Car Shipping from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Quick Answer: Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania via RoRo and container to the Port of Dar es Salaam (TPA — Tanzania Ports Authority). RoRo starts from £1,307 for a standard car, with 21–41 days sea transit and fortnightly sailings. A mandatory Clean Report of Findings (CRF) pre-shipment inspection must be completed in the UK before your vehicle sails. Tanzania restricts imports to vehicles under 8 years old and requires right-hand drive vehicles only — UK RHD vehicles are fully compatible. Ship Cars Ltd handles all UK export documentation.

What Shipping Methods Are Available for Car Shipping to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?

Ship Cars Ltd offers two shipping methods for vehicles travelling from the UK to Dar es Salaam, with the right choice depending on your vehicle type and budget.

What Is RoRo Shipping to Tanzania and How Does It Work?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most cost-effective method for standard running vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK port and driven off on arrival at the Port of Dar es Salaam. Sailings operate on a fortnightly schedule with an estimated sea transit of 21–41 days.

RoRo pricing to Dar es Salaam:

Prices cover UK port to Dar es Salaam sea freight only. CRF inspection, Tanzanian customs duty, VAT, excise duty, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all additional.

Important restriction: Hybrid and electric vehicles are not permitted on RoRo to Tanzania. EV and plug-in hybrid shipments must use a dedicated container (FCL).

What Is Container Shipping to Tanzania and When Should I Use It?

Container shipping loads your vehicle into a dedicated sole-use container (FCL — Full Container Load) for maximum security and protection. It is recommended for:

• Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
• Electric and hybrid vehicles (a hazard surcharge of £295 applies for EVs)
• Non-running vehicles
• Shipments where personal effects are included alongside the vehicle

Container rates to Dar es Salaam are available on request and depend on container size and route. Contact Ship Cars Ltd for a personalised quote.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle Your Shipment to Tanzania?

Once your booking is confirmed, Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process:

• Vehicle collection: by transporter or trade plate driver (valid MOT required for trade plate), or self-delivery to our facility

• Pre-shipment condition report: provided free of charge when we collect your vehicle; £35 if self-delivered — mandatory for comprehensive insurance cover

• Mandatory CRF inspection coordination: we advise on TRA-approved inspection agencies and the process (see full details below)

• UK export documentation: we handle the full export declaration and paperwork on your behalf

• Bill of lading: issued before your vehicle sails

On the Tanzanian side, engaging a licensed Dar es Salaam clearing agent is strongly recommended to manage customs clearance, duty payment, and any additional port inspections.

Is My Vehicle Eligible to Be Imported into Tanzania?

Tanzania has two hard eligibility rules that must be confirmed before booking — failing either means your vehicle will be refused at Dar es Salaam Port.

What Is Tanzania’s 8-Year Vehicle Age Limit?

Tanzania prohibits the import of used vehicles manufactured more than 8 years before the date of import. For 2026, this means vehicles manufactured before 2018 are ineligible for permanent import.

This rule is strictly enforced by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Do not purchase a vehicle for Tanzania import without first confirming it meets the age requirement.

Source: Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) — tra.go.tz

Does Tanzania Require Right-Hand Drive Vehicles?

Yes. Tanzania drives on the left, and only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. Left-hand drive vehicles are generally not permitted for import.

UK vehicles are fully compatible — UK-registered cars are right-hand drive and are road-legal in Tanzania without any conversion. This is one of the key advantages of shipping a UK vehicle to Tanzania.

What Is the Mandatory CRF Pre-Shipment Inspection for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?

What Is a Clean Report of Findings (CRF) and Why Is It Required?

Tanzania requires a Clean Report of Findings (CRF) pre-shipment inspection on all imported used vehicles. This is a mandatory requirement — without a valid CRF, your vehicle will be rejected at Dar es Salaam Port and cannot be cleared through Tanzanian customs.

The CRF inspection verifies:

• The vehicle’s age and year of manufacture
• Roadworthiness and overall condition
• Declared value (used for duty calculation)
• Compliance with Tanzanian import regulations

Who Carries Out the CRF Inspection in the UK?

The inspection must be carried out by a TRA-approved inspection agency in the UK before the vehicle sails. Currently approved agencies may include SGS, Cotecna, or Bureau Veritas — always verify the current approved agency directly with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) at tra.go.tz or with your Dar es Salaam clearing agent before booking the inspection, as the approved list is subject to change.

Allow 5–10 working days for the inspection process and factor this into your shipping timeline.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Help with the CRF Inspection?

Ship Cars Ltd advises on the CRF inspection requirement at the point of booking and provides guidance on the approved inspection process. We coordinate UK collection and handover so the vehicle is available for inspection at the right point in the shipping timeline. Our team will confirm the current approved agency and the steps required for your specific vehicle.

What Are Tanzania’s Import Rules for Permanent and Temporary Vehicle Imports?

What Rules Apply If I Am Permanently Exporting My Car to Tanzania?

If you are permanently exporting a vehicle to Tanzania — whether relocating, returning as a resident, or importing as a business — specific customs regulations apply, particularly around the 8-year age restriction and CRF inspection requirement. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief may be available for returning Tanzanian residents or certain expatriate categories, potentially reducing duty liability.

For the most current and authoritative information on import regulations, customs procedures, and Transfer of Residence requirements, consult:

• Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA): tra.go.tz
• The High Commission for the Republic of Tanzania in London for consular guidance

Can I Temporarily Import a Vehicle into Tanzania?

Temporary importation of vehicles into Tanzania is available under specific circumstances:

• Duration: Temporary Importation Permits (TIP) are typically granted for up to 90 days, extendable under certain conditions
• Requirements: The vehicle must be registered outside Tanzania and owned by the importer; proof of ownership, registration, and a valid reason for temporary import (e.g. tourism or project work) is required
• Process: A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is obtainable upon arrival at Dar es Salaam Port or through authorised agents

Note: The standard CRF pre-shipment inspection and age restriction still apply even for temporary imports unless otherwise confirmed with TRA.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?

What UK Export Documents Are Required?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export documentation process on your behalf. Standard documents required for export from the UK are:

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C logbook) — proof of UK registration; do not leave in the vehicle

• Proof of ownership — Bill of Sale or similar document if recently purchased

• Proof of identity — passport or driving licence

• Ship Cars Ltd booking confirmation — details of the chosen shipping service

• Export Declaration — required for all goods leaving the UK; managed by Ship Cars Ltd

What Documents Are Required at Dar es Salaam Port?

The following documents are required for customs clearance in Tanzania. A licensed Dar es Salaam clearing agent is strongly recommended to manage this process:

• Bill of Lading (BOL) — issued by the shipping company

• Customs Declaration Form — completed by your appointed clearing agent in Tanzania

• Proof of ownership — original V5C and Bill of Sale

• Identification — passport

• Transfer of Residence (ToR) documentation — if eligible for ToR duty relief

• Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) — for temporary imports, obtained upon arrival

• Certificate of Inspection (CRF) — mandatory; issued by TRA-approved agency in the UK before sailing

• Proof of insurance — insurance valid in Tanzania

Explore our Article: Vehicle Shipping Documentation: A Complete Guide for UK Export

What Import Duty and Tax Will I Pay When Shipping a Car to Tanzania?

How Is Import Duty Calculated in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s duty and tax structure is complex and depends on the vehicle’s age, engine capacity, and declared CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight). Key components are:

Rates are subject to change. Always verify current figures with a licensed Dar es Salaam clearing agent or the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) at tra.go.tz before shipping.

Can You Show a Worked Example of Tanzanian Import Duty?

Example vehicle: CIF value £8,000 (approximately TZS 20,000,000), higher import duty rate (25%), excise duty at 10%

This is illustrative only. Tanzania’s duty is assessed in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of import. Use a Dar es Salaam clearing agent for a precise, vehicle-specific calculation.

What Does the Total Cost of Shipping a Car to Tanzania Include?

Beyond the sea freight price, the full cost of shipping a car from the UK to Dar es Salaam includes:

• Shipping fee — RoRo or dedicated container, based on vehicle size and route

• Port fees — UK and Dar es Salaam port handling and berthing charges

• Documentation fees — preparation and processing of UK and Tanzanian customs paperwork

• CRF pre-shipment inspection fee — mandatory cost for the Clean Report of Findings

• Insurance — based on declared vehicle value and chosen cover level (see insurance section)

• Cleaning — vehicles may need to be cleaned to meet quarantine standards

• Customs clearance fees — Dar es Salaam clearing agent fees

• UK collection or port delivery — transporter or trade plate driver service

• Hazard surcharge — £295 for electric vehicles shipped by container

Contact Ship Cars Ltd for a detailed, consolidated all-in estimate before committing to a shipment.

Is Dar es Salaam Used as a Transit Hub for Landlocked East African Countries?

Yes — and this is one of the most important things to know if your vehicle’s final destination is not Tanzania itself.

The Port of Dar es Salaam is the primary maritime gateway for several landlocked East and Central African countries via the Central Corridor road and rail network:

UK car dealers and traders supplying the East African market frequently use Dar es Salaam as a regional distribution hub. If your vehicle’s final destination is Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, or another landlocked East African country, Ship Cars Ltd can advise on Dar es Salaam clearance and onward transit arrangements.

Important: All vehicles transiting through Tanzania to other countries require specific Transit Goods documentation from Tanzania Customs (TRA) in addition to the standard CRF inspection certificate.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Collect My Vehicle in the UK?

We offer two flexible UK collection options:

• Transporter: Your vehicle is collected by our professional vehicle transporter and delivered to the UK departure port. Available for all vehicles including non-runners.
• Trade plate driver: If your vehicle is fully operational and has a valid MOT, one of our experienced drivers will drive it to the port using trade plates.

Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process from collection through to vessel loading, export declaration, bill of lading issue, and CRF inspection coordination.

What Insurance Is Available for Car Shipping from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?

We offer two levels of marine transit insurance for all UK-to-Tanzania shipments:

Eligibility: The vehicle must be under 10 years old for either cover option.

Condition report requirement: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover — provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects your vehicle, or at a fee of £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.

What Items Are Prohibited or Restricted When Shipping to Tanzania?

• Personal belongings on RoRo: strictly prohibited inside the vehicle
• Personal effects in containers: permitted in dedicated containers but all items must be declared; illegal, dangerous, or high-value items must not be shipped; Tanzania has strict regulations on imported goods
• Hazardous materials: flammable substances, explosives, corrosives — strictly prohibited
• Perishable goods: food, plants, and items that could spoil
• Firearms and ammunition: strictly prohibited without specific permits
• Illegal substances: drugs or other illicit items
• Left-hand drive vehicles: generally not permitted for import into Tanzania

What Vehicle-Specific Restrictions Apply?

• Fuel: vehicles must have a minimal amount — typically just enough to drive onto the loading equipment
• EV batteries: specific regulations on state of charge apply at loading
• Hybrid and electric vehicles on RoRo: not permitted — container (FCL) only

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Tanzania?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Dar es Salaam starts from £1,307 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and approximately £1,405 for a large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Dar es Salaam sea freight only. Tanzanian customs duty, VAT (18%), excise duty, CRF inspection fee, port handling charges, and clearing agent fees are all payable separately in Tanzania.

What is the mandatory CRF pre-shipment inspection for Tanzania?

Tanzania requires a Clean Report of Findings (CRF) pre-shipment inspection on all imported used vehicles, conducted by a TRA-approved inspection agency in the UK before the vehicle sails. The inspection verifies age, roadworthiness, condition, and declared value. Without a valid CRF, the vehicle will be rejected at Dar es Salaam Port. Allow 5–10 working days and verify the current approved agency with TRA at tra.go.tz before booking.

What is the age limit for importing a car to Tanzania?

Tanzania prohibits the import of vehicles more than 8 years old from the date of manufacture. For 2026, vehicles manufactured before 2018 are ineligible. This rule is strictly enforced. Do not purchase a vehicle for Tanzania import without confirming it meets the age requirement. Source: Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

How long does car shipping from the UK to Dar es Salaam take?

Sea transit from the UK to Dar es Salaam takes approximately 21–41 days, with fortnightly sailings from UK ports. Including UK collection, CRF inspection, and Tanzanian customs clearance after arrival, allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available in Dar es Salaam.

Can I ship a left-hand drive vehicle to Tanzania?

No. Tanzania drives on the left and only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. UK vehicles are right-hand drive and are fully compatible with Tanzanian roads without any conversion or modification.

Does Ship Cars Ltd handle the UK export documentation for Tanzania?

Yes. Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process including vehicle collection, pre-shipment condition report, export declaration, CRF inspection coordination, and bill of lading issue. On the Tanzanian side, a licensed Dar es Salaam clearing agent must be appointed separately to manage the TRA customs declaration, duty payment, and port clearance.

Information correct as of October 2026. Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) regulations, duty rates, and CRF inspection agency approvals are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at tra.go.tz or with a licensed Dar es Salaam clearing agent before shipping.

Related articles