How to Import a Car from Japan to Tanzania
By Carlink Tanzania · · 5 min read
Importing a car from Japan is one of the best ways to get a quality, well-maintained vehicle in Tanzania, often for less than buying the same car locally. But if you've never done it before, the process can feel confusing: auctions, shipping, TRA taxes, registration.
This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your car to collecting the keys in Dar es Salaam, so you know exactly what to expect and what it will cost.
Why import a car from Japan?
Better condition. Japanese cars are usually well maintained, have relatively low mileage and pass strict inspections before export.
Honest history. Most cars are sold through auctions with an inspection report (the "auction sheet") that records the grade, mileage and any damage.
Wide choice. You can choose the exact model, year, colour and grade you want, instead of whatever happens to be available locally.
Right-hand drive. Japan drives on the left, like Tanzania, so the cars are already right-hand drive.
Step by step: how importing works
1. Choose your car and budget. Decide the model, year range, mileage and colour you want, and your total budget. Remember to include TRA taxes and registration, not just the car price (see the costs section below).
2. We search the auctions for you. We search Japanese auctions and exporters for cars that match. For each option we send you photos, the auction sheet and the mileage, so you can compare before you decide.
3. Sign the agreement and pay a deposit. Once you've chosen a car, we sign a written import agreement and you pay a deposit into our company bank account. The deposit lets us buy the car on your behalf.
4. We buy and inspect the car. After purchase, the car goes through its pre-shipment roadworthiness inspection, required by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and its export documents are prepared in Japan.
5. Shipping to Dar es Salaam. The car is shipped to Dar es Salaam port, usually by roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel. We share the vessel name, Bill of Lading and estimated arrival date, and keep you updated along the way.
6. Pay the balance on arrival. When your car arrives at Dar es Salaam port, you pay the balance. You only pay in full once the car is actually in Tanzania.
7. Clearing and TRA taxes. The car is cleared through customs by a licensed clearing agent. TRA assesses and collects the import taxes, and the car is released from the port.
8. Registration and handover. The car is registered with TRA, number plates are fitted, and you collect your car and keys.
→ Insert cars here (2–3 cars currently arriving from Japan)
What does it cost? Plan for these five parts
The price you see at auction is not the full cost. A realistic budget includes:
Car price in Japan: the auction or dealer price.
Shipping and insurance to Dar es Salaam: together with the car price, this is called the CIF value, and TRA calculates taxes on it.
TRA import taxes: import duty, excise duty and VAT, plus smaller levies. Excise duty depends on engine size and the car's age, and older vehicles can attract extra duty, so the same model can cost noticeably more to clear if it's a few years older.
Port, clearing and agency charges: port handling, storage (if any) and the clearing agent's fee.
Registration: TRA registration and number plates.
Tax rates and rules can change, so always get a calculation for the specific car before you commit. We give every customer a full cost breakdown, car, shipping, estimated TRA taxes and registration, so there are no surprises when the car arrives. You can also check TRA's official guidance on the Tanzania Revenue Authority website.
How to read a Japanese auction sheet
Every auction car has an inspection sheet. The key things to check:
Overall grade: usually a number from 1 to 6 (or S for nearly new). Grades of 4 and above usually mean good condition. R or RA means the car has had accident repairs.
Interior grade: a letter, A (excellent) to E (poor).
Mileage: confirmed by the auction inspector.
Car diagram: marks on a drawing of the car show scratches (A), dents (U), waves or repaired panels (W) and other issues, with a number for how serious they are.
We send you the auction sheet for every car before you buy and explain anything that isn't clear.
How to import safely and avoid scams
Only pay into a company bank account, never a personal account or mobile money number.
Always sign a written agreement that states the car, the total price and the payment terms.
Ask for the auction sheet and real photos of the exact car, not stock images.
Visit the office. A real importer will welcome you. Ours is at Savei Complex, University Road, near Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam.
Be careful of prices that look too good. Hidden costs often appear later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Tanzania? It depends on finding the right car, shipping schedules and clearing time, but it usually takes several weeks from purchase to handover. We confirm the vessel and estimated arrival date as soon as your car is shipped.
Do I have to pay the full amount upfront? No. With Carlink you pay a deposit to start, and the balance only when your car arrives at Dar es Salaam port.
Can I choose the exact car? Yes. You tell us the model, year, mileage, colour and budget, and you approve the specific car, after seeing its photos and auction sheet, before we buy it.
Which cars are most popular to import? Among our customers: the Toyota Harrier, RAV4, Alphard, IST, Vanguard and Land Cruiser, the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5.
Can you deliver outside Dar es Salaam? Yes. Once the car is cleared and registered, we can help arrange transport to your region.
Kwa ufupi (Swahili summary)
Kuagiza gari kutoka Japan ni njia nzuri ya kupata gari bora kwa bei nafuu. Hatua ni rahisi: chagua gari na bajeti, tunakutafutia kwenye minada ya Japan na kukuonyesha ripoti ya mnada, unalipa malipo ya awali, gari linasafirishwa mpaka bandari ya Dar es Salaam, kisha unamalizia salio. Baada ya hapo gari linalipiwa kodi za TRA, linasajiliwa na unakabidhiwa funguo. Tunakupa makadirio kamili ya gharama zote kabla hujaanza.
Ready to import your car?
Tell us the car you want and your budget, and we'll send you options from Japan with photos, auction sheets and a full cost estimate, free and with no obligation.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +255 677 321 000
📍 Visit us: Savei Complex, Office 17 & 19, University Road (near Mlimani City), Dar es Salaam
Related: browse Toyota Harrier, Toyota RAV4 and all cars for sale.