Tanzania now offers zero import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) and reduced duties on EV components, making EVs more affordable and eco-friendly. This policy aims to lower costs, cut carbon emissions, and promote cleaner transportation options.
Key Takeaways:
- Zero Import Duty: Fully electric vehicles (new and used) qualify.
- Reduced Duties: EV batteries, motors, and charging systems.
- Eligibility: Passenger EVs, commercial EVs (trucks, buses), and two- or three-wheelers must meet specific standards.
- Simplified Process: Applications go through Tanzania Revenue Authority‘s eSWS portal.
To apply, you’ll need documents like vehicle certifications, purchase invoices, and import forms. Applications typically take 10-15 business days but may face delays. Start early and ensure all paperwork is complete to avoid issues.
This initiative is a step toward affordable EV adoption, but improvements in charging infrastructure and public awareness are still needed.
Who Can Get EV Import Duty Exemptions
Types of EVs That Qualify
Electric vehicles and specific components can qualify for import duty exemptions if they meet certain technical and regulatory criteria. These include:
- Pure electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles) that run entirely on electricity, without a combustion engine.
- Both new and used electric vehicles that comply with established standards.
- Passenger EVs that fulfill battery capacity and energy efficiency requirements.
- Commercial vehicles like buses, trucks, and delivery vans that meet power and battery specifications.
- Two- and three-wheelers that adhere to technical guidelines.
Key components such as EV batteries, charging systems, electric motors, and control units may also qualify for reduced duties, depending on current regulations.
Now, let’s look at the paperwork needed to confirm your vehicle’s eligibility.
Required Papers and Forms
To confirm eligibility for the exemption, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
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Vehicle Documentation
- Manufacturer’s certification and technical details.
- Battery capacity certification.
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Importer Requirements (for businesses)
- Proof of business registration and current tax clearance.
- Environmental impact assessments (for fleet imports).
- Evidence of local service support arrangements.
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Additional Documentation
- Purchase invoice and payment proof.
- Bill of lading.
- Import declaration form.
- Relevant customs and inspection certificates.
Applications should be submitted via the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s online portal. Documents must be in English or Swahili, with certified translations if required. Individual applications are usually processed faster than those for commercial fleets.
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How to Get EV Import Duty Exemptions
To secure your EV import duty exemption, you’ll need to follow a clear process through the TRA eSWS portal. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and potential challenges.
Application Steps
Here’s how to apply for EV import duty exemptions:
1. Pre-Application Assessment
Check your vehicle’s technical details against TRA requirements. Ensure the battery capacity, motor power, and specifications meet the current regulations.
2. Online Portal Registration
Register on the Electronic Single Window System (eSWS) by submitting your TIN, business registration (if applicable), email address, and a government-issued ID.
3. Document Submission
Upload all required documents, including technical specifications, purchase records, import forms, environmental certifications, and service support details, to the eSWS portal.
4. Application Review
TRA will review your submitted documents, including technical, customs, and environmental paperwork. This process typically takes 10-15 business days.
5. Final Approval and Payment
Once approved, you’ll receive your exemption certificate. Pay any applicable fees, schedule an inspection, and complete customs clearance.
Problems You May Face
While the process is straightforward, a few issues could arise:
Technical Documentation Issues
- Missing or improperly formatted technical documents
- Lack of required environmental certifications
- Non-standardized test results
Processing Delays
- High application volumes
- System maintenance downtime
- Additional verification steps
- Backlogs during holiday seasons
Tip: Submit your application at least 45 days before your vehicle’s arrival. Regularly check the eSWS portal and respond quickly to any requests for information.
Compliance Verification
- Outdated or mismatched technical specifications
- Incomplete service support documentation
Tip: Arrange a pre-submission consultation with TRA’s technical team to ensure your documents are in order.
Payment Processing
Use TRA’s payment calculator to estimate costs. Work with banks experienced in customs transfers to avoid unnecessary delays.
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What You Get from Import Duty Exemptions
Simplified procedures and clear eligibility criteria make these exemptions highly appealing, offering both financial relief and a positive impact on air quality.
How You Save Money
Import duties tied to CIF values often make conventional vehicles more expensive. With EV exemptions, these costs drop significantly. By reducing import duties and related fees – like registration, licensing, and maintenance – you can lower your overall expenses.
Better Air Quality
Fewer emissions from EVs mean cleaner urban air and reduced health risks for the public. Plus, improved energy efficiency helps cut reliance on fossil fuels, promoting cleaner and more efficient transportation options.
What Needs to Improve
For Tanzania to make the most of its EV import duty exemptions, both infrastructure and public awareness need attention.
Charging Stations and Repairs
The current infrastructure for EVs isn’t keeping up with demand. Public charging stations are scarce, especially outside major cities, which adds to range anxiety. Additionally, there’s a need to develop EV repair expertise and establish a reliable supply chain for spare parts.
Rules and Public Knowledge
A lack of clear information is another obstacle. Despite appealing tax incentives, many people find the process confusing, and enforcement of eligibility rules can be inconsistent. Public awareness about eligible EV models, the financial perks, and the environmental advantages needs to be improved.
To tackle these issues, authorities should simplify digital processes, offer clear bilingual guidelines in English and Swahili, set up support desks at key revenue offices, and partner with EV manufacturers to provide training. Such steps would build trust and encourage more people to take advantage of the EV import duty exemption program.
Summary
Tanzania’s exemption on import duties for electric vehicles (EVs) is a step toward promoting eco-friendly transportation while also offering financial savings for eligible imports.
To make the most of this initiative, the process needs to be simplified. The government is focusing on improving charging infrastructure, building technical expertise, and creating easier-to-use digital application systems. Providing clear, bilingual instructions and raising public awareness will help support wider EV adoption.
Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria and keep all necessary documents in order. Work with trusted dealers and customs officials, and stay updated on regulatory changes. Using authorized channels and keeping an eye on infrastructure progress will help importers take full advantage of this program.
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