Tanzania’s vehicle import framework is administered by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) alongside the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and requirements have been actively enforced in recent years: 

• Right-hand drive only – Tanzania drives on the left, and left-hand drive vehicles are not permitted for road use. 
• Age limit – passenger vehicles are generally restricted to 8 years from date of manufacture. For commercial trucks, sources describing current TRA practice are inconsistent, some indicate trucks broadly follow the same 8-year guide, others suggest heavier trucks (above roughly 7 tonnes GVW) face a shorter threshold. Given this inconsistency, we strongly recommend confirming the exact age threshold for your specific truck’s weight category directly with TRA or your Tanzanian clearing agent before committing to a purchase.
• Pre-shipment inspection (PVoC) – a mandatory Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity, issued by a TBS-authorised inspection agent, is required before a vehicle can be shipped from the UK.
•  Documentation – expect to need the original export certificate, deregistration certificate, commercial invoice, and the PVoC/roadworthiness certificate. Customs declarations are processed through Tanzania’s TISCOM system by a TAFFA-registered clearing agent.
• Duty and taxes – import duty, VAT (18%), and a service levy apply, calculated on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value; rates vary by vehicle type and engine size.

Tanzanian import requirements are subject to periodic revision and enforcement can vary — always confirm current age limits and documentation with TRA, TBS, or a licensed clearing agent before finalising a purchase. We’re happy to share the guidance we’re currently working from.