How to import building materials from India to East Africa

This guide is for importers and contractors in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya and Madagascar who want to buy tiles, sanitaryware, faucets, plywood, TMT bars or binding wire from India. It follows the order in which things happen, so you know what to ask for at each step.

1. Write down the specification first

A price without a specification cannot be compared. For each product, note the type, size, grade or thickness, and the standard your project requires. Your engineer or architect usually sets this. If you only have a drawing, send it and we ask the factory what fits. The product pages list the common grades: tiles, TMT bars, shuttering plywood.

2. Ask for a quote on the right terms

State your delivery port and whether you want a price to the Indian port (FOB) or to your port (CIF). Ask for the lead time and the minimum order. See our guide to FOB, CFR and CIF before you decide.

3. Approve a sample or a test report

Ask for a sample, a photo of the actual production, or a test report. For steel, ask for a recent mill test certificate. For tiles, ask for the water absorption and breaking strength report.

4. Find out which certificate your market needs

Several East African markets require goods to be inspected in the country of export and covered by a certificate before shipment. Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar each run their own scheme, and Madagascar requires a cargo tracking note. Get the current rule for your product before you pay, because arriving without the right document can mean inspection at the port and extra charges. The country pages explain each one: Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Madagascar.

5. Agree payment terms and place the order

Confirm the price, quantity, delivery terms, payment terms and ready-for-loading date in writing, on a proforma invoice.

6. Inspection and loading

Before loading, the goods are inspected: by the certificate inspector where one is required, and by a third-party inspector if you ask. Ask for photos of the container being loaded and for the container and seal numbers.

7. Shipping documents

The set normally includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin where requested, plus the certificate or cargo note your market needs. Check every name, quantity and number against your order before the originals are released.

8. Clearance and delivery

Your clearing agent files the import declaration and pays duty and taxes. Ask the agent for the duty on your tariff code before you fix your resale price, because rates change and differ by product.

Send us your product list and destination and we reply with specifications, terms and the paperwork for your market.