How to Import Used Trucks from China to Tanzania — 2026 Complete Guide
Why should Tanzanian buyers seriously consider importing second-hand trucks from China this year?
- Infrastructure boom in Tanzania: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), expansion of the new port in Dar es Salaam, expansion of mining (Barrick Gold and other major mines)
- The actual impact of these projects: A sharp increase in earthwork transportation demand → Simultaneous rise in demand for dump trucks and tractors
- The price advantage of used cars from China: Difference in price compared to buying a new car + Transportation cost compared to buying used cars from Japan/Europe
If you’re a Tanzanian buyer reading this in 2026, the numbers have never been more in your favor.
（https://uchumi360.com/inf/l/while-kenya-railway-stopped）
Why are Chinese Used Trucks?
| Comparison dimension | Used cars from China | New cars (Japanese and Korean brands / Chinese brands) | Japanese/European used cars |
| Price | $15,000 – $30,00 | $50,000+ | $20,000 – $40,000 + double the shipping fee |
| Availability of accessories | Store Dar has stock available. | Official channels are slow. | Hard to find, and the air freight is expensive. |
| Maintenance cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Durability (for African road conditions) | Optimized | OK | Generally |
Chinese trucks aren’t perfect — but for the roads between Dar and Mbeya or Mwanza to the mines, they’re the most practical option.
- → HOWO Used Trucks Complete Buyer’s Guide
- → Shacman Used Trucks Guide
- → HOWO vs Shacman: Which is Better?
Before You Start — Tanzania Import Regulations
1. Vehicle Age Limit
- Tanzania allows second-hand trucks for a period of 10 years (as of 2026, vehicles from after 2016 are fine)
- Special treatment: The restrictions for tractor trucks and dump trucks are more lenient than those for passenger vehicles
2. Left-hand drive vs. right-hand drive
- Tanzania is a left-hand drive country (like China) → No need to change the steering wheel
- ✅ This is a significant advantage of Tanzania compared to Kenya (Kenya requires RHD modification, with a cost of $1,500 – $2,500)
3. Emission standards
- The old Euro 2/3 vehicles are basically no longer usable. By 2026, they must meet at least Euro 3 / or part Euro 4 standards.
- The mainstream used cars exported from China (produced from 2018 to 2020) generally meet Euro 4/5 standards → This does not matter.
4. Tariffs and taxes
- Import duty: 25%
- VAT: 18%
- IDF（Import Declaration Fee）: 1.5%
- Railway Development Levy: 1.5%
For example： HOWO 6×4 dump truck, CIF $25,000， Total taxes and fees amount to $11,500. The final price after deduction is $36,500.
It’s much cheaper than buying a new car.
Tanzania Tax Authority：https://www.tra.go.tz/
Import process
Step 1: Select the vehicle + Inspect the vehicle
- Remote vehicle inspection: Requires live vehicle inspection (cold start, idle sound listening, transmission, chassis)
- Determine model: 6×4 dump truck for mining, 6×4 tractor for long-distance transportation, 6×2 cargo truck for logistics.
- Sign contract + pay deposit (usually 30% by T/T)
Step 2: Export customs clearance + Sea transportation (1-2 weeks)
China’s exports don’t leave Tanzanian buyers worrying about anything; the sellers handle everything.
Maritime Shipping Plan:
- RORO (Roll-on Roll-off Ship): Suitable for heavy-duty trucks, freight costs $1,200–$2,500 per vehicle
- Container: Suitable for small trucks/pickups, $1,800–$3,000 per vehicle
- Sailing time: Main ports in China (Tianjin/Shanghai/Guangzhou) → Dar es Salaam, usually 18–25 days
Step 3: Arrive in Dar es Salaam + Customs Clearance (7-14 days)
Find a local licensed customs agent
List of required documents:
Registration + On-the-road (3–5 days)
After customs clearance is completed:
- TRA registration
- Get a license plate
- Purchase compulsory insurance (Third Party)
- If the vehicle is older than 8 years, it needs to pass the inspection line
Done. On the road to work.
Recommended popular car models in Tanzania
1. HOWO 371HP 6×4 Dump Truck
Suitable for: mining areas, construction sites, SGR infrastructure transportation
This is the most popular model for export to Tanzania, without any competition. China Heavy Industry produces it and has 371 horsepower and a 6×4 drive. It is sufficient for driving on the dirt roads in Tanzania.
What is the greatest advantage? Accessories.
Accessories can be found everywhere in Dar es Salaam. If your brake assist pump breaks down on a Friday afternoon, Dar can get it on Monday morning. This availability is more important than any other parameter.
Reference price (CIF Dar): $22,000 – $28,000 (depending on the 2019 – 2021 years and the condition of the vehicle)
2. HOWO 375HP 6×4 Towing Vehicle
Suitable for: Long-distance freight transportation – Dar to Zambia Copper Belt, Dar to DRC
Drive with the trailer box for long distances. Its fuel consumption performance is good in the same category. This is the main model for the Dar-Copperbelt route.
Reference price (CIF Dar): $18,000 – $25,00
3. Shacman F3000 6×4 Dump Truck
Suitable for: Heavy-duty mining transportation, extreme working conditions
The vehicles of Shaanxi Automobile are stronger in some aspects compared to HOWO. The suspension and transmission of the F3000 are more robust. If you are hauling stones in the mine every day, this vehicle can handle it.
However, it should be noted that the coverage rate of accessories in Tanzania is slightly lower than that of HOWO. Dar can obtain them, but they are not as common. If you are using the vehicle in extreme conditions, it is worth considering.
Reference price (CIF Dar): $20,000 – $26,00
→ HOWO vs Shacman https://www.hebeicar.com/howo-vs-shacman-which-truck-is-better-for-nigeria/
4. FAW J6P Towing Truck
Suitable for: Customers who need to transport over long distances and are concerned about fuel consumption.
The FAW J6P consumes less fuel on paved roads compared to the HOWO. The cab is also more comfortable. If most of the roads are Dar-Mbeya highways, this might be a better choice.
Weakness: It’s difficult to find the accessories in Tanzania. Dar has some FAW accessories, but they are not as common as the HOWO ones. Even in small towns, it’s even harder to find them. You should evaluate for yourself whether the saved money on fuel can cover the risk of potential breakdowns at any time.
Reference price (CIF Dar): $17,000 – $23,00
5. Great Wall Pickup (Wingle 7 / Steed)
Suitable for: Construction site labor vehicles, farm transportation, light logistics
The Great Wall pickup truck is basically the Chinese version of the Hilux, and its price is half that of the Hilux. Second-hand Great Wall pickups are available at CIF prices ranging from $6,000 to $10,000. They are suitable for traveling in mining areas, construction sites, and delivering goods for small businesses.
The current situation of Dar es Salaam Port in 2026:
Traffic congestion level: Moderate. Better than Apapa in Lagos and slightly worse than Mombasa on bad days. It will be alleviated after the new berth at Kurasini is put into operation in 2025.
Peak period: The worst traffic occurs from September to November. Try to avoid shipping during this time.
Waiting time at the anchorage: Average 2-5 days. If booking a large vessel operator (such as MSC, Maersk, etc.), there is priority at Dar, and the waiting time will be shorter.
Port charges: Terminal handling + Document fee + Inspection fee, totaling approximately $300 – $600 per unit. The customs clearance agent should provide you with the details.
Inland transportation:
If your destination is not in the Dar city area, arrange for inland transportation in advance.
| Route | Estimated time |
| Dar → Lusaka (Zambia) via Tunduma border | 5 – 7 days |
| Dar → Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) | 7 – 10 days |
| Dar → Kigali (Rwanda) | 3 – 4 days |
| Dar → Kampala (Uganda) | 5 – 7 days |
Why are these routes important? Many “Tanzanian customers” actually intend to reship to neighboring countries. If you are one of them, make sure your customs clearance agent is familiar with the transit procedures.
Common pitfalls：
1. Don’t choose the cheapest offer.
I’ve been in this business for 10 years, and I’ve never seen a price that’s “incredibly good” actually exist. The cheapest car usually has a hidden story – a refurbished accident vehicle, one with a failing engine, or one with a tampered odometer. The $3,000 saved usually turns into $6,000 in repair costs.
2. Complete the issuance of the origin certificate before shipment.
Many buyers are unaware of this, or simply don’t bother to do it. However, under certain trade arrangements, the origin certificate can reduce customs duties. Obtaining this document costs almost nothing. All you need to do is have the supplier prepare it before shipment.
3. Don’t make the full payment in advance.
A 30% deposit and 70% payment upon receipt of the bill of lading – this is the industry standard and is fair to both parties. Be cautious if a supplier demands a 100% advance payment before shipment.
4. Mileage is not important; what matters is the purpose.
A 2019 model truck has traveled 200,000 kilometers at high speed, while a 2021 model truck has only traveled 100,000 kilometers hauling coal – the former is in much better condition. Don’t just look at the mileage; ask what this vehicle was used for before.
5. Plan.
Cross-border trade is always slower than expected. If you need the vehicle by June 1st, plan based on the arrival in May. The ship won’t arrive earlier, and the Tanzanian customs won’t speed up the process just because you are in a hurry.
→ https://www.hebeicar.com/5-mistakes-african-buyers-make-importing-used-trucks-from-china/
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a second-hand truck from China to Tanzania?
RORO roll-on/roll-off ships cost $1,200 – $2,500 per unit, and containers cost $1,800 – $3,000 per unit. The voyage duration is 18 – 25 days, with destinations including Dar es Salaam from Tianjin Port or Shanghai.
What documents are required to import second-hand trucks to Tanzania?
Bill of Lading, commercial invoice (including engine number and chassis number), packing list, certificate of origin (recommended), and, for some vehicle models, TBS certification is also required.
Can left-hand drive vehicles be driven in Tanzania?
Yes. In Tanzania, vehicles drive on the left but use left-hand drive (with the steering wheel on the left). Chinese trucks are already left-hand drive and do not require any modification.
What is the import tariff for second-hand trucks from Tanzania?
Tariffs: 25% + VAT: 18% + IDF: 1.5% + Railway Levy: 1.5%, all calculated based on CIF value. The total taxes amount to approximately 45% of the CIF price.
How long does the customs clearance usually take at Dar es Salaam Port?
Normal: 7 – 14 days. If there are issues with the file, it will take longer.
Which brand of Chinese second-hand cars is the best to buy in Tanzania?
HOWO offers the most comprehensive and safest range of accessories. Shacman is more durable in extreme mining areas. FAW has lower fuel consumption at high speeds, but its accessories are harder to find.
Finally, I would like to say:
I’ve been in this business for 10 years. I know which types of vehicles perform well in Tanzania and which ones don’t.
If you seriously plan to import a second-hand truck from China to Tanzania, just send me a WhatsApp message. Let me know:
- What goods do you want to transport?
- Which road are you traveling on?
- What is your budget?
I’ll tell you how to choose. I’ll provide you with a genuine CIF Dar es Salaam price. No gimmicks, no hidden charges.
📱 WhatsApp: +8615717687720
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.hebeicar.com
📱 Truck inventory videos: @usedtrucksexport on TikTok
