How to Buy a Car from Japan and Import It to Tanzania: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it into Tanzania is a popular option for Tanzanian buyers seeking high-quality, low-mileage vehicles at affordable prices. Japanese cars are known for their excellent maintenance records, fuel efficiency, and durability—making them ideal for local use in Tanzania.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into Tanzania successfully.

1. Understand Tanzanian Import Regulations

Before purchasing, ensure the car meets Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and National Environmental Standards Council (NEMC) requirements:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Maximum age of 8 years old (from date of first registration)
  • Must meet Euro 2 emissions standards or higher
  • Requires Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) via SONCAP or SGS
  • Must pass Roadworthiness Inspection after clearance

Always verify current rules with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) .

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

  • Aucnet
  • Goo-net Exchange
  • Cars247
  • Be FORWARD

Most Tanzanian buyers use a local broker or export agent who can bid, inspect, and handle logistics on their behalf.

3. Search for Suitable Vehicles

Use filters like:

  • Make/model (Toyota Fielder, Premio, Ipsum, Nissan B15, Mazda Demio, Toyota Land Cruiser are popular in Tanzania)
  • Year (must be under 8 years old)
  • Mileage (below 50,000 km preferred)
  • Shaken expiration date (ensures recent inspection)
  • Body and mechanical condition reports

Look for auction grades of 3.5 or higher for better quality.

4. Review Inspection Reports and Photos

Each listing includes:

  • High-resolution photos
  • Damage grade (Body/Paint/Mechanical)
  • Engine and transmission status
  • Maintenance history
  • Shaken test results

Request a video walk-through or pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if unsure about the car’s condition.

5. Place a Bid or Purchase Directly

If using a broker:

  • Set your maximum bid
  • Confirm payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
  • Ensure all fees are transparent (auction, broker, shipping)

Winning bidders must pay promptly to proceed with export.

6. Arrange Shipping to Tanzania

Choose between:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) – Most cost-effective method
  • Container shipping – Better for luxury or vintage cars

The main destination ports in Tanzania are:

  • Dar es Salaam Port
  • Tanga Port

Select port-to-port or door-to-door delivery depending on your needs.

7. Handle Import and Registration in Tanzania

Steps include:

  • Submit required documents:
    • Bill of sale
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance certificate
    • PSIC (Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate)
  • Pay import duties and taxes :
    • Typically 25–35% import duty + 18% VAT + excise duty
  • Pass vehicle inspection at authorized centers
  • Register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre (DVLC)
  • Obtain logbook, insurance, and road license

FAQs

Q: Can I import any car from Japan to Tanzania?
A: No. The car must be right-hand drive , not older than 8 years , and meet Euro 2 emissions standards or higher .

Q: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Tanzania?
A: Total cost includes:

  • ¥300,000–¥1,200,000 for the car
  • TZS 500,000–2,000,000 for auction and broker fees
  • TZS 3,000,000–5,000,000 for shipping and clearance
  • Import duties and taxes (often 40–60% of CIF value)

Q: Do I need a PSIC certificate to import a car to Tanzania?
A: Yes, all used vehicles require a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) issued by SGS or SONCAP before shipment.