TBS orders preshipment inspection of vehicle spare parts

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has instructed importers and clearing agents of used motor vehicle spare parts, bicycles, mobile machinery and trailers from Japan to ensure these items are inspected before shipment, to enhance safety, protect consumers and enforce compliance while avoiding delays or penalties at the port.

According to the statement issued by TBS’ Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Ms Gladness Kaseka in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, the inspection must be conducted in accordance with the Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) procedure.

“A TBS-authorised agent, EAA Company Limited, carries out inspection of these products in Japan. The contact details of the authorised agent are available on the TBS website,” she explained.

She said the requirement aims to enhance the quality and safety control of products entering the country, as well as facilitate the smooth and efficient clearance of cargo at customs entry points.

According to Ms Kaseka, all importers of the above-mentioned products from Japan are therefore required to contact the authorised agent for inspection and to obtain either a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) before shipment to Tanzania.

ALSO READ: EACOP project set for July completion

She said failure to comply with the said requirement shall result in an inspection being conducted upon arrival of the goods in Tanzania and the importer shall be liable to a penalty equivalent to 15 per cent of the value of the goods or vehicle, as assessed by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

For smooth implementation of the requirement, the bureau has granted a sixty (60) day transitional period from the date of the notice to allow importers adequate time to prepare for full compliance.

She said goods whose shipping processes have already commenced within the transitional period, or which are already in transit to Tanzania, shall be inspected upon arrival without penalty, provided that the importer submits the relevant supporting documentation.

This provision aims to balance regulatory enforcement with practical business continuity, ensuring that trade flows are not disrupted while new standards are implemented.

She said by allowing in-transit goods to undergo post-arrival inspection without penalties, authorities signal flexibility and predictability to importers, which can reduce compliance-related bottlenecks and financial risks. This approach also encourages timely documentation submission, reinforcing adherence to Tanzania’s evolving import inspection framework.

She said they help prevent sudden disruptions to supply chains, support economic activity and provide importers with a clear pathway to full compliance under the new standards.