Dar Port Storage Fees: What Importers Need to Know

• Free Storage Period:
  • Local imports: 7 days for standard containers.
  • Transit goods: 15 days for standard containers.
  • Extended free periods for transit cargo: Up to 55 days for DRC-bound shipments.
• Storage Fees (After Free Period):
  • 20-foot container: $20/day for the first 21 days, $40/day after.
  • 40-foot container: $40/day for the first 21 days, $80/day after.
• Demurrage Charges (Additional):
  • 20-foot container: $4–$14/day.
  • 40-foot container: $8–$30/day.
• Cost Example: A 20-foot container stored for 35 days costs $826 (including 18% VAT).
• Tips to Reduce Costs:
  • Use TANCIS for faster customs clearance.
  • Prepare documents early (e.g., Bill of Lading, Tax Clearance Certificate).
  • Consider bonded warehouses to save 40-50% on storage fees.
• Factors That Affect Costs:
  • Customs inspection delays (2–7 days on average).
  • Errors in documentation.
  • Port congestion and transport delays.

Quick Comparison Table:

To save on storage fees, plan ahead, ensure accurate documentation, and use bonded warehouses or efficient customs systems like TANCIS.

Free Storage Period at Dar Port

Length of the Free Storage Period

Importers using Dar Port benefit from different free storage periods depending on the cargo type and destination. Local imports allow 14 days of free storage for standard and specialized containers, while reefer containers get 7 days. Transit cargo enjoys longer durations, with shipments bound for DRC receiving up to 55 days for standard and specialized containers.

Here’s a breakdown of the free storage periods based on destination and container type:

*Other transit countries include Burundi, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Rules for the Free Storage Period

To take advantage of the free storage period, importers must meet specific conditions, such as submitting accurate documentation and completing customs procedures on time. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) emphasizes that these extended periods are designed to streamline import processes and promote compliance.

Key points to maintain eligibility for free storage:

• Timely Documentation: Submit all required customs documents before the cargo arrives at the port.
• Customs Clearance: Begin customs clearance within the allowed timeframe.
• Container Type Accuracy: Properly declare the container type (dry, special, or reefer).
• Accurate Transit Details: Provide correct documentation for shipments destined for inland countries.

If the free storage period is exceeded, charges apply immediately. For example, a 20-foot dry container incurs $10 per day, while a 40-foot container is charged $20 per day during the first week of additional storage. By adhering to these rules, importers can avoid extra fees and make the most of the free storage period.

Understanding and following these guidelines can help importers minimize costs and optimize their operations.

Storage Fee Structure and Costs

Storage Fees and Progressive Costs

Dar Port’s storage fees depend on container size and how long it stays in storage. Here are the base rates (excluding VAT):

These charges kick in right after the free storage period ends and are separate from any demurrage fees set by shipping lines.

The port uses a progressive fee system to push for quicker cargo clearance. Once a container stays beyond 21 days, the daily rate doubles, making delays much more expensive. This approach has been effective in easing port congestion – recently highlighted by a $14 million partial waiver of storage charges ^[1].

For instance, keeping a 20-foot container for 30 days after the free period could cost over $780 (excluding VAT). Knowing these rising costs allows importers to plan logistics more effectively and avoid extra charges.

Being aware of these rates and how they increase is crucial for estimating total storage expenses, which we’ll break down further in the next section.

Calculating Total Storage Costs

How to Estimate Costs

To estimate storage costs at Dar Port, you need to consider all components:

Total Storage Cost = (Days 1-21 × Base Rate) + (Days Beyond 21 × Double Rate) + VAT

Here are the current rates (VAT not included):

• 20-foot container: $20 per day for the first 21 days, then $40 per day
• 40-foot container: $40 per day for the first 21 days, then $80 per day

Free storage periods vary:

• Local imports: 7 days
• Transit goods: 15 days

Sample Cost Breakdown

Let’s calculate the storage cost for a 20-foot container that stays at the port for 35 days:

Base Total: $700
Final Cost with 18% VAT: $826

It’s also important to factor in demurrage charges from shipping lines. These fees, separate from port storage costs, range between $4-14 daily for 20-foot containers and $8-30 for 40-foot containers ^[3]. Demurrage begins after the shipping line’s free period, typically 7-14 days.

Breaking down these costs helps you see where your money goes. Up next, we’ll cover ways to cut these expenses.

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Find Three Extra Cost at Dar Es Salaam Port Tanzania

Ways to Reduce Storage Fees

Getting your documents in order is key to avoiding extra storage fees. Here’s what you’ll need:

Begin preparing these documents at least two weeks before the vessel arrives to avoid delays.

Improve Customs Clearance

Using TANCIS efficiently can cut clearance times by up to 30% ^[2]. Here’s how to streamline the process:

• Provide clear and accurate cargo descriptions to minimize inspection delays.
• Stay in regular contact with your clearing agent to handle issues quickly.
• Respond to customs queries within 24 hours to keep the process moving.
• Whenever possible, use pre-arrival declarations to speed things up.

Use Bonded Warehouses

Bonded warehouses can save you 40-50% compared to port storage fees ^[3]. These facilities offer:

• Lower daily storage costs.
• Flexible payment options.
• Fewer congestion-related charges.
• Improved cargo handling services.

For even better rates, consider bonded warehouses near the port’s Industrial Area – they’re often 15-20% cheaper than those in the city center ^[2].

Factors Affecting Storage Duration and Costs

Knowing what influences storage duration and costs at Dar es Salaam port is key for importers aiming to plan efficiently and keep expenses down. Here are the main factors to consider:

Customs Inspection and Clearance Times

Customs inspections can add days to your storage time. These may include random checks, physical inspections, or technical assessments, often extending storage by 2-7 days. For industries like oil and gas, delays during equipment inspections are especially common ^[2].

"To minimize delays, ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate, maintain good communication with customs brokers, and stay informed about regulatory changes and port conditions." – biztell, Supply Network ^[2]

By double-checking your paperwork and staying in close contact with customs officials, you can reduce inspection-related delays and avoid extra costs.

Delays in Document Processing

Incomplete or missing documentation is one of the biggest reasons for extended storage times. Issues often arise from errors in declarations, missing registration papers, or delays in regulatory compliance checks.

"If you work with a great international shipping brokerage company, then you should always have customs brokers know if you have a shipment coming in. They should inspect the documents prior to the shipment even coming in and reach out to you if anything is missing." – Shawna Karajic, Senior Consultant for Export Solutions

Experienced customs brokers can help spot and fix documentation problems before they cause delays, saving both time and money.

Transportation and Logistics Planning

Storage fees at Dar es Salaam Port are higher than at other regional ports like Mombasa, according to the World Bank ^[2]. Proper logistics planning can help control these costs. Book transport early, secure trucks ahead of time, and consider using bonded warehouses to avoid unnecessary delays. During busy seasons, staying in regular contact with clearing agents can help you navigate port congestion more effectively.

Heavy cargo traffic can slow down port operations. Partnering with logistics experts who know the local systems can help you manage these challenges and keep storage times to a minimum.

Conclusion: Key Points for Importers

Summary of Useful Tips

Managing storage fees at Dar es Salaam port requires careful planning. A standard 20-foot container is charged $20 per day after the free storage period ^[2], while demurrage fees range between $4 and $14 daily, depending on the shipping line ^[3].

To keep these charges under control, focus on preparing accurate documentation and streamlining customs clearance. For instance, when importing vehicles, ensure details like chassis and engine numbers are correctly listed ^[3].

By following these steps, importers can better handle costs and improve efficiency.

Final Advice for Importers

Plan Ahead:

• Use bonded warehouses if you need extra storage time.
• Coordinate with transport companies before the shipment arrives.
• Stay in regular contact with clearing agents.
• Keep track of updates to port regulations and procedures.

Don’t overlook all potential fees when budgeting, such as the 1.6% wharfage tax for diplomatic shipments, which is based on the Customs value declared on Form PRO6 ^[3].

Proactive management and staying informed about port rules can help importers cut down on storage fees and streamline their operations at Dar es Salaam port.

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