Customs Control
TRA Customs enforces Tanzania's import, export and transit regulations at every port, border and airport. This page outlines the rules importers must follow, recent enforcement actions against non-compliance, and a search tool for cargo currently held under a Detention Notice.
Search cargo held by Customs
Enter the Detention Notice Reference issued at the point of detention (format: DN/YYYY/NNNNNN).
Customs regulations
Import Declaration
All goods entering Tanzania must be declared under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004.
Prohibited & Restricted Goods
Narcotics, counterfeit currency, used undergarments, and unlicensed firearms are absolutely prohibited from import.
Duty & VAT on Imports
Import duty (0–25%), VAT (18%) and applicable excise are assessed on the CIF value at the point of entry.
Transit & Re-export Rules
Transit cargo must exit Tanzania within 30 days and be escorted under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System.
Excisable Goods & ETS
Cigarettes, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks must bear valid Electronic Tax Stamps before release.
Customs Valuation
Valuation follows the WTO Agreement (transaction value method) — undervaluation triggers reassessment and penalties.
Seizures & non-compliance
Goods imported, exported or transited in breach of customs law are detained pending investigation. Penalties range from additional duty and fines of up to 50% of the CIF value, to outright forfeiture and criminal prosecution.
| Date | Notice Ref | Commodity | Station | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2026 | DN/2026/000489 | Counterfeit pharmaceuticals | DSM Port | Prohibited goods | Forfeited |
| 22 May 2026 | DN/2026/000456 | Undeclared electronics (250 units) | JNIA Airport | Non-declaration | Held |
| 17 May 2026 | DN/2026/000401 | Used motor vehicles (3) | Tunduma Border | Undervaluation | Under Review |
| 11 May 2026 | DN/2026/000372 | Cigarettes without ETS stamps | Sirari Border | Missing tax stamps | Forfeited |
| 06 May 2026 | DN/2026/000318 | Textiles (40ft container) | DSM Port | Misclassification | Released |
| 02 May 2026 | DN/2026/000287 | Refined sugar (20 tonnes) | Horohoro Border | Restricted import | Held |
Need help with a detained shipment?
Speak to the TRA Customs taxpayer support team or visit the issuing customs station for in-person assistance.