Port, customs system upgrade speed up cargo clearance

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Ports Authority (TPA) has integrated its upgraded information systems with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and key regulatory agencies through a Single Window platform, cutting cargo clearance times and improving cargo flow.

Speaking on behalf of TPA Director General Plasduce Mbossa, TPA Director of ICT Services Abdulatif Minhajj said in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that the country’s port authority and TRA have successfully integrated their systems, following a directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to improve efficiency and boost trade.

“This system allows customers to access all services in one place, saving time and reducing delays,” said Mr Minhajj, adding that the e-Government Authority (eGA) played a key role by providing technical support.

According to the TPA’s ICT Services Director, by 2023, TPA’s Terminal Operating System (TOS) and TRA’s Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) were upgraded to work together.

In early 2025, TRA rolled out a new version of TANCIS, which included improvements to the Single Window system known as TANESW.

‘The full connection between the systems is now complete,” he said. The new system allows clearance requests to be filed online, invoices to be issued instantly and shipments to be tracked without phone calls or paperwork.

“The systems now communicate with each other and with us as staff, making clearance faster and more efficient. Delays have dropped and customer satisfaction has improved,” he said.

Regulators like the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) say the system also strengthens oversight.

“We now have better control over hazardous chemicals, thanks to improved data routing,” said inspector Nesta Jelongwa.

Freight agents say the new system has transformed daily operations.

“We upload documents once and the system shares them with all the right agencies,” said Fadhili Mnyawani, CEO of Winomi Tanzania Ltd.

He said tracking is now possible before cargo arrives and tax exemptions are processed much faster. K&K Company Ltd CEO Aliradha Kaku praised the system’s simplicity.

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“Every institution is now connected – TRA, TBS, TMDA, GCLA – in one platform. It saves time and reduces errors,” he said.

He also urged authorities to phase out remaining paperbased steps. Shipping companies are seeing similar gains.

“We used to work in separate systems, which wasted time. Now, documents move faster between TPA and TRA,” said Anna Richard of Star Shipping.

Neema Mollel Lukushi from Sturrock Shipping said the digital shift has improved both safety and accountability.

The Tanzania Shipping Agents Association (TASAA) also supports the changes.

“Instead of switching between systems, agents now use one interface. It saves time and improves service,” said Chair Daniel Malongo.

The digital upgrades come alongside physical improvements at the port. Under the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, the harbour has been deepened to 14.5 metres, allowing larger ships to dock.

“Container ships that used to take 10 days are now cleared in just 3,” said Acting Port Director Abed Galus. Cargo volumes reflect this progress.

Dar es Salaam Port handled 27.7 million tonnes in 2024/25, up from 23.69 million the year before. Galus called it a 15 per cent growth – the highest in the port’s history.

Upcountry, the Kwala Dry Port in Kibaha is also benefitting. With capacity to handle over 800 containers a day, the connected systems are helping to reduce traffic in Dar and speed up delivery inland.

Looking ahead, Minhajj said the goal is to keep processes fully digital, ensure user training and maintain system compatibility.

“The single window is the key to keeping our ports competitive and efficient.”