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How to Import Chinese Trucks to Tanzania: Complete 2026 Guide

March 18, 2026 15 min read by Kings Truck Team

Learning how to import Chinese trucks to Tanzania is essential for transporters looking to serve East Africa’s growing mining and logistics sectors. With the Port of Dar es Salaam serving as a major gateway for Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, and DRC, understanding TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) regulations is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers import requirements, duty calculation, RHD specifications, and the clearance process for 2026.

Tanzania Import Regulations at a Glance

Steering side: Right-hand drive (RHD) mandatory – LHD trucks require special permit for specific projects
Age limit: Used trucks must be ≤8 years old from year of manufacture
Emissions: Euro 3 minimum, Euro 5 preferred for newer models
Inspection: Pre-shipment inspection by authorized agents (Cotecna, SGS)
HS Codes: 8704.23 (dump trucks), 8701.20 (tractors)

Step 1: Choose the Right Truck for Tanzania

Popular Chinese trucks in Tanzania include:

HOWO A7 6×4 Tractor (RHD): For container haulage Dar-es-Salaam to Zambia/DRC
HOWO T7H 6×4 Tractor (RHD): Premium long-haul for cross-border routes
HOWO 6×4 Dump Truck (RHD): For mining and construction in Geita, Kahama
HOWO 8×4 Dump Truck (RHD): Heavy-duty for large-scale mining
Shacman X3000 6×4 Tractor (RHD limited): Growing in popularity

Step 2: Shipping to Dar es Salaam Port

Shipping methods and costs from China to Dar es Salaam (2026):

Method	Cost (USD)	Transit Time	Notes
RORO	$5,200 – $6,800	28-38 days	Most common for tractors
Container (40ft)	$5,800 – $7,500	32-42 days	Better protection, less common
Flat Rack	$6,500 – $8,500	32-42 days	For 8×4 dump trucks

Step 3: Required Documents for TRA Customs

Bill of Lading (original)
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (EAC preferential rates if applicable)
Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Import Declaration Form (IDF) – obtained via Tanzania Trade Portal
TIN certificate (Taxpayer Identification Number)
Importer’s Business License

Step 4: Import Duty Calculation for Trucks in Tanzania

Tanzania uses the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff:

Component	Rate	Calculated On
Import Duty	25%	CIF Value
VAT	18%	CIF + Duty
IDF (Import Declaration Fee)	1.5%	CIF Value
RDL (Railway Development Levy)	1%	CIF Value

Sample Calculation: HOWO 6×4 Tractor (CIF $50,000)

Import Duty (25%): $12,500
IDF (1.5%): $750
RDL (1%): $500
Subtotal for VAT: $50,000 + $12,500 + $750 + $500 = $63,750
VAT (18%): $11,475
Total Taxes Payable: $25,225
Plus port charges: approx. $1,500-2,000
Total Landed Cost: $50,000 + $25,225 + $1,800 = $77,025

Step 5: Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent

You must use a clearing agent registered with TRA. They will:

Process all customs declarations
Arrange for physical inspection
Pay duties on your behalf
Arrange transport from port

Clearing agent fees: TZS 1,000,000-1,500,000 ($400-600).

Step 6: TRA Inspection Process

Tanzania uses a risk management system. Your shipment may be selected for:

Green channel: No inspection – quick release
Blue channel: Document review only
Red channel: Physical inspection – common for used vehicles

Inspection verifies chassis number, engine number, and vehicle specifications.

Step 7: Vehicle Registration and Number Plates

After customs clearance, register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority and LATRA:

Visit TRA with customs clearance, invoice, IDF
Pay registration fees (based on vehicle value)
Obtain number plates
Complete road worthiness test
Obtain LATRA permit for commercial vehicles

Step 8: Popular Routes for Imported Trucks in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam-Dodoma: Central corridor (500km)
Dar es Salaam-Mbeya: Southern route (900km)
Dar es Salaam-Arusha: Northern route (650km)
Dar es Salaam-Lusaka (Zambia): Regional transit (2,000km)
Dar es Salaam-Kigali (Rwanda): Central corridor (1,600km)
Dar es Salaam-Bujumbura (Burundi): Western route (1,500km)
Mtwara Corridor: Growing mining route

Tanzania Importer Tip: The Port of Dar es Salaam has improved efficiency, but congestion can still occur during peak seasons. Consider using the Isaka Inland Container Depot (ICD) for shipments destined for Rwanda, Burundi, and Western Tanzania.

                ✅ Ready to import to Tanzania? Contact us for RHD trucks that meet TRA requirements. We can recommend trusted clearing agents in Dar es Salaam.
            