Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | UTEGI TECHNICAL ENTERPRISES (INTL) LTD

01 What documents are required to clear commercial imports in Tanzania?

Commercial clearance through the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) requires:

Original Bill of Lading (BL) or Sea Waybill / Airway Bill (AWB)
Commercial Invoice (itemizing description, values, and Incoterms)
Packing List detailing weights, dimensions, and container numbers
TBS Certificate of Conformity (CoC / PVoC) for regulated goods
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate and Tax Clearance
Import Declaration Form (IDF) generated via the TANCIS portal

Our operations desk handles electronic pre-arrival lodgment on your behalf before vessel arrival.

02 How long does port clearance take at Dar es Salaam Port?

Under our Pre-Arrival Clearance (PAC) procedure, where shipping documents are submitted to us 7 to 10 days before vessel berthing, customs documentation is fully processed prior to discharge. Once the ship berths, physical cargo release is achieved within 24 to 48 hours, avoiding demurrage and port storage fees entirely.

03 How does UTEGI handle transit cargo to landlocked countries (DRC, Zambia, Rwanda)?

Goods destined for regional countries are cleared under TRA Transit Customs Regimes (C36/T1). UTEGI provides the mandatory transit customs execution bond, applies the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) seal, and transfers the cargo onto our GPS-monitored fleet. Our dedicated border offices in Tunduma, Kasumbalesa, and Rusumo oversee customs handovers without delays.

04 What is the TRA TANCIS system and why is direct EDI access important?

TANCIS (Tanzania Customs Integrated System) is the electronic platform governing all port manifests, customs declarations, and tax payments. As an accredited Tier-1 customs agent, UTEGI has direct server integration. This enables real-time assessment generation, automatic tax calculation, and immediate electronic release orders (Customs Release Order - CRO).

05 How do I track my shipment online and receive automated status updates?

You can query your shipment 24/7 on our homepage using your Bill of Lading (BL), Container Number, or Job Reference. Furthermore, our system dispatches automated WhatsApp notifications (with attached digital PDF manifests), SMS alerts, and detailed emails whenever your cargo reaches key milestones (vessel arrival, customs clearance, gate-out, or transit border crossing).

06 How are freight and clearance fees calculated? Are there hidden charges?

UTEGI strictly adheres to transparent, itemized billing. Your official commercial quotation breaks down statutory port wharfage, shipping line local charges, customs duties, agency agency fees, and transportation. There are zero hidden fees, and all receipts and assessments are provided with verifiable TRA tax receipts.