Import construction materials from India to Zanzibar
How to import construction materials from India to Zanzibar: the ZBS pre-export certificate, the port, the documents and what to check before you pay.
- Port
- Zanzibar port
- Standards body
- Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS)
- Pre-export check
- ZBS PVoC certificate of conformity
Zanzibar has its own pre-export scheme
Zanzibar runs a separate Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme through the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS). It started on 1 November 2016. Goods are checked in the country of export by an appointed company, which issues a certificate of conformity that customs uses at clearance. Do not assume a Tanzania mainland certificate covers a Zanzibar shipment. We confirm which certificate applies to your consignment before we quote.
The programme applies above a minimum shipment value, which published guidance puts at USD 1,000, and the penalty for arriving without a certificate is a percentage of the CIF value. Sources differ on the exact figure, so check the current rate with ZBS or your agent.
Port and clearance
Cargo is received at Zanzibar port. Some importers ship through Dar es Salaam and move goods by ferry, which changes the paperwork and the cost. Tell us which route your clearing agent prefers.
Duties and taxes
Duty and tax treatment on goods entering Zanzibar depends on the tariff code and on where the goods are cleared. Ask your clearing agent for the current rate on your code. We quote product and freight, not import duty.
What we need from you
The product and size, the quantity, your delivery port, your target date and the name of your clearing agent.
From enquiry to container in three steps.
Send your enquiry
Product, quantity and destination port.
Get specs, price and the paperwork plan
Datasheet, FOB or CIF price and the certificate your country needs.
We load and ship
Inspection, container loading and export documents.
Zanzibar: frequently asked questions
Do I need a certificate to import construction materials into Zanzibar?
Most general goods shipped to Zanzibar fall under the ZBS PVoC certificate of conformity rules. Whether a product needs one depends on its tariff code and the current rules, so we check this for your order before we quote.
Which port do you ship to?
We ship to Zanzibar port. Tell us if your clearing agent prefers a different port.
How long does shipping from India take?
Transit time depends on the load port and the shipping line. We give the expected time with each quote.
Can I mix products in one container?
Yes. Tiles, sanitaryware and faucets, or plywood, TMT bars and binding wire, can go in one shipment. Send the quantities and we plan the load.
Who pays import duty?
The importer pays duty and taxes in Zanzibar, through a clearing agent. Ask your agent for the current rate on your tariff code.
Quote for Zanzibar.
Tell us the product, quantity and your port. A named export manager replies with price, lead time and the import documents you need.
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