Tanzanian ports, including Dar es Salaam Port, the largest and most important, serve as the international trade gateway for Tanzania and the East African region. The majority of the country's imports and exports pass through Dar es Salaam Port, handling approximately 95% of the country's total international trade and playing a major role in transporting goods within East Africa, linking it to countries inland as well as Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

 Strategic Location & Role

The port of Dar es Salaam is located on the Indian Ocean coast, strategically positioned on the international shipping route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Besides serving Tanzania, the port also serves as a transshipment point for goods from many landlocked countries such as:

• Zambia 

• Rwanda 

• Burundi 

• Uganda 

• Malawi 

• Democratic Republic of Congo (Eastern Africa)

Therefore, the Tanzanian port plays a key role in the supply chain of the East and Central African region.

1. Shipping Methods and Time

• Sea Freight: This is the optimal choice for industrial goods, machinery, textiles, or large quantities of consumer goods.

• Main Destination Ports: Dar Es Salaam (the third largest port in Africa), Tanga, Zanzibar.

• Delivery Time: Varies from 30-45 days depending on direct shipment or transshipment via transit ports such as Singapore or Dubai.

• Air Freight: Suitable for urgent shipments of parcels, samples, or electronic components.

• Destination: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).

• Delivery Time: 3-7 days.

2. Important Documents and Procedures

Tanzania requires specific types of documentation for import control:

• ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note): This is a mandatory electronic document for tracking shipments. The ECTN number must be shown on the Bill of Lading before the ship arrives at the port.

• CoC (Certificate of Conformity): A certificate of conformity to Tanzania's national standards (PVoC). Goods without a Certificate of Origin (CoC) may be subject to re-inspection at the port of destination at very high costs or may be refused import.

• Basic documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin (C/O).