Do I need a licence to import into Tanzania?

It depends on the product. General goods clear Tanzania customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.

How do I check an importer in Tanzania is allowed to bring in my product?

Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.

Is importing a specific product into Tanzania ever banned?

Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

🇹🇿How to import into Tanzania

To import into Tanzania, most goods clear customs freely, but specific sectors need a permit, product registration or import licence from a named regulator before the shipment lands. A legitimate importer of those goods holds the current document, ask for it and check it at the source.

Sector import rules

These sectors carry their own import requirement in Tanzania. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.

cosmeticsRegistration required
product registration from the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Importer must register cosmetic products and obtain an import clearance certificate from TBS.
Official source
pharmaceuticalsRegistration required
product registration from the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).
Importer must apply for product registration and obtain an import permit via the TMDA portal.
Official source
telecom/radio equipmentImport permit required
conformity certificate from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
Importer must obtain a Type Approval certificate from TCRA prior to importing any electronic communication equipment.
Official source

This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import into Tanzania?: It depends on the product. General goods clear Tanzania customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.
How do I check an importer in Tanzania is allowed to bring in my product?: Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.
Is importing a specific product into Tanzania ever banned?: Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

Find verified suppliers to import from.

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Tanzania suppliers by sector

Manufacturers and wholesalers based in Tanzania, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.

Beverages in Tanzania Fabrics & Textile Materials in Tanzania Pantry & Dry Goods in Tanzania Specialty & Gourmet Food in Tanzania All suppliers & distributors in Tanzania

Importing for the first time? Read the first-time importer sequence (country choice, maker checks, landed cost, a survivable first order). Sourcing from a specific country? Get the lane answer, sanctions, tariffs and VAT in one place: can Tanzania buy from that country?