Requires the following considerations:
Certification requirements
Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) certification is mandatory. Gypsum board is classified as a building material and must comply with TZS, EAS, or ISO international standards. Companies must complete TBS certification before shipment; failure to do so will prevent customs clearance and may even result in product returns or destruction. The certification process includes online registration, sample testing, and factory audits. After certification, the product packaging must be prominently labeled with the TBS logo, certification number, and production date.
Document preparation: Basic documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. The commercial invoice must be the original and obvious alterations are not acceptable. The recipient must also provide their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Ensure that all documents are consistent with the actual goods to avoid penalties or delays due to inconsistencies. Additionally, a product test report issued within the past 12 months by a CNAS-accredited laboratory is required. Duties and Taxes: Tanzania generally imposes VAT and customs duties on imported goods. As a manufactured product, gypsum board is generally subject to a 10% customs duty and 18% VAT. Accurately declare the value of goods during customs clearance to avoid valuation disputes.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Tanzania completely bans the use of plastic bags, so gypsum board packaging cannot be done in plastic bags. While there are no specific language requirements for gypsum board labeling, it is recommended that labels be in both English and Swahili for smooth customs clearance and sales.
Customs Clearance Process
Importers must appoint a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to handle customs clearance. Documents and declarations must be submitted through the Tanzania Integrated Customs System (Tancis). A declaration and self-assessment, along with relevant documentation, must be completed at least seven days prior to the arrival of the goods.
