Automotive Parts Export to Tanzania from Thailand

Tanzania's vehicle market

Tanzania drives on the left, and its parc consists largely of right-hand-drive vehicles, with Japanese used imports forming a significant share. Dar es Salaam is the country's commercial center and the main hub for parts wholesale, supplying workshops and retailers in Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Dodoma and beyond.

Parts demand comes from several directions:

• Daladalas: minibuses and midi-buses used for urban and peri-urban public transport, frequently based on Toyota HiAce and Coaster-type vehicles, as well as larger buses on truck chassis.
• Transit trucking: Dar es Salaam is a major gateway for Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern DR Congo and Uganda. Long-distance trucks on the Central and TAZARA corridors create steady demand for heavy-duty filters, brakes, clutches, bearings and suspension parts.
• Pickups and 4x4s: Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara pickups are used in agriculture, mining, construction and tourism, including safari operations in the north.
• Motorcycles: motorcycle taxis (bodaboda) and three-wheelers are widespread and create a separate high-volume market for motorcycle parts.

Right-hand drive and Thai sourcing

The right-hand-drive parc matches Thailand's domestic vehicles, which helps when ordering side-specific components such as steering racks, lamps, mirrors, wiper assemblies, dashboard parts and body panels. Filters, brake components, bearings, belts and engine parts are drive-side independent. Japanese-market used imports can differ from Thai-built versions of the same model, so OEM numbers or chassis codes should accompany each line.

Categories for Tanzanian conditions

• Suspension and steering: many regional and rural roads are unpaved, and seasonal rains make them rougher, accelerating wear of shock absorbers, bushings and ball joints.
• Filters: air filters for dusty roads in the dry season and fuel filters and water separators for diesel engines.
• Brakes, clutches and bearings for loaded trucks and minibuses.
• Truck components for Isuzu, Hino and Fuso trucks; see Hino 500 truck parts.
• Batteries and truck and bus tires.

Ports

• Dar es Salaam: the main container port, handling both domestic cargo and transit traffic for neighboring countries.
• Tanga: in the north-east, convenient for Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions.
• Mtwara: in the south.

If goods are intended for re-export to a neighboring country, the transit route and documentation should be agreed with your clearing agent before shipment.

TBS PVoC and documentation

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) operates a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program for many imported products, which can include vehicle parts, batteries and tires. Buyers should confirm current requirements with their clearing agent, and let us know at the RFQ stage so verification can be organized before loading. Zanzibar has its own standards authority, so buyers there should check local requirements separately.

We provide the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin.

Language, currency and ordering

Swahili is the national language and English is widely used in business and official documents. The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), and many import transactions are quoted in USD. RFQs can be submitted in English.

Consolidated loads combining daladala, truck and pickup service parts with batteries and tires are handled through our mixed-container service. We quote FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW or FCA.

To request a quotation, upload your list at RFQ upload or use the RFQ form, noting the port of discharge and whether any goods are for transit.