TRA overhauls tax stamp system to curb counterfeits

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has launched a new procurement process for the Electronic Tax Stamps (ETS) system as it seeks tougher controls against counterfeit tax stamps, tax evasion and smuggled excise-duty products before the current operator’s contract expires.

The move comes ahead of the expiry of the existing ETS contract with Sicpa Tanzania Limited in January 2027, with TRA seeking a provider capable of strengthening the monitoring and tracking of products subject to excise duty.

TRA Commissioner General, Yusuph Mwenda, said the authority expects the new service provider to strengthen controls against counterfeit stamps, improve compliance and help close loopholes that allow untaxed products to enter the market.

Speaking during a ceremony to hand over Bajaj motorcycles to TRA employees with special needs in Dar es Salaam, Mr Mwenda urged qualified companies to submit their bids before the September 15 deadline.

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“Companies with the required qualifications should come forward and bid for this tender so that they can help us control counterfeit stamps, which have been used by some manufacturers and importers of products subject to excise duty,” Mr Mwenda said.

He said a stronger ETS system would also help curb the circulation of smuggled goods and products manufactured or imported outside established tax procedures, ultimately boosting government revenue.

The Electronic Tax Stamps system is used to identify and track excise-duty products manufactured locally or imported into the country, enabling TRA to strengthen oversight and enforce compliance across the supply chain.

TRA said the ongoing procurement process is intended to ensure continuity of the electronic tax stamp system while enhancing its effectiveness after the current contract expires in January next year.