vehicles imported to Zanzibar must clear through ZRB at Malindi Port in Stone Town. Duty rates differ from mainland Tanzania and the age limit is applied independently. Crucially, a vehicle cleared through Dar es Salaam cannot simply be taken to Zanzibar without re-clearance through ZRB. We can advise specifically on Zanzibar imports and the ZRB clearance process.
What vehicles qualify under Tanzania's 8-year age limit?
Tanzania Revenue Authority enforces an 8-year age limit from year of manufacture. In 2025, vehicles from 2017 onwards are eligible. This is more lenient than the Caribbean islands but stricter than Zimbabwe or Zambia. A 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series, 2019 Hilux Double Cab, or 2018 Land Rover Defender are all fully eligible for Tanzania in 2026. The 8-year window means we can often source significantly lower-mileage, higher-specification UK vehicles than the Caribbean markets, providing better value for the buyer.
Export a Vehicle to Tanzania
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.