Shippers in Tanzania have received relief after the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) announced a waiver of customs warehouse rent charges incurred during the transition to the new Tanzania Customs Information System (TANCIS).
In a public notice, TRA also urged Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and terminal operators affected by the recent TANCIS disruptions to consider granting similar waivers to mitigate potential losses.
This development follows recent remarks by Mr. Edward Urio, Vice President of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) and President of the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), during this year’s International Customs Day celebrations in Tanzania. Mr. Urio had called on the government agencies to address technical issues raised by freight forwarders and other stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of TANCIS.
During the celebrations, the Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, assured stakeholders that the government would collaborate with them to enhance transparency and efficiency in cargo clearance at ports and border points.
According to Mr. Juma, a total of 36 government institutions are now integrated into the TANCIS system, fostering improved coordination among regulatory agencies.
Once fully implemented, TANCIS is expected to significantly reduce cargo dwell time and associated costs at ports, reducing the cost of doing business and contributing to economic growth.
The Commissioner of Customs at TRA, Mr. Juma Bakari, emphasized that TANCIS is more stable than previous systems and expressed optimism that it will boost the country’s import and export volumes.
The transition to TANCIS is one of Tanzania’s latest developments expected to significantly improve the competitiveness of the Central Corridor, further positioning the country as a key trade hub in the region.
The article was published by Andrew Onionga, Communications Officer, FEAFFA and can be reached at oniongaam@gmail.com Tel: +254733780240
