How to Import a Used Car or Truck from Japan to Tanzania (2026 Guide)

Updated October 2026. Tanzania is one of the biggest markets for Japanese used cars and trucks in East Africa. Tanzania has no hard age ban, so you have more choice than in Kenya. This guide explains how to import from Japan through the Port of Dar es Salaam, step by step.

1. Age rules: older vehicles are allowed but cost more

Tanzania does not ban older used vehicles. However, vehicles older than 8 years (counted from the year of manufacture) pay an extra excise duty. The extra charge is higher for passenger cars than for utility vehicles such as trucks. So a newer car can sometimes be cheaper in total, even if the buying price is higher. Always compare the total landed cost, not only the car price.

The vehicle must be right-hand drive, which almost all Japanese vehicles are.

2. Choose your vehicle and get a CIF quote

Send us the model, year, budget and destination (Dar es Salaam). We reply with real photos, mileage, condition and a CIF price (car + shipping + insurance to Dar es Salaam). Popular choices include the Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, Honda Fit, Isuzu Elf and Hino Ranger trucks.

3. Pre-shipment inspection in Japan

Used vehicles for Tanzania need a pre-shipment inspection in Japan by an inspection company approved by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). The inspector checks the chassis number, mileage, brakes, body and engine and issues the certificate needed for customs clearance. No certificate means no clearance, so we arrange this for every vehicle.

4. Documents you will receive

• Japanese Export Certificate (de-registration)
• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• TBS pre-shipment inspection certificate

5. Shipping to Dar es Salaam

Vehicles go by RoRo ship or in a container from Japanese ports such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kobe. Sea time is usually about 4 to 6 weeks. Trucks and larger machines usually travel by RoRo.

6. Customs clearance and taxes (TRA)

A licensed clearing agent submits your documents to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Taxes are calculated on the CIF value and usually include:

• Import duty
• Excise duty, which depends on engine size
• Extra excise duty for vehicles older than 8 years
• VAT
• Railway development levy and other small fees

The Finance Act 2026 (in force from 1 July 2026) changed some vehicle taxes, so ask your clearing agent for an up-to-date calculation for your exact model before you pay.

7. Registration

After release from the port, the vehicle is registered with TRA and you receive Tanzanian number plates and a registration card.

Transit to neighbouring countries

Dar es Salaam is also the main gateway for Zambia, Malawi, the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda. If your final country is not Tanzania, tell us and we will ship with transit documents.

Also need spare parts or tires?

We also export used Japanese spare parts, engines, small parts, used tires and 3-piece cut tires. You can add parts to the same shipment to save on freight.

Why buy from AUTOS VISION?

• Japanese exporter based in Ibaraki, Japan, with stock in Japan and the UAE
• Cars, trucks, vans, spare parts and tires
• Real photos and honest condition reports
• We handle inspection, shipping and export documents

Ready to import? Message us on WhatsApp with the model you want and we will send the best price.