Tanzania Trade Portal

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The Tanzania Trade Portal is managed by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) under the auspices of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC)

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General reguirements-apply to all commodities

Initial registration and licences

Business licence

Business Licence is a legal document issued by government agencies that grants the user the right to operate any form of trade, commerce, craftsmanship or specified profession carried on for profit or gain (business) within government's geographical jurisdiction.

Any businesses line in Tanzania should obtain its own business licence from the Government agency mandated to issue Business Licence. Businesses that deal with international trade are required to obtain class "A" business licence from Business Registrations and Licensing Agency.

Depending on the nature of the business, several licences may be required to cover different types of activities. For example, a firm processing shirts may require a licence to process and sell the shirts locally and a licence to export the finished products.

Registered Exporter System (REX system)

Registered Exporter System (the REX system) is a system of self-certification of origin by registered exporters making out statements on origin. The system is applied for the products listed under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes of European Union, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. It simplifies export formalities by allowing the registered exporter to certify the preferential origin himself by including a specific declaration ( statements on origin) on the invoice or another commercial document identifying the exported products. Thus, the registered exporter does not need to apply upon each export for issue of a certificate of origin. The exporter registration is a one off formality.

TBS procedure for products certification

Obtain "tbs" quality mark and tested products certificate

Tanzania Bureau of Standards is mandated to promote standards and undertake measures for quality control of all products in industry and commerce. All producers who wish to trade within the country or outside should have a 'tbs' mark stamped to their products.

ZBS procedure for products certification

The Product Certification Scheme allows manufacturers whose products have conformed to Zanzibar standards to use the ‘ZBS’ Standards Mark of Quality on their products. The scheme requires that the product complies with relevant Zanzibar standards.

The ‘zbs’ Standards Quality Mark is a symbol which manufacturers may use to promote their products and consumers seek as prima evidence of quality.

The “zbs” Standards Quality Mark on a product indicates that samples of the product are independently and routinely tested and certified by ZBS against relevant Zanzibar Bureau of standards. The Standards Mark is a sign of product quality and gives assurance to both manufacturers and consumers that the products can be used safely and reliably.

Obtain "zbs" quality mark and tested products certificate

Business licence - Zanzibar

Business licence is a legal document issued by government agencies that grants the user the right to operate any form of trade, commerce, craftsmanship or specified profession carried on for profit or gain (business) within government's geographical jurisdiction.

Any businesses line in Zanzibar should obtain its own business licence from the local government offices mandated to issue business licence.

Registration of exporter-Zanzibar

The Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development which register all traders who wants to export any commodity from Zanzibar to the rest of the World. Upon successful registration, traders are given certificate of registration.

Registration of marine products exporters-Zanzibar

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries is charged with the mandate of regulation of all marine production including farming of seaweed and marketing of all marine produce in compliance with local and international standards. Traders must therefore register with Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries who issue a licence that is valid for one year and can be renewed. For more information on how to register, click on the link.

Registration of premise-ZFDA

All traders who intend to deal with distribution and storage of food products must have their premises registered. The registration certificate is only issued to registered food products dealers and is regulated by the Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA)

European Union (EU) certificate of origin

GSP beneficial certificate of origin is only required for goods benefiting from duty free treatment for export to EU countries, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. The trader needs to be registered with Registration of Exporters (REX) system under GSP rules of origin administered by Tanzania Revenue Authority under the trade facilitation department.

Permit per consignment

Food crop export permit

All exporters of crops must have permit to export crop from Ministry of Agriculture except those which are regulated by boards and those which are perishables. This permit is per consignment and it is valid for two months from the issue date.

Radioactivity analysis certificate

The Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) regulates all radioactive materials that contain radioactive elements and equipment that produce radioactive waves in Tanzania. TAEC certifies that foods are radioactive free which is a market requirement depending on the destination of the goods. The certificate is issued per consignment and it is valid for three month.

Phytosanitary certificate

The Ministry of Agriculture issues a phytosanitary certificate which certifies that plant and plant products are free from regulated pests and conforms with other phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. The certificate is valid per consignment.

Transit pass for forest products (TP)

Transit Pass for forest produce (TP) is a movement permit which allows to the movement of forest produce from one district to the other. The permit is regulated by each region or districts depending with where the forest produce are obtained. The movement permit is valid for 2-6 days depending with the distance.

Animal health certificate

Animal health certificate is required for exporters of animal and/or animal product from Tanzania main land. Issuance of the certificate is regulated by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under the department of Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and is required for each consignment for export.

Certificate of radioactivity analysis

The Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) is the competent authority that regulates all radioactive materials that contain radioactive elements and equipment that produce radioactive waves in Tanzania. This certificate indicates that foods are radioactive free and its issued per consignment depending on the destination of the goods.

Certificate of origin

Certificates of origin confirm that goods in a particular export consignment have been produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. They are categorized into; preferential and non - preferential and are issued per consignment.

A preferential certificate of origin is an export document issued by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) for export where trade agreements have been entered into with Tanzania and other regions such as East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), European Union (EU) African Growth and Opportunity (AGOA) or Generalised System of Preference (GSP). A non preferential certificate of origin is an export document issued by Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture that confirms that the country of origin of goods exported.

The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) issues certificates of origin for exported products which are originated in Tanzania. The certificates vary depending on the country of destination.

EAC certificate of origin

The EAC certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported within the East African Community (EAC) region. The certificate is issued per consignment.

AGOA certificate of origin

The AGOA certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported to the United States of America under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The certificate is issued per consignment.

SADC Certificate of origin

The SADC certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The certificate is issued per consignment.

Generalized System of Preference (GSP) Certificate of origin

The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported to a member state. The certificate is issued per consignment.

India certificate of origin

The India certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported within India. The certificate is issued per consignment.

China certificate of origin

The China certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported to the China market. The certificate is issued per consignment.

Non-preferential certificate of origin

The Non preferential certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Tanzania, and are to be exported to any country with no mutual agreement on trade. The certificate is issued per consignment.

Certificate of origin Zanzibar

The Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) issues certificates of origin for exported products which are originated in Tanzania. The certificates vary depending on the country of destination.

International certificate of origin-Zanzibar

The International certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Zanzibar, and are to be exported to any country with no mutual agreement on trade. The certificate is issued per consignment.

EAC Certificate of origin-Zanzibar

The EAC certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Zanzibar, and are to be exported within the East African Community (EAC) region. The certificate is issued per consignment.

AGOA Certificate of origin-Zanzibar

The AGOA certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Zanzibar, and are to be exported to the United States of America under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The certificate is issued per consignment.

SADC Certificate of origin-Zanzibar

The SADC certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Zanzibar, and are to be exported to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The certificate is issued per consignment.

China certificate of origin-Zanzibar

The China certificate of origin is required for goods obtained, manufactured, produced or processed in Zanzibar, and are to be exported to the China market. The certificate is issued per consignment.

Health certificate for export-ZFDA

Food export permit is issued by Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA) to show that a company has allowed to export a certain consignment. This permit is valid for three months.

Phytosanitary certificate-Zanzibar

A phytosanitary certificate delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock certifies that plant and plant products are free from regulated pests and conforms with other phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

Export permit (MT&I)

Exporters of all products from Zanzibar must apply for permit from the The Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development and is issued per consignment.

Phytosanitary certificate at namanga border

Obtain TMDA release at Namanga OSBP

TAEC release at Namanga OSBP

Certificate of radioactivity analysis (Zanzibar)

Permission to export marine products-Zanzibar

Clearance

Clearance procedures

Clearance through the port of Dar es Salaam

Clearance through the Mtwara port

Clearance through Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)

Clearance through Tanga port

Clearance through the port of Zanzibar

Clearance through the Holili border

Clearance through the Namanga border

Clearance procedure through Namanga OSPB

Commodities

Coffee

Initial registrations and licences

Coffee activity licences

Local coffee roasting licence

Roasting coffee transforms the chemical and physical properties of green coffee beans into roasted coffee products. A business wishing to roast coffee must be registered as local coffee roaster with the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) and be issued with a local coffee roaster licence. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July (to 30th June).

Coffee liquoring licence

A coffee liquorer is a person with formal training in classifying coffee by tasting.The coffee liquorer licence is issued by the Tanzania Coffee Board and has unlimited validity. Coffee exporter can contract the service of the coffee liquorer.

Coffee warehouse licence

Coffee warehouse licences are issued by the Tanzania Coffee Board to warehouse owners who meet the International Coffee Organization (ICO) criteria. Inspection is done by authorized officer to the coffee storage area prior to distribution for sale. The licence is valid for a period of one year.

Coffee export licence

Green coffee export licence

Green coffee is coffee that has not been roasted. Export of green coffee is regulated by The Tanzania Coffee Board who issues the green coffee export licence. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July (to 30th June).

Direct export of premium coffee

A grower of coffee (farmer, cooperative, estate owner) who intends to export coffee through direct sale (without going through the coffee auction) must obtain the direct export of premium coffee licence issued by the Tanzania Coffee Board . The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July (to 30th June). Premium coffee means top grade and high quality coffee which has been uniquely prepared. Direct coffee exporters can only export coffee that is deemed premium.

Instant coffee export licence

A business wishing to export instant coffee must be registered as an exporter with Tanzania Coffee Board and be issued with the instant coffee export licence. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July to 30th June.

Roast and ground coffee export licence

A business wishing to export roasted and grounded coffee must be registered as an exporter with the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) and be issued with a roasted and grounded coffee export licence. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July (to 30th June.)

Buying coffee at Auction

Buying coffee in Tanzania is done at the auctions. Coffee is auctioned at different coffee growing parts in Tanzania including Moshi, Mbinga, Mbozi and Bukoba .All Coffee auctions are managed by the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) and all coffee in Tanzania is traded at the auction except when growers (farmers, cooperatives, estate owners) export directly.

Permit

Coffee permits

Coffee export approval

Green coffee export approval certifies that a company has been authorized by the Tanzania Coffee Board to export (shipment) a certain amount of coffee with specified coffee grades. The approval is valid for a period of sixty days only and is used once for a single shipment.

Permit of direct coffee export

A grower of coffee (farmer, cooperative, estate owner) who intends to export coffee through direct sale (without going through the coffee auction) must obtain the permit of direct export of premium coffee issued by the Tanzania Coffee Board. The permit is valid for a period of sixty days only.

International Coffee Organization (ICO) certificate of origin

All exporters of coffee are required to obtain an International Coffee Organization (ICO) Certificate of Origin for each consignment as per the Tanzania Coffee Board regulation.

Clearance

Coffee export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of coffee can either be done by grower marketers or coffee dealers. The grower marketers export through direct sales where they negotiate prices directly with the buyer while coffee dealers export through Moshi Coffee Exchange (MCE) auction regulated by Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) where they buy coffee from marketing agents who sell coffee on behalf of the smaller holder growers aggregated as co-operative societies and large estate owners. Most coffee is exported through the Dar es salaam port and clearance is done by a contracted clearing and forwarding agent.

Coffee export clearance procedure through Tanga port

Export of coffee can either be done by grower marketers or coffee dealers. The grower marketers export through direct sales where they negotiate prices directly with the buyer while coffee dealers export through Moshi Coffee Exchange (MCE) auction regulated by Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) where they buy coffee from marketing agents who sell coffee on behalf of the smaller holder growers aggregated as co-operative societies and large estate owners. Coffee is exported through the Tanga port and clearance is done by a contracted clearing and forwarding agent.

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export coffee through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of coffee for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Export of premium coffee through the port of Dar es Salaam

Sisal

Initial registration and licences

Sisal grower’s licence

Sisal growers can be a person, association, company or cooperatives. For the trader to grow sisal in Tanzania he/she must obtain a licence from Tanzania Sisal Board. The licence has the validity of one year.

Sisal processor’s license

Sisal processors licence is issued by Tanzania Sisal Board to a trader who wish to process sisal from sisal leaf to fiber. It can be issued to a company or individual who wish to process sisal and who is either grower or non grower. For a trader who is non grower he/she must have contracted with growers to ensure he/she has a place to get sisal leaf for processing.

Sisal manufacturer’s license

Sisal manufacturing is a process of changing sisal fibers to sisal products such as ropes, bags etc. Sisal manufacturer's licence is issued to company or individual by the Tanzania Sisal Board. The issuance of licence is either to a companies or individuals with validity of one year.

Sisal trader's licence

Sisal trader's licence is a licence issued by Tanzania Sisal Board to a traders who wish to trade sisal within a country, the licence can be issued to dealers (ie sisal grower, processor or manufacturer) or non sisal dealers. The validity of licence is one year.

Sisal exporter’s license

A business wishing to export sisal must obtain the licence issued by Tanzania Sisal Board. The licence is valid for one year.

Permits

Sisal export permit

Sisal export permit is issued by Tanzania Sisal Board to a trader who export sisal fiber occasionally. The validity of this permit is less than one year.

Sisal inspection certificate

Sisal inspection certificate is the permit issued by Tanzania Sisal Board after inspecting the trader's consignment at exit point and has qualify to be exported. The validity of this certificate 28 days.

Clearance

Clearance of sisal through the port of Tanga

Export of sisal is mainly regulated by Tanzania Sisal Boardwho issue licences and permits for traders exporting sisal outside of Tanzania. Most sisal is exported through Tanga port and clearance is done by contracted clearing and forwarding agent. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of sisal through Tanga port.

Clearance of sisal through the port of Dar es salaam

Export of sisal is mainly regulated by Tanzania Sisal Boardwho issue licences and permits for traders exporting sisal outside of Tanzania. Sisal is exported through Dar es salaam port and clearance is done by contracted clearing and forwarding agent. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of sisal through Dar es salaam port.

Full procedure for a first time trader Tanga port

Export of sisal through the port of Tanga

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of sisal for the first time out of Tanzania, via Tanga port.

Cashewnut

Type of cashewnut

Raw Cashewnuts

Initial registration and licences

Business licence

Cashewnuts activity licences

A trader wishing to export raw cashewenut or processed cashewnut must have Raw cashewnut buying licence or raw cashewnut factory processing licence for processing cashewnut. All of these licences are issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania(CBT).

Cashewnuts factory/ unit processing licence

For a trader who wish to process cashewnuts in Tanzania, he/she should have cashewnuts factory processing licence which is issued by the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT). The licence is valid for one year.

Obtain raw cashewnut buying licence for local processing

Raw cashewnuts buying licence for local proccessing issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) to allow the traders to buy raw cashewnuts from Agricultural Marketing Co -operative Societies (AMCOS) through their Cooperative Unions for local processing within the country. This licence is valid forone year.

Raw cashewnuts buying licence for exporters

Raw cashewnuts buying licence for exporters is issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) to allow the traders to buy raw cashewnuts from Agricultural Marketing Co -operative Societies (AMCOS) through their Cooperative Unions then export to the rest of the World. This licence is valid for one year.

Buying cashewnut through auction

Buying cashewnuts in Tanzania is done at the auction. Exporters/processors of raw cashewnuts must participate in the auction to obtain cashewnuts. Cashewnuts is auctioned at different cashewnuts growing areas in Tanzania such as Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma and Pwani. All auctions are managed by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) under Agricultural Marketing Co -operative Societies (AMCOS).

Registered Exporter System (REX system)

Permits

Permit to transport raw/processed cashewnut

Permission to transport raw/processed cashewnuts withing the country is issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT). Traders who wish to transport cashewnuts within the country must obtain the permit which is issued per each consignment.

Obtain cashewnut export permit

Export permit for raw cashewnuts is issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) to traders who wish to export (shipment) raw cashewnuts from Tanzania to the rest of the World. The permit is valid for ten days and it is issued per single consignment.

Clearance

Cashewnut export clearance procedure through Mtwara port

All cashewnut(s) for export must be obtained from the cashewnut auction regulated by Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT). Most cashewnut is exported through the Mtwara port and clearance is done by a contracted clearing and forwarding agent.

Cashewnuts export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

All cashewnut(s) for export must be obtained from the cashewnut auction regulated by Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT). Cashewnuts is exported through the Dar es Salaam port and clearance is done by a contracted clearing and forwarding agent.

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of cashewnuts through the port of Mtwara

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cashewnuts for the first time out of Tanzania, via Mtwara port.

Processed Cashewnuts

Initial registration and licences

Business licence

Permits

Permit to transport raw/processed cashewnut

Permission to transport raw/processed cashewnuts withing the country is issued by Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) to a trader who wish to transport processed cashewnuts (kennels) from one place/region to another place/region. The permit is issued per each consignment.

Exporters will need to have this permit if they decide to move with cashewnuts from one region to another for the favor of reaching the exit point of his/her preference.

Obtain cashewnut export permit

Phytosanitary Certificate

Clearance

Cashewnut export clearance procedure through Mtwara port

Cashewnuts export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure for a first time trader

Export of processed cashewnuts through the port of Dar es salaam

Tea

Initial registrations and licences

Tea activity licences

Green tea processing licence

A tea manufacturing licence issued by the Tea Board of Tanzania is required when a firm intends to manufacture tea. The licence is validity of one year.

Green leaf tea buying licence

A green leaf buying licence issued by Tea Board of Tanzania to tea manufacturers who wish to buy green leaf from farmers. It has validity of one year.

Tea blending and packing licence

A tea blending and packing licence issued by Tea Board of Tanzania is required to a firm wishing to blend and pack tea. This licence has validity of one year.

Permits

Tea export permit

A tea export permit issued by Tea board of Tanzania is required when the firm wishes to export precessed tea from Tanzania and issued for the firm which has registered as processsor of tea only. This permit given per the declared consignment.

Clearance

Tea export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of tea is mainly regulated by Tea Board of Tanzania (TBT) who issue licences and permits for traders exporting tea outside of Tanzania. Most tea is exported through Dar es salaam port and clearance is done by contracted clearing and forwarding agent. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of tea through Dar es salaam port.

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of tea through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of tea for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Tobacco

Preliminary registration and licences

Tobacco traders registration

A business wishing to buy, sell, process, import or export tobacco must be registered by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) and be issued with a registration certificate.

Registration of green leaf tobacco buyer

A company or individual wishing to buy green leaf tobacco from market center must be registered by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) and obtain green leaf tobacco buying registration certificate

Registration of tobacco processor

A tobacco processor is a company or firm authorized to carry out the business of processing tobacco from green leaf to dry leaf. In order to process tobacco a trader must be registered by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) and get a registration certificate.

Registration of tobacco exporter

A business wishing to export dry leaf tobacco must be registered and obtain a registration certificate. Export of dry leaf tobacco is regulated by Tanzania Tobacco Board who issues the tobacco exporter registration certificate. The registration has unlimited validity.

Tobacco traders licences

A trader request for the licence from Tanzania Tobacco Board through atmis depending on the type of activity.

Green leaf tobacco buying licence

Green leaf tobacco is a tobacco that has not been dried. Buying of green leaf tobacco is regulated by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) to a trader who wishes to buy green tobacco.

Dry leaf tobacco selling licence

A business wishing to sell dry leaf tobacco must be registered with Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) and be issued with dry leaf tobacco selling licence. The licence is valid for one year.

Dry leaf tobacco buying licence

Dry leaf tobacco licence is a licence issued by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) is given to a trader who wish to buy processed tobacco. This licence is valid for one year.

Dry leaf tobacco export licence

Dry leaf tobacco export licence is a licence issued by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) is given to a trader who wish to export processed tobacco. This licence is valid for one year

Green leaf tobacco export licence

Green leaf tobacco export licence is a licence legaly issued by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) to a trader who wishes to export green leaf tobacco. This licence is valid for one year.

Tobacco processing licence

Tobacco processing licence is a legal issued by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) to a trader who wishes to process green tobacco. This licence is valid for one year.

Permits

Tobacco export permit

Tobacco export permit is the permit issued by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB) to show that a company has allowed to export a certain type, quantity and grade of tobacco. This permit is valid for one month.

Clearance

Tobacco export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of tobacco is mainly regulated by Tanzania Tobacco Board (TTB ) who issue licences and permits for traders exporting tobacco outside of Tanzania. Most tobacco is exported through Dar es salaam port and clearance is done by contracted clearing and forwarding agent. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of tobacco through Dar es salaam port.

Full procedure (for a first time trader)

Export of tobacco through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting tobacco for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

In Tanzania exporters are allowed to export only dry leaf tobacco and it is prohibited to export green leaf tobacco unless with permission from the Minister of Agricultural . A trader can obtain green leaf buying licence and enter in to contract with tobacco processors so that he/she can process green leaf tobacco to dry leaf tobacco for export. It is not a mandatory for a trader to have a processing factory.

Cotton

Initial registrations and licences

Tanzania cotton association membership

Membership to the association will only be granted to those who are competent and willing to be committed in the cotton sector. The applicant must demonstrate their willingness to develop the sector once admitted in the association. One will initially be given provisional membership of one year during which they must fulfill their business plan submitted during application.

Cotton activity licences

Seed cotton buying licence

Seed cotton buying licence is categorized in two categories:

1. Seed cotton buying licence for local cooperative union or AMCOS is issued to AMCOS who buy with the intend to do sell to the exporters within Tanzania

2. Seed cotton buying licence for export is issued to buyers for export business only. Both licences are issued by Tanzania Cotton Board of Tanzania (TCB)

Cotton ginning licence

Cotton ginning is a process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. A trader who wish to be a ginner must be registered with The Tanzania Cotton Board who issues the ginner licence. An applicant must either own a ginnery or have hired/leased one from a ginnery owner a proof of hiring/leasing must be shown. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July (to 30th June).

Cotton lint export licence

A business wishing to export lint cotton must be registered as an exporter with Tanzania Cotton Board and be issued with the cotton lint export licence. The licence is valid for one financial year beginning 1st July to 30th June.

Pemit

Cotton quality certificate

Cotton quality certificate is given to ginners after sample of cotton from each bale has been delivered to the Tanzania Cotton Board for classification. The certificate is attached with other documents when exporting cotton from Tanzania to the rest of the World and is used per each consignment of the classified cotton.

Certificate of levy payment

Certificate of levy payment or release order is required for exporters of cotton lint product from Tanzania. An exporter should submit proof of payment for the purchased cotton. Issuance of the certificate is regulated by Tanzania Cotton Board and is required for each consignment for export.

Cotton lint export permit

Cotton lint export permit certifies that a company has been authorized by Tanzania Cotton Board (CBT) to export (shipment) a certain amount of cotton with specified cotton grades. The approval is valid for a period of sixty days only and is used once for a single shipment.

Clearance

Cotton export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of cotton is mainly regulated by Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) who issue licences and permits for traders exporting cotton outside of Tanzania. Most cotton is exported through Dar es salaam port and clearance is done by contracted clearing and forwarding agent. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of cotton through Dar es salaam port.

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export of cotton through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cotton for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Medical device or in vitro diagnostics device

Initial registration and licences

Registration of premises for medical or in vitro diagnosis device

All traders who intend to deal with distribution, storage and exportation of medical or in vitro diagnostic products must have their premises registered. The registration certificate is only issued to registered medical or in vitro diagnostics dealers and is regulated by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).

Registration of medical device or in vitro diagnostic devices

Product registration is mandatory for all medical devices exported from Tanzania. Upon successful product evaluation traders are issued with a product registration certificate by Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA)

Permit

Medical device or in vitro diagnostics export permit

Medical or in vitro diagnosis device export permit is issued by Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) to a trader who wish to export registered Medical or in vitro diagnostic devices.The permit is given per consignment and is valid for three months from the date of approval.

Clearance

An exporter must engage the services of a clearing agent in order to clear goods. The clearance process is mainly regulated by Tanzania Revenue Authority. Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of medical devices through Dar es salaam port

Medical or in vitro diagnosis export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of medical devices for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Medicine

Initial registration and licences

Registration of premises for wholesale medicine

All traders who intend to deal with distribution and storage of medicine products must have their premises registered. The registration certificate is only issued to registered medicine dealers and is regulated by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA)

Registration of medicine

Product registration is mandatory for all medicine exported from Tanzania. Upon successful product evaluation the trader is issued with a product registration certificate by Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).

Permit

Medicine export permit

Medicine export permit is issued by Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA ) to a trader who wish to export registered medicine. It is issued per consignment and is valid for three months from the date of approval.

Clearance

Medicine export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export of medicine through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of medicine for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Food

Permits

Food export permit

Clearance

Food export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

An exporter must engage the services of a clearing agent in order to clear goods. The clearance process is mainly regulated by Tanzania Revenue Authority Click on the link for a step by step guide on clearance of food through the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of food through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of processed food for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Cosmetics

Clearance

Cosmetics export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of cosmetics through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cosmetics for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Timber

Initial registration and licences

Registration of exporters of forest products

Forest produce from trees or grown in a forest or is naturally found in a forest and includes timber, bamboos, baobab powder, canes, charcoal, firewood, fruits, galls, gums and honey. Registration of forest produce dealer is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Service Agency who will issue registration certificate which is valid for one calendar year.

Registration of timber yard

Registration of forest produce dealer is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Service Agency who will issue registration certificate. The licence is valid for one calendar year.

Registration for harvesting of forest produce

Permit

Timber export permit

Timber export permit is the permit that certifying a company has been authorized by Tanzania Forest Agency for export (shipment) a certain amount of timber with specified grades. The permit is valid for a period of sixty days only and is used once for a single shipment.

Clearance

Timber export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of timber through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of timber for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Apiary products or bee products

Honey and other apiary products is among of forest products which exported from Tanzania. For a trader to export bee products or apiary products required to have different licences and permits from Tanzania Forest Service Agency

Initial registration and licences

Registration of apiary or bee products dealer

All traders who wish to deal with honey or any other apiary and bee product must be registered by Tanzania Forest Service Agency. This registration is valid for one year.

Permit

Export permit for apiary or bee products

For a trader to export bee or apiary products, you are required to have export permit per consignment issued by Tanzania Forest Service Agency.

Clearance

Export of honey and other apiary products is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) who issue an international veterinary certificate to ascertain that the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of honey and other apiary products through the Port of Mombasa. click on the link.

Apiary or bee products export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of honey and other apiary products is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) who issue an international sanitary certificate to ascertain that the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. Clearance is done by a clearing and a forwarding agent. For more information on how to clear your consignment through the Port of Dar es salaam click on the link.

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of apiary or bee products through Dar es Salaam port

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of apiary or bee products for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Wattle and Gum arabia

Initial registrations and licences

Registration of exporters of forest products

Registration of wattle and gum arabia yard

Yard registration of forest produce dealer is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Service Agency who will issue registration certificate. The licence is valid for one calendar year.

Permit

Wattle and gum arabia export permit

Wattle or gum arabia export permit is the permit that certifying a company has been authorized by Tanzania Forest Agency for export (shipment) a certain amount of wattle or gum arabia. The permit is valid for a period of sixty days only and is used once for a single shipment.

Clearance

Wattle and gum arabia export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Export of wattle and gum arabia is regulated by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) who issue certificate of grading timber to ascertain that the consignment is disease free. For more information on how to clear your consignment of wattle and gum arabia through the Port of Dar es salaam. click on the link.

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export of wattle through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of wattle and gum arabia for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Fertilizer

Initial registration and licences

Registration of fertilizer dealer

All trader of fertilizer must be registered Tanzania Fertilizers Regulatory authority (TFRA) and obtain a dealer's licence which is valid for one year.

Registration of fertilizer manufacturer

For a trader to be a fertilizer sterelizer/manufacturer, he/she must be registered by Tanzania Fertilizers Regulatory authority (TFRA ) and issued a licence which is valid for one year

Permits

Fertilizer export permit

Fertilizer export permit is given to a trader who wish to export fertilizers from Tanzania. Export of fertilizer is regulated by Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority(TFRA) who issue export permit for each consignment.

Clearance

Fertilizers export clearance procedure through Dar es Salaam port

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

Export of fertilizer through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of fertilizers for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Meat and meat products

Initial registration and licences

Registration of meat industry stakeholders

Anyone intending to export meat and meat products, must first be registered as the meat industry stakeholder with the Tanzania Meat Board (TMB) who will be issued with registration certificate. The certificate is valid for a period of one year starting from the date of registration.

Permits

Meat and meat products export clearance

Clearance certificate for meat and meat products

Export of meat and meat products is regulated by the Tanzania Meat Board who issue an export clearance for each consignment. The clearance certificate will triger further procedures towards the clearance of consignment.

Clearance

Meat and meat products clearance procedure through JNIA

Export of meat and meat products is regulated by the Tanzania Meat Board who issue an export permit for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of meat and meat products through Julius Nyerere International Airport, click on the link.

Full procedure view-for a first time trader

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of meat and meat products, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Tanzania, via the Port of Dar es salaam to the UAE and Asia.

Export of meat and meat products through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of meat and meat products for the first time out of Tanzania, via JNIA

Milk and milk products

Export of milk and milk products is regulated by the Tanzania Dary Board who issue an export permit for each consignment. Prior to the application and issuance of the permit, a risk assessment is carried out in the importing country to ensure that the consignment meets the sanitary requirements of the country of destination and facilitates the issuance of an import permit by the competent authority in that country.

Initial registration of milk and milk products

Initial registration and licences

Export of milk and milk products is regulated by the Tanzania Dairy Board who issue an export permit for each consignment. Prior to the application and issuance of the permit, a risk assessment is carried out in the importing country to ensure that the consignment meets the sanitary requirements of the country of destination and facilitates the issuance of an import permit by the competent authority in that country.

Exporter registration of milk and milk products

Any person intending to export milk and milk products, must first be registered as the milk industry stakeholder with the Tanzania Dairy Board who will be issued with registration certificate. The Certificate of registration of the dairy issued under the regulations shall be valid for a period of five years upon payment of annual retention fee of ten percent of the registration fee.

Permits

Milk and milk products export permit

Export of milk and milk products is regulated by the Tanzania Dairy Board. A trader intending to export milk and milk products from Tanzania must obtain an export permit for each consignment.

Clearance

Clearance of milk and milk products through JNIA

Export of milk and milk products is regulated by the Tanzania Diary Board who issue an export permit for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of milk and milk products through Julius Nyerere International Airport, click on the link.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of milk and milk products through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of milk and milk products for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Fruits and vegetables

Clearance

Fruits and vegetables clearance procedure through JNIA

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of fruits and vegetables through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of fruits and vegetables for the first time out of Tanzania, via JNIA.

Cereals and Legumes

Clearance

Clearance through the port of Dar es Salaam

Export of food crops is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture who issue certificate of food crops to ascertain that the consignment can be exported. For more information on how to clear your consignment of food crops through the Port of Dar es salaam. click on the link belo.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of cereals and legumes through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cereals and legumes for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Avocado

Permits

Phytosanitary certificate

A phytosanitary certificate delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture certifies that plant and plant products are free from regulated pests and conforms with other phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

Clearance

Clearance of avocado through JNIA

Export of avocado is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture who issue a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of avocado through JNIA, click on the link.

Clearance of avocado through JNIA

Export of avocado is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture who issue pytosanitary certificate certifies that plant and plant products are free from regulated pests to ascertain that the consignment can be exported. For more information on how to clear your consignment of avocado through Julius Nyerere International Airport click on the link.

Clearance of Avocado through Namanga One Stop Border Post (OSPB)

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of avocado through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of avocados for the first time out of Tanzania, via JNIA to the EU.

Spices

All exporters of spices must have permit of exportation from Ministry of Agriculture . This permit is per consignment and it is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Clearance

Clearance of spices through Dar es salaam port

Export of spices is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture who issue a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of spices through the port of Dar es salaam, click on the link.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of spices through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of spices for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port to the EU.

Cocoa

Clearance

Clearance of cocoa through Dar es salaam port

Export of cocoa is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture who issue a food crop certificate for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is meet the requirement of the destination country. For more information on how to clear your consignment of cocoa through the port of Dar es salaam, click on the link.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of cocoa through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cocoa for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port to the EU.

Flower

Clearance

Clearance of flowers through JNIA

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of flowers through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licences, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of flowers for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port to the EU.

Fish and fishery products

Initial registration and licences

Fish and fishery products export licence

All exporter of fish and fishery products must have export licence and their premises must be registered by Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. All registered premises must have certificate of approval. The licence is renewable annually.

Permits

Fish and fishery products export permit

Fish export permit means an official document issued by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with an authorized officer to a fish exporter to allow him move fish or fishery products, a quantity of fishery products of a given species which has been subjected to the same treatment and may have come from the same fishing grounds;

Clearance

Clearance through Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of fish and fishery products through JNIA

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of fish and fishery products for the first time out of Tanzania through JNIA.

Seaweeds (Mwani)

Initial registration and licences

Registration of exporter

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is the authority which register all traders who wants to export any commodity from Zanzibar to the rest of the World. Upon successful registration, traders are given certificate of registration.

Permits

Export permit for seaweeds

A business wishing to export seaweeds must obtain the export permit from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The permit is valid for a period of two weeks only and is used once for a single shipment.

Clearance

Clearance through Zanzibar port

Export of seaweeds products is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Livestock who issue a permission letter to produce seaweeds and export permit for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of seaweeds products through Zanzibar port, click on the link.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of seaweeds through the port of Zanzibar

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of seaweeds for the first time out of Tanzania, via Zanzibar port.

Cloves (Karafuu)

Buying cloves at Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC)

Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) is a Government Institution based in Zanzibar. ZSTC specifically has responsibilities of clove development, processing essential oils and other agricultural produce as well as conducting all necessary business in connection with the supply and distribution of national commercial crops especially Cloves.

ZSTC is the only institution which has mandate to make all the necessary procedure of exporting cloves in Zanzibar. For a Trader to get Clove from Zanzibar, he/she has to communicate with ZSTC for all the necessary procedure till the Cloves reach to his/her destination.

Spicies (Zanzibar)

Clearance

Spices export clearance procedure through Zanzibar port

Export of spices is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Livestock who issue a permission letter to produce seaweeds and export permit for each consignment to ascertain the consignment is disease free and is fit for human consumption. For more information on how to clear your consignment of seaweeds products through Zanzibar port, click on the link.

Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export of spices through the port of Zanzibar

Fish and fishery products (Zanzibar)

Initial registration and licences

Registration of exporter

Permits

Fish and fishery products export permit

Permission to export fish and fishery products

A business wishing to export seaweeds must obtain the export permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Livestock and Fisheries. The permit is valid for a period of two weeks only and is used once for a single shipment.

Export permit for fish and fishery products

A business wishing to export seaweeds must obtain the export permit from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The permit is valid for a period of two weeks only and is used once for a single shipment.

Clearance

Clearance through port of Zanzibar

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of fish and fishery products through port of Zanzibar

Hides, skins and wet blue leather

Clearance

Clearance procedure through the port of Dar es salaam

Export of hides, skin and wet blue leather is regulated by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries who issue certificate of animal health to ascertain that the products meet the outlined conditions by the country of destination. For more information on how to clear your consignment of hides, skin and wet blue leather through the Port of Dar es salaam. click on the link.

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of hides, skins and wet blue leather through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of hides, skin and wet blue leather for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Livestock by products (horns and hooves)

Permits

Livestock by products export permit

Obtain livestock by products export permit

Clearance

Clearance procedure through the port of Dar es salaam

Full procedure view- for a first time trader

Export of livestock by products (horns and hooves) through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of livestock for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

Export of cassava through the port of Dar es Salaam

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of food crops for the first time out of Tanzania, via Dar es salaam port.

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