Car Shipping To Tanzania
Shipping Your Car from the UK to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: The Complete Guide
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Dar Es Salaam is a significant step, whether you’re relocating for work, returning home, or supporting a business venture. As Tanzania’s primary port and economic hub, Dar Es Salaam is the gateway for vehicle imports into the country and the wider region. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in managing the entire shipping process, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and in full compliance with Tanzanian customs regulations.
This definitive guide provides a complete overview of our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service to Dar Es Salaam, detailing costs, essential paperwork, tax implications, and the preparation needed for a smooth arrival.
Why Ship Your Vehicle to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania?
Dar Es Salaam is not only Tanzania’s largest city but also a crucial logistics centre for East Africa. Having your own vehicle provides essential mobility and independence. Common reasons for shipping include:
- Relocation: Individuals and families moving to Tanzania for work with international organisations, NGOs, or in the private sector often prefer to bring their reliable, UK-spec vehicle.
- Returning Residents: Tanzanian citizens returning home after a period abroad frequently ship their personal vehicles to avoid the often higher costs of purchasing similar models locally.
- Business & Development Projects: Importing vehicles for commercial use, such as for tourism companies (safari vehicles), construction projects, or other business ventures where a specific, known vehicle is required.
- Vehicle Value & Preference: For certain 4x4s, luxury models, or cars with a known maintenance history, shipping from the UK can be a more desirable or cost-effective option than purchasing within Tanzania.
Our Shipping Method: Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) to Dar Es Salaam
For most operational vehicles, our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service is the most efficient and cost-effective choice for shipping to Tanzania.
- How it Works: Your vehicle is driven under its own power onto a specialised car carrier vessel at the UK port. It is securely parked and chocked down within the ship’s multi-deck garage for the ocean voyage to the Port of Dar Es Salaam.
- Benefits: RORO is specifically designed for vehicle transport, offering a straightforward and proven method. It is generally more affordable than container shipping for a single, operational car.
- Considering a Container? For non-running vehicles, high-value classics requiring maximum protection, or if you need to ship personal belongings, we also offer international container shipping services.
Key Service Details & Pricing
Here is a clear breakdown of our RORO service from the UK to Dar Es Salaam.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 32 days from the UK port to the Port of Dar Es Salaam.
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart once per month, so advance booking is essential to secure your space on the scheduled sailing.
RORO Pricing Guide
Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £1,055 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,265 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for shared or dedicated container shipping.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.
- Ocean Freight: The core cost of the RORO vessel transport from the UK to Dar Es Salaam.
- UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port.
- Tanzania Port Fees: Including wharfage, terminal handling, and port authority charges at the Port of Dar Es Salaam.
- Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all required UK export and Tanzanian import paperwork.
- Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage during the voyage (detailed below).
- Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you require us to collect your vehicle from your UK location.
Paperwork Required for Shipping
Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth customs clearance process in Tanzania, which can be stringent.
Paperwork from the UK
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory for processing the vehicle’s permanent export from the UK.
- Proof of Identity & Ownership: A copy of your passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Commercial Invoice: We will assist in preparing this document, which states the vehicle’s value for Tanzanian Customs.
For a full pre-shipment checklist, read our guide on Preparing Your Car for Export.
Paperwork for Tanzanian Customs
- Original Bill of Lading: This is the title document for the shipment, which we will arrange and provide.
- Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs Declaration: The main form for declaring your vehicle to customs.
- Proof of Ownership & Identity: Copies of your passport and, if applicable, your Tanzanian residence permit or ID.
- Import Declaration Form (IDF): This may be required and is obtained from the Tanzanian Revenue Authority.
- Single Administrative Document (SAD): The comprehensive customs declaration form used for imports.
Tanzanian Import Rules, Duty & Tax
Understanding Tanzania’s import regulations is critical for calculating the total cost of ownership.
- Temporary Import: This is typically for tourists and requires a temporary import permit. A customs guarantee (cash deposit or carnet) is usually required, which is refunded upon the vehicle’s export.
- Permanent Import: For residents, the following taxes and duties apply and can be substantial:
- Import Duty: Varies based on the vehicle’s age, engine size, and type. It can range from 10% to 35% of the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): 18% is levied on the CIF value plus the import duty.
- Excise Duty: An additional tax that may apply depending on the engine capacity and type of vehicle.
- Other Fees: These can include a Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) fee and various port and administrative charges.
Important Note: Tanzania has restrictions on the import of vehicles over a certain age. Regulations can change, and it is the importer’s responsibility to verify current rules.
Official Link:
Vehicle Preparation & Insurance
Preparing Your Vehicle for RORO Shipping
Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures compliance with shipping line regulations.
- Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full.
- Personal Belongings: The rules for shipping personal goods inside a vehicle on a RORO service to Tanzania are complex. You must speak to us directly before considering this, as it can impact liability and customs clearance.
- Vehicle Cleanliness: The vehicle should be clean, both inside and out. A dirty vehicle may be rejected for loading.
- Alarm Systems: Disable any alarm or immobiliser systems to prevent battery drain and unnecessary activation during transit.
- Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in good, fully operational condition for RORO shipping.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please read our dedicated article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
We offer two levels of marine insurance coverage for your peace of mind on the long journey.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This is a pre-shipping inspection to document the vehicle’s existing condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:
- You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.
- We Collect: We can collect your vehicle from your home or workplace using a transporter or a trade plate driver.
- Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
It is vital to adhere to these rules to prevent severe delays, fines, or seizure of your vehicle.
- Allowed Vehicles:
- Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles are allowed.
- Not Allowed / Restrictions:
- Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via a dedicated container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
- Personal Belongings: As stated, the rules are complex for RORO to Tanzania. Consult with us first.
- Prohibited Items: This includes but is not limited to:
- Flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances.
- Weapons, ammunition, and narcotics.
- Pornographic material.
- Counterfeit goods.
- Any other items restricted by Tanzanian law.
Essential Resources for a Successful Shipment
To ensure you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls, we highly recommend reviewing these key articles from our resource centre:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Learn from others’ experiences to ensure a smooth process.
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps to protect your vehicle from port to port.
Ready to Ship Your Car to Dar Es Salaam?
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Dar Es Salaam is a detailed process with specific customs and regulatory requirements. With Ship Cars Ltd, you gain a trusted partner to manage the UK export, ocean freight, and guide you through the import process into Tanzania.
Our transparent pricing and expert knowledge make us the ideal choice for your vehicle shipping needs. Given the monthly sailing frequency, we recommend contacting us well in advance. Get in touch today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us ensure your vehicle arrives in Dar Es Salaam safely and efficiently.
