Tanzania doesn't ban older cars, but it taxes them harder: an extra excise applies once a car passes a set age, so the cheapest car to buy in Japan isn't always the cheapest to own in Dar es Salaam. Here's how to get it right.
Age: no ban, but excise rises
There's no maximum age, but TRA adds higher excise duty for older vehicles, and engine size also changes the rate. Newer, smaller-engined cars usually come out cheapest once everything is paid. Check TRA's current rates or calculator before choosing.
TBS pre-shipment inspection
Used vehicles need a TBS pre-shipment verification of conformity inspection in Japan before loading. We book it; the certificate travels with the shipping documents.
Port: Dar es Salaam or Mombasa
Most buyers ship directly to Dar es Salaam. Buyers in the north (Arusha, Moshi) sometimes route through Mombasa and drive in via Namanga. Tell us which suits you and we quote freight for that port.
Taxes
TRA charges import duty, excise duty, VAT and registration fees on the customs value. A local clearing agent handles the entry and pays on your behalf.
What Tanzanians buy most
- Toyota IST, Vitz and Passo: small, cheap, easy to fix.
- Toyota Noah, Voxy and Alphard: family and business vans.
- Toyota Harrier, RAV4, Crown and Land Cruiser Prado: comfort and rough roads.
- Hino Dutro and Fuso Canter trucks for transport businesses.
Browse: Toyota, Nissan, Subaru.
How buying works
- Pick a car below and tell us your port (Dar es Salaam or Mombasa).
- Pay the invoice; we book TBS inspection and shipping.
- Your agent clears it with TRA; you register it.
Live stock and prices are below. WhatsApp us with your budget.
