Tanzania Agricultural Exports Guide

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Tanzania, contributing approximately 30% to the nation’s GDP and 30% of its export earnings¹. In 2022, Tanzania held the position of the 75th largest economy globally based on GDP and ranked 104th in total exports². Agricultural commodities such as tobacco, coffee, cotton, cashews, tea, and cloves constitute Tanzania’s primary exports². Other significant exports include gold and manufactured goods². Tanzania’s main export partners include India, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Germany². This guide offers comprehensive information on exporting agricultural products from Tanzania, encompassing crops, livestock, and fish.

Top Agricultural Exports from Tanzania

Tanzania boasts a diverse range of agricultural exports, with some of the key products highlighted below:

Cashews

Tanzania stands as one of Africa’s largest cashew producers, with cashew exports contributing 10–15% to the country’s foreign exchange earnings³. It holds the position of the eighth-largest cashew nut grower globally and ranks fourth in Africa³.

Tobacco

Tobacco is a major cash crop in Tanzania and a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural exports².

Coffee

Coffee, another important cash crop, plays a vital role in Tanzania’s export sector².

Cotton

Cotton production holds a significant place in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape, and it is among the country’s top agricultural exports².

Sisal

Historically, Tanzania was renowned as the world’s leading producer of sisal, a natural fiber with various applications³.

Tea

Tea is another key agricultural export commodity for Tanzania².

Cloves

Tanzania, particularly the island of Zanzibar, is known for its clove production, which contributes significantly to its export earnings².

Wheat

Wheat consumption is on the rise in Tanzania, driven by urbanization and the growing popularity of wheat-based products like pasta, biscuits, and bread⁴. This presents opportunities for both domestic production and potential exports.

Fruit and Vegetable Processing

Tanzania has a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, but only a small percentage is currently processed⁴. This presents a significant opportunity for investment in processing facilities to produce value-added products for export.

Export Regulations and Procedures

This section provides a detailed overview of the export regulations and procedures for agricultural products in Tanzania.

General Export Procedures

In general, exporting from Tanzania involves the following procedures: ⁵

1. Appoint a Clearing and Forwarding Agent (CFA): Exporters must appoint a licensed CFA to handle export documentation and customs clearance.
2. Online Documentation: The export documentation process is conducted online through the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS).
3. Document Submission: The CFA uploads the required documents to TANCIS, including permits from relevant government agencies.
4. Assessment of Taxes and Duties: TANCIS assesses any applicable export taxes and duties.
5. Booking of Containers: The CFA books containers from the shipping line or agent.
6. Cargo Loading: Customs officers supervise the loading of goods into containers or trucks.
7. Submission of Export Manifest: The shipping line or agent submits the export manifest to TRA.
8. Customs Audit: TRA audits and approves the export manifest.

Required Export Documents

The following documents are generally required for exporting agricultural products: ⁶

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate (for the exporter)
• Agent Authorization Letter
• Export Certificates from relevant authorities (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture for crops, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for livestock and fish products)
• Certificate of Origin (depending on the destination, e.g., EAC, SADC, EU, AGOA)
• Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants and plant products)
• Export License (for specific products)

Export Levy

Most agricultural exports are free of duty and taxes, with the exception of the following: ⁵

Product	Levy
Raw hides and skins	80% of FOB value or USD 0.52 per kilogram, whichever is higher
Raw cashew nuts	15% of FOB value or USD 160 per metric ton, whichever is higher
Wet blue leather	10% of FOB value

Product-Specific Regulations

Tobacco ⁸

• Exporters are allowed to export only dry leaf tobacco. Exporting green leaf tobacco is prohibited unless permitted by the Minister of Agriculture.
• Required permits include a phytosanitary certificate, plant export permit, tobacco quality certificate, and tobacco export permit.

Cotton ¹⁰

• A cotton lint export license and a cotton quality certificate are required.
• A levy must be paid, and a certificate of levy payment is obtained.
• Importing, breeding, or multiplying cotton seed requires a permit from the Director.

Cashews ¹²

• Exporters must obtain a raw cashew nut buying license through the Agricultural Trade Management Information System (ATMIS).
• Cashew nut auctions are conducted, and exporters must participate in bidding.
• An export permit for raw cashew nuts is required.

Tea ¹⁴

• A tea export permit is required.
• The Tea Board may prohibit the export of manufactured tea without a permit.
• Restrictions apply to the export of tea seed and other planting materials.

Cloves ¹⁶

• A clove export permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Livestock and Fisheries in Zanzibar is required.
• The Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) is responsible for clove development and export procedures in Zanzibar.

Potential Export Markets

Tanzania’s agricultural products have the potential to reach a wide range of export markets, including:

• European Union (EU): The EU represents a significant market for Tanzanian agricultural products, with Germany, Switzerland, and Romania identified as having the greatest potential¹⁸. There is untapped potential for exports of coffee, fish, cocoa beans, chickpeas, legumes, avocados, sesame seeds, black tea, cut flowers, and semi-precious stones¹⁸. The EU presents a significant opportunity for Tanzanian agricultural exporters, with substantial untapped potential for increasing exports of various products, including coffee, fish, and horticultural products.
• Netherlands: The Netherlands serves as a hub for European distribution, particularly for avocados¹⁹.
• United Kingdom (UK) and France: These are key markets for Tanzanian produce, including avocados¹⁹.
• Asia: Tanzanian avocados are starting to reach Asian markets, with India being a recent example¹⁹.
• Middle East: The Middle East is a traditional export market for Tanzanian horticultural products¹⁹.
• African Countries: Tanzania exports agricultural produce to various African countries⁴. Neighboring markets for corn include Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo⁴.
• Nordic and Baltic Countries: These countries offer potential for non-perishable products like exotic fruit juices, sun-dried fruits, mangoes in syrup, processed food products, and floriculture products²⁰.

Beyond Current Exports:

According to the relatedness index, Tanzania has promising export opportunities in products such as other minerals, crude petroleum, crustaceans, palm oil, and raw sugar²¹.

Competitive Advantages:

Tanzania possesses significant comparative advantages in horticulture, particularly for tree crops like avocados¹⁹. The country’s favorable climate, fertile soils, and ample land availability provide ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality produce for export.

Export Quality Standards

Tanzania maintains quality standards for agricultural exports to ensure compliance with international requirements and buyer expectations. The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) plays a crucial role in setting and enforcing these standards.

Conformity Assessment Program

TBS implements a conformity assessment program for imported goods, including agricultural products²². This program requires a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for regulated products²².

Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC)

TBS has appointed inspection companies like SGS and Bureau Veritas to conduct PVoC to ensure imported products meet Tanzanian technical regulations and standards²².

General Quality Standards

Several quality standards and certifications are relevant to Tanzanian agricultural exports: ²³

• Organic Agriculture: Standards for organic farming practices.
• Fairtrade: Standards for fair labor practices and sustainable production.
• SA8000: Social accountability standard for decent working conditions.
• EUREPGAP: Good agricultural practices (GAP) standard for safe and sustainable agriculture.
• ISO 14001: Environmental management system standard.
• UTZ Kapeh Certification: Sustainability standard for coffee production.
• ISO 22000: Food safety management system standard.
• BRC Global Standard: Global standard for food safety.

GLOBALG.A.P. Standard

GLOBALG.A.P. is a widely recognized standard for good agricultural practices²⁴. In Tanzania, the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) has been actively involved in promoting and implementing GLOBALG.A.P. standards²⁴.

Required Certifications

Various certifications may be required for exporting agricultural products from Tanzania, depending on the specific product and the destination country. Some common certifications include:

• Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Ministry of Agriculture to certify that plants and plant products are free from pests and diseases⁶.
• Certificate of Origin: Certifies the origin of the goods⁶.
• Health Certificate: May be required for certain food products to ensure they meet health and safety standards²².
• Radiation-Free Certificate: May be required for certain products to ensure they are free from harmful radiation²².
• Zoo Sanitary Certificate: May be required for non-processed foods of animal origin²².
• Specific Product Certifications: Certificates from relevant bodies may be required for specific food products (e.g., Sugar Board, Dairy Board)²².

Tanzania National Business Portal:

The Tanzania National Business Portal serves as a centralized platform for exporters to electronically submit applications and receive approvals for various certifications required for international trade²⁵.

Logistics and Transportation

Tanzania offers various logistics and transportation options for exporting agricultural products:

• Road Transport: Tanzania has a road network that extends throughout the country, although only a fraction of the roadways are paved²⁶. This can present logistical challenges for exporters, particularly when transporting goods over long distances or to remote areas. The Tanzam Highway connects Dar es Salaam with Zambia, facilitating trade with southern Africa²⁶.
• Seaports: Tanzania has major seaports, including Dar es Salaam, which serves as a gateway for international trade²⁶.
• Air Transport: Tanzania has international airports that can handle airfreight, providing faster transportation for perishable goods²⁶.
• Railways: The Tanzania Railways Corporation operates a railway network that connects various parts of the country²⁶.

Export Financing Options

Several export financing options are available to Tanzanian agricultural exporters:

• Commercial Banks: Commercial banks in Tanzania offer various trade finance products, including letters of credit, export credit insurance, and pre- and post-shipment financing²⁷.
• Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB): TADB is a government-owned development bank that provides financing to the agricultural sector, including export-oriented businesses²⁸.
• Global Warehouse Finance Program (GWFP): The GWFP, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), enables banks to provide commodity-backed warehouse financing to agricultural businesses³⁰.
• Development Finance Institutions (DFIs): International DFIs like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) provide financing and support to the agricultural sector in Tanzania¹.

Challenges for Smallholder Farmers:

Smallholder farmers, who play a significant role in agricultural production, often face difficulties in accessing finance due to factors such as high transaction costs associated with serving rural areas and the lack of traditional collateral¹.

Government Agencies and Export Support Organizations

Several government agencies and export support organizations provide assistance to agricultural exporters in Tanzania:

• Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA): TRA is responsible for customs administration and tax collection⁵.
• Contact Information: ³¹

• Toll-free numbers: 0800 750 075, 0800 780 078, 0800 110 016
• Alternative number: +255 22-2119343
• WhatsApp number: 0744-233333
• Email: services@tra.go.tz
• Ministry of Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture provides support and guidance to the agricultural sector, including export promotion⁶.
• Contact Information: ³³

• Address: Administration Department, Kilimo IV, P.O. Box 2182, 40487 DODOMA
• Phone: (+255) 026 2321407, (+255) 026 2320035
• Fax: (+255) 26 2320037
• Website: https://www.kilimo.go.tz/index.php/en
• Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS): TBS sets and enforces quality standards for products, including agricultural exports²².
• Contact Information: ³⁴

• Address: Ubungo Area, Morogoro/Sam Nujoma Road, P.O. Box 9524, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Telephone: +255 22 245 0298, +255 22 245 0206
• Email: info@tbs.go.tz

• Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade): TanTrade promotes trade and investment, including agricultural exports.
• Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA): TAHA supports horticultural producers and exporters²⁴.
• Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP): ASDP supports agricultural development and market access³⁵.

Conclusion

The agricultural sector in Tanzania is poised for growth and presents numerous export opportunities. By understanding the regulatory framework, quality standards, market demands, and available support, exporters can effectively navigate the export process and contribute to the expansion of Tanzania’s economy. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of exporting agricultural products from Tanzania, equipping exporters with the necessary information to thrive in the global market.

To maximize export earnings and enhance competitiveness, Tanzania should prioritize value addition in its agricultural sector. This includes investing in processing facilities to transform raw materials like cashews, fruits, and vegetables into higher-value products³.

Furthermore, embracing sustainable agricultural practices and obtaining relevant certifications are essential for meeting the demands of international markets and ensuring long-term success in the export sector.

While Tanzania’s agricultural sector holds immense potential, exporters may face challenges such as infrastructure limitations, access to finance, and competition in the global market. However, by leveraging the available resources, collaborating with government agencies and export support organizations, and staying informed about market trends, Tanzanian agricultural exporters can overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable growth in the international arena.

Works cited

1. Improving Access to Agriculture Financing in Tanzania | AFD, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.afd.fr/en/carte-des-projets/improving-access-agriculture-financing-tanzania

2. Tanzania Exports – Trading Economics, accessed January 19, 2025, https://tradingeconomics.com/tanzania/exports

3. Agriculture in Tanzania – Wikipedia, accessed January 19, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Tanzania

4. Tanzania – Agriculture and Agricultural Processing – International Trade Administration, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/tanzania-agriculture-and-agricultural-processing

5. Export procedures – Tanzania Revenue Authority, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/export-procedures

6. TANZANIA’S IMPORT AND EXPORT PROCEDURES Import Procedures Introduction Import means goods and services brought to Tanzania fro, accessed January 19, 2025, https://iscosafricashipping.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMPORTS-AND-EXPORTS-TANZANIA.pdf

7. AGOA 101 Handbook Tanzania (draft), accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.us.tzembassy.go.tz/uploads/AGOA_101_Handbook_Tanzania.pdf

8. Export of tobacco through the port of Dar es Salaam – Tanzania Trade Portal, accessed January 19, 2025, https://trade.tanzania.go.tz/procedure/852?l=en

9. Export of Tobacco and Tobacco Products | CTI – Confederation of Tanzania Industries, accessed January 19, 2025, https://cti.co.tz/slides/export-of-tobacco-and-tobacco-products-137

10. Export of cotton through the port of Dar es Salaam – Tanzania Trade Portal, accessed January 19, 2025, https://trade.tanzania.go.tz/procedure/824?l=en

11. THE COTTON REGULATIONS, 2000 – FAOLEX Database | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed January 19, 2025, https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/tan27845.pdf

12. Export of cashewnuts through the port of Mtwara – Tanzania Trade Portal, accessed January 19, 2025, https://trade.tanzania.go.tz/procedure/160?l=en

13. Buying And Exporting Cashewnut From Tanzania – Breakthrough Attorneys, accessed January 19, 2025, https://breakthroughattorneys.co.tz/buying-and-exporting-cashew-nut-from-tanzania/

14. Export of tea through the port of Dar es Salaam – Tanzania Trade Portal, accessed January 19, 2025, https://trade.tanzania.go.tz/procedure/180?l=en

15. TEA ACT – Laws of Tanzania, accessed January 19, 2025, https://tanzanialaws.com/t/389-tea-act

16. Export of Cloves | CTI, accessed January 19, 2025, https://cti.co.tz/slides/export-of-cloves-143

17. Buying cloves at Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) – Tanzania Trade Portal, accessed January 19, 2025, https://trade.tanzania.go.tz/procedure/725?l=en

18. www.tantrade.go.tz, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.tantrade.go.tz/public/uploads/market_content/1693284066.pdf

19. growing pains – the tanzanian agriculture sector enabling environment for key value chains in 2022 – AECF, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.aecfafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AECF_TZAW_Growing_Pains_V1.pdf

20. Tanzania Exports | Embassy of Tanzania in Stockholm, Sweden, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.se.tzembassy.go.tz/index.php/business/category/tanzania-exports

21. Tanzania (TZA) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners | The Observatory of Economic Complexity, accessed January 19, 2025, https://oec.world/en/profile/country/tza

22. Tanzania Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report FAIRS Annual Country Report – APEDA Agri Exchange, accessed January 19, 2025, https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/ImportRegulations/FoodandAgriculturalImportRegulationsandStandardsReportDaresSalaamTanzania492019.pdf

23. Regulations, Standards and Certification for Agricultural Exports, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.fao.org/4/a0791e/a0791e00.htm

24. Quality standards for enhanced market access for small-holder farmers in Tanzania (SEMA) – GlobalG.A.P., accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.globalgap.org/capacity-building/capacity-building-projects/Tanzania2020/

25. Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report, accessed January 19, 2025, https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Food+and+Agricultural+Import+Regulations+and+Standards+Export+Certificate+Report_Dar+Es+Salaam_Tanzania_12-31-2020.pdf

26. Tanzania – Trade, Exports, Imports | Britannica, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Tanzania/Trade

27. Tanzania – Trade Financing, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/tanzania-trade-financing

28. Blended finance at Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank – Blog – Convergence News, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.convergence.finance/news/sqfE9x5dsMl74lkcEtKse/view

29. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND TANZANIA, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/documents/projects-and-operations/tanzania_-_pcr_tanzania_agricultural_dev._bank-_eng.pdf

30. Helping Tanzanian farmers and traders export coffee and cashew nuts, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.gafspfund.org/projects/helping-tanzanian-farmers-and-traders-export-coffee-and-cashew-nuts

31. TRA Contacts – Tanzania Revenue Authority, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/component/contact/category/16-tra-contacts?Itemid=435

32. Call Centre – Tanzania Revenue Authority, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/component/contact/contact/16-tra-contacts/9-call-centre?Itemid=435

33. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY – WhizzTanzania, accessed January 19, 2025, https://www.whizztanzania.com/ministry-agriculture-food-security

34. cti.co.tz, accessed January 19, 2025, https://cti.co.tz/slides/slide/director-general-tanzania-bureau-of-standards-tbs-person-incharge-import-inspection-office-ubungo-area-morogoro-sam-nujoma-road-p-o-box-9524-dar-es-salaam-tanzania-telephone-255-22-245-0298-255-22-245-0206-email-info-tbs-go-tz-2399#:~:text=Imports%20Regulations%2C%202009-,Director%20General%20Tanzania%20Bureau%20of%20Standards%20(TBS)%20Person%20Incharge%20%2D,info%40tbs.go.tz

35. Contact Details — Agricultural Sector Development Programme Phase II (ASDP II), accessed January 19, 2025, https://asdp.kilimo.go.tz/index.php/contacts