Import a Used Car from Japan to Tanzania (2026): Rules & Cost

Tanzania PVoC, customs and registration sequence

1. Confirm PVoC scopeUse TBS's current import-control page to confirm that the exact used vehicle is covered and to identify the currently contracted provider and Japan service zone before paying an inspection fee.
2. Inspect before shipmentTBS says consignments subject to PVoC must obtain the applicable release document and Certificate of Conformity before shipping. Do not treat a seller's inspection report as a TBS CoC.
3. Match every chassis numberCheck the chassis number across the listing, final invoice, Japanese export record, inspection application, CoC and bill of lading. Resolve any spelling, spacing or suffix difference before the vehicle sails.
4. Prepare TANCIS clearanceTRA requires an importer to appoint a licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent. Its import procedure says documents should be lodged through TANCIS at least seven days before the vessel arrives.
5. Clear, then registerPrepare the final invoice, importer's agent authorization, TBS permits or conformity evidence, packing list, bill of lading and applicable exemption documents. Customs release and first registration are separate stages.
6. Add the published first-registration chargesTRA currently lists an engine-capacity-based motor-vehicle licence fee, a TZS 250,000 registration tax and a separate HIV Response Levy for first registration. Use the exact vehicle class and powertrain rather than applying the petrol or diesel table to a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Do not hard-code an inspection company from an old guide. TBS publishes current provider contacts and contracted zones separately, and those assignments can change. Confirm the Japan provider from TBS before booking or shipment.

Do not quote a fixed tax percentage for every vehicle. TRA describes customs duty on the CIF basis and separate excise treatment for motor vehicles. Obtain a current vehicle-specific assessment and include port, agent, storage and registration costs.

Budget the published registration charges separately. For ordinary motor vehicles, TRA currently lists licence fees of TZS 200,000 for 501–1,500 cc, TZS 250,000 for 1,501–2,500 cc and TZS 300,000 for 2,501 cc and above. It also lists a TZS 250,000 registration tax and HIV Response Levy bands of TZS 50,000 to TZS 200,000 by engine capacity. Hybrid and electric vehicles use separate published classifications. Recheck the operative schedule for the exact vehicle when registering.