To ensure stable shipments before & after Chinese New Year, all confirmed ocean & rail schedules will be locked from Dec 7, 2025, to Feb 24, 2026.
Joanna · 2025-12-05
Li Wei · 2024-04-22
Importing used cars from China to Tanzania is no longer an impossible thing but a systematic process. However, the steps taken during the procedure must be taken with utmost caution. Thus, this guide intends to demystify the process for the 2024 Tanzanian importers by focusing on practical steps, costs, and policies.

Understanding Regulatory Requirements is Crucial.
The ultimate difficulty during the process arises when Tanzanian laws do not allow anything beyond the standard. Therefore, one must understand the meaning of import regulations imposed in that jurisdiction. For instance, Tanzania is a right-hand drive country that limits the age of the imported used cars to 10 years. In addition, the vehicles must be certified by the Pre-Shipment inspection done by the recognized organizations. Such control assists the vehicle meet Tanzanian standards of road safety and environmental conservation.
Cost Analysis is Key to Economical Imports.
The second challenge faced during the process includes the cost. Finally, the final cost of a good is the sum of various expenses. Thus, the importer must navigate four key costs in the form of the price, shipping fee, import duty, and taxes. Tanzania levies customs duty, excise duty, and VAT on used car imports.
- Vehicles with an engine capacity of less than or equal to 1,000 ml are subject to 25% customs duty and 20% VAT.
- Vehicles with engine capacity greater than 1000ml and less than 2000ml are subject to 25% customs duty, 20% VAT, and 5% excise duty.
- Vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 2000ml are subject to 25% customs duty, 20% VAT, and 10% excise duty.
- Vans/pickups/trucks/buses are subject to 15% customs duty, and 20% VAT.
Relevant Documentation Should Not Be Overlooked.
- Bills of lading
- Export certificate
- Invoice
- Importer's authorization
- Import license
To sum up, importing used cars from China to Tanzania in 2024 entails understanding the primary considerations, including regulatory requirements, detailed cost analysis, vehicle selection, and logistics and clearance processing. Following this guide, Tanzanian importers can pass through the scene of importing used vehicles effectively and access high-quality vehicles at low prices. It is also highly recommended that to inquire about Tanzania’s local import agents before purchasing cars from China.
Please note that used car import tax rates and policies may change over time or be adjusted according to the latest regulations from the government. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm the most current tax information with relevant tax and customs authorities before importing.
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