TRA grants tax amnesty for uncustomed vehicles

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has announced a special tax amnesty targeting owners of vehicles that were imported into the country without proper customs clearance.

The initiative, which will run from August 1 to December 31, 2025, is designed to allow individuals in possession of such vehicles to regularize their status by paying the required duties and taxes—without facing penalties, interest, or legal action.

TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said the decision aims to encourage compliance while offering relief to those who may have unknowingly acquired vehicles that did not meet customs procedures.

He noted that the amnesty applies to a broad range of cases, including vehicles that were temporarily imported but never re-exported, those that entered the Mainland from Zanzibar without following customs procedures, as well as abandoned or “dumped” transit vehicles.

Also covered under the amnesty are vehicles that were initially exempted from tax but were later transferred to individuals not entitled to those exemptions, and transit vehicles whose authorized stay in the country expired without a formal extension.

“During this period, eligible owners will only be required to pay the outstanding import duties and taxes,” said Mr Mwenda. “All accumulated fines, penalties, and interest will be waived entirely.”

He emphasised that the amnesty is open to all owners—whether or not they were aware that their vehicles had not been properly cleared.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to report to the nearest TRA office with proof of ownership and any available import or vehicle documentation. TRA officers will then review the documents and assess the correct amount of tax due.

However, the Commissioner General warned that once the amnesty period ends on December 31, 2025, TRA will intensify enforcement. Vehicles found without proper clearance after that date will be subject to full legal action.

This includes seizure, prosecution, and the imposition of duties, interest, fines, and penalties in accordance with the law.

“The amnesty is an opportunity for people to come clean and legalise their vehicles without fear of punishment,” Mr Mwenda added. “After that, the law will take its course.”