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Dar es Salaam is the port of choice for a large share of the cargo heading into Burundi, south-eastern Congo and Rwanda. Most of the containers unloaded there for these markets are not staying in Tanzania. They are transit cargo, released to travel inland under customs supervision along the Central Corridor.
Getting transit cargo at Dar es Salaam out of the port quickly, and keeping it moving to the border, depends on preparation more than anything else. This guide explains the port stage: the customs models used, the steps to release, the inland options that are unique to the Central Corridor, and the charges and delays to watch for. For the complete picture by destination, see our hub on how to ship cargo from Dar es Salaam.
Transit cargo at Dar es Salaam: two customs models
Tanzanian customs is part of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (opens in a new tab) (TRA), while the port is operated by the Tanzania Ports Authority (opens in a new tab) (TPA). How a transit consignment is handled depends on where it is going.
Single Customs Territory destinations (Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda). The importer's clearing agent lodges the declaration with the destination revenue authority. Once that authority has assessed it and the duties are paid or secured, it authorises release, and TRA supervises the goods until they exit Tanzania (TRA explainer (opens in a new tab)).
Other destinations (DRC, Zambia, Malawi and beyond). The goods are entered for transit in Tanzania, backed by a guarantee, and declared for import at their destination. DRC cargo is cleared by the DGDA when it reaches the Congolese border; see DRC customs clearance for transit cargo.
Preparing for arrival
A container that arrives with nothing prepared will wait. Before the vessel reaches Dar es Salaam:
- Confirm the bill of lading details: consignee, final destination and port of discharge. Arrange a telex release or the original bill.
- For Burundi sea cargo, check the cargo tracking note (BSC/ECTN) was issued at the loading port.
- Lodge the destination declaration (Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda) or prepare the transit entry and guarantee (DRC, Zambia).
- Settle or schedule payments to the shipping line and for port charges.
- Choose and book the inland mode: truck, rail or a combination.
- Check destination permits for regulated goods.
Release at the port
After discharge, release needs three green lights:
- Shipping line: delivery order issued once freight and local charges are paid and the bill of lading is surrendered or telex-released.
- Customs: the declaration or transit entry accepted, and any verification completed.
- Port: TPA charges paid and the container cleared to leave the terminal or container freight station.
Some containers are moved from the terminal to a container freight station or an inland facility before release. Your forwarder should tell you where your container is at each step and what is still outstanding.
Inland options on the Central Corridor
This is where Dar es Salaam differs most from Mombasa. The Central Corridor offers more than one mode.
| Mode | Route | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Road | Across Tanzania to Rusumo (Rwanda), Kobero/Kabanga (Burundi), or Tunduma–Nakonde (Zambia) | Most containers; door-to-door delivery |
| Central railway + lake | Rail to Kigoma, then Lake Tanganyika to Bujumbura or the DRC shore | Robust, non-urgent cargo; bulk and bagged goods |
| TAZARA railway | Tanzania to Zambia, then road to the DRC copper belt | Heavy cargo for Zambia and south-eastern DRC |
Each mode has its own documents, hand-overs and timing. Every switch between truck, train and vessel is a point where cargo is handled and checked, so fragile or high-value goods usually stay on the road. The TAZARA (opens in a new tab) and the central line are worth considering for the right cargo, but only when services are running reliably at the time of shipment.
Bonds, guarantees and closing the transit
For goods on a transit entry, Tanzania requires a guarantee covering the duties that would be due if the goods were not re-exported. When the truck leaves Tanzania, at Rusumo, Kobero/Kabanga, Tunduma or another exit point, the transit is closed and the guarantee can be released. Goods sent by lake from Kigoma are closed out on departure from the lake port. A forwarder should track every transit until it is closed, because an open transit keeps a bond tied up.
Free time and container charges
Container free time at Dar es Salaam is set by the shipping line and your contract. After it runs out:
- port storage may apply while the container stays in the terminal or freight station;
- demurrage applies to a full container kept beyond free time;
- detention applies while the container is out of the port until it is returned empty.
Because Central Corridor destinations are far inland, and some routes involve rail and lake legs, the time to return an empty container can be considerable. Many shippers devan the cargo at a facility near the port, or ask for extended free time when booking. Discuss these options before the ship sails.
From the port to the border
Typical exit points from Tanzania for our main destinations:
- Rwanda: Rusumo; see Dar es Salaam to Rwanda logistics.
- Burundi: Kobero/Kabanga by road, or Kigoma by lake; see Dar es Salaam to Burundi logistics.
- Eastern DRC: Rusumo, then across Rwanda to Goma or Bukavu; see Dar es Salaam to DRC logistics.
- South-eastern DRC: Tunduma–Nakonde into Zambia, then Kasumbalesa.
Border status in the region can change for health, security or political reasons, so we confirm it before dispatch.
Typical delays and how to avoid them
- Declaration lodged late. Prepare it while the ship is at sea.
- Missing Burundi cargo tracking note. Check before sailing.
- Bill of lading not released. Arrange telex release early.
- Unpaid charges. Settle shipping line and port charges promptly.
- No transport booked. Book trucks or rail space in advance.
- Fragile cargo on a multi-handling route. Choose road for delicate goods.
- Open transits. Make sure each transit is closed at the exit.
How Haraka Freight helps
Haraka Freight International handles transit cargo through Dar es Salaam to Rwanda, Burundi and eastern DRC, and provides transportation, warehousing and distribution in Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi among other countries. We review documents before arrival, lodge the destination declaration or transit entry, coordinate release with the shipping line, customs and the port, choose the right inland mode, track the transit to the border and manage clearance and delivery. Pair this with our sea freight and cross-border logistics services.
Conclusion
Transit cargo at Dar es Salaam benefits from the Single Customs Territory for Rwanda and Burundi and from a choice of road, rail and lake routes inland. Those advantages only pay off if declarations, payments and transport are ready when the ship arrives. Plan the port stage early and the rest of the Central Corridor journey becomes far more predictable. To plan your next shipment, request a quote.
Sources: Tanzania Ports Authority (opens in a new tab); Tanzania Revenue Authority (opens in a new tab); TRA, Single Customs Territory (opens in a new tab); TAZARA (opens in a new tab); CCTTFA (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
What is transit cargo at Dar es Salaam?
Cargo discharged at the port of Dar es Salaam that is going on to another country, such as Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, Zambia, Uganda or Malawi. It moves through Tanzania under customs supervision and is imported at its destination.
Which authority supervises transit cargo in Tanzania?
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) supervises the goods while they are in Tanzania. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) operates the port.
Can transit cargo from Dar es Salaam travel by rail?
Yes, for some destinations. Tanzania's central railway reaches Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika, which connects by lake to Burundi and the DRC shore, and the TAZARA railway links Tanzania with Zambia. Whether rail suits your cargo depends on the goods and the services available.
Do goods for Rwanda need a transit entry in Tanzania?
Under the EAC Single Customs Territory, goods for Rwanda are declared once with the Rwanda Revenue Authority, which authorises release. The goods are still supervised while they cross Tanzania until they exit at Rusumo.
How do I avoid demurrage at Dar es Salaam?
Prepare and lodge the destination declaration or transit entry before arrival, settle freight and port charges promptly, book transport in advance and plan the empty container return or devanning.
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Haraka Freight International Ltd is a logistics company based at Ituze House, KG 11 Avenue, Bibare, Kigali, Rwanda. We handle freight forwarding, customs clearance, IOR/EOR and DDP shipments, warehousing, trucking and regional distribution in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, with transit cargo to Goma and Bukavu.
