Tanzania is a popular market for Japanese used cars: it drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese cars are ready to register, and there is no outright age ban. Instead, older cars simply cost more in duty. This guide covers the route, the inspection, the duty question and real delivered prices from our stock.
Which Port: Dar es Salaam or Mombasa?
Cars for Tanzania can arrive two ways:
- Dar es Salaam: Tanzania's own port and the most direct option for buyers in Dar and the south.
- Mombasa (Kenya): sometimes useful for buyers in northern Tanzania (Arusha, Moshi) or when sailings to Mombasa are more frequent.
Our website currently shows freight to Mombasa for Tanzania (usually 30–40 days). If Dar es Salaam suits you better, message us and we'll quote that sailing.
TBS Pre-Shipment Check
Used vehicles for Tanzania need a pre-shipment verification of conformity under the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) before loading in Japan. We arrange this once the car is paid for.
Older Cars Pay More Excise Duty
There is no age cutoff, but excise duty increases for older vehicles. A car that looks like a bargain in Japan because of its age can end up costing more once it is cleared. Before choosing an older car, ask your clearing agent for the total taxes on that exact model and year, and compare it with a slightly newer car.
Tax rates change, so confirm the current rules with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) or your clearing agent before paying.
Documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- TBS pre-shipment verification certificate
Real Delivered Prices
185 cars in our stock can be shipped to Tanzania (September 2026). The cheapest start from about $2,000 delivered to Mombasa, and the middle price is about $5,500. Delivered = car price + ocean freight to the port, rounded up to the next $500. Insurance, import duty/taxes, port and clearing charges are extra.
Popular choices for Tanzania:
- Suzuki Every and Carry for small businesses. See our Every, Carry and Wagon R guide.
- Toyota Hiace for passengers and cargo. See the Hiace buying guide.
- Toyota Voxy / Noah family vans, and Honda Vezel hybrids.
See every car with its delivered price on our Tanzania page.
Buying Safely
Check the translated auction sheet (how to read one), ask for an official proforma invoice from the car page, and pay only by bank transfer to the exporter's company account. Our FOB vs CIF guide explains what each price includes.
Message us on WhatsApp from any car page for a delivered price, or to ask about a Dar es Salaam sailing.