Customs and clearing
Electronic cargo tracking for transit goods in Tanzania
Short answer
- Tanzania system
- Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), with TRA as partner 2
- Went live
- 2012, per a provider statement 1
- Purpose
- Real-time monitoring of transit cargo under customs control 2
- Control room
- 17th floor, TRA House, Dar es Salaam, supported by CCTTFA (March 2023) 3
- Regional system
- RECTS, used by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda 4
- Tanzania in RECTS
- Not joined, deployment only planned, as of 21 February 2019 4
What the Tanzanian system does
TradeMark Africa describes the ECTS as a web-based solution for real-time monitoring of transit cargo under customs control. Its project page lists TRA as the implementing partner for April 2019 to June 2021 2. The page lists planned outputs such as system work, integration and rapid response units. It does not report results 2.
A 2013 statement from Savi Technology says the TRA system aims to identify illegal diversion of goods and improve revenue. Savi says TRA certified the link between the SGS OMNIS tracking service and the TRA system 1. This is a company statement, not a TRA notice.
Timeline
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 1 | TRA Electronic Cargo Tracking System goes live, per the provider statement 1 | Live at that date 1 |
| 2014 5 | Heads of State of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda direct their revenue authorities to build a cargo tracking framework 5 | Historical 5 |
| 2017 4 | RECTS launches as a regional system 4 | Live in three countries 4 |
| 1 April 2017 5 | Officials say Tanzania is being approached to join RECTS 5 | Proposed 5 |
| April 2019 to June 2021 2 | TradeMark Africa ECTS project with TRA 2 | Project period ended 2 |
| 6 March 2023 3 | CCTTFA and the TRA Commissioner meet on the ECTS control room 3 | Supported by CCTTFA 3 |
The regional RECTS
Writing in WCO News in February 2019, the Uganda Revenue Authority RECTS project manager said Kenya and Rwanda adopted Uganda's system and the three share one platform. One seal type is used in all three, so seals no longer need to be removed at borders 4.
The same article said about 21% of transit cargo was monitored electronically as of December 2018. Only very high risk or sensitive cargo is included 4. It said transit time for tracked cargo fell from 1.9 days in 2014 to 1.6 days in 2018 4.
The New Times reported in April 2017 that the Rwandan part cost US$4.5 million, funded by DFID through TradeMark East Africa 5.
Transporters under customs control
Transporters who carry goods under customs control need a TRA licence on form C.28 or C.40. The bond is TZS 10,000,000, or TZS 50,000,000 for both. The licence fee is US$200 per carrying unit 6. Applicants need a LATRA carrier's licence and proof of membership in a recognised association 6.
What is not confirmed
No current TRA notice on ECTS fees, device suppliers or the share of transit cargo tracked in Tanzania was found for this page. The facts above come from the dated sources listed 2.
Common questions
Does Tanzania track transit trucks electronically?
Yes. TRA has an Electronic Cargo Tracking System for transit cargo under customs control 2.
Is Tanzania part of RECTS?
As of February 2019, Tanzania had not joined. Deployment there was only planned 4.
Where is the ECTS control room?
On the 17th floor of TRA House in Dar es Salaam, according to CCTTFA in March 2023 3.
What licence does a transit transporter need?
A TRA licence on form C.28 or C.40, with a bond and a US$200 fee per carrying unit 6.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@tanzaniatradesystems.com.
Sources
- Savi Technology, company statement: SGS and Savi bring advanced cargo tracking to Tanzania (13 February 2013)
- TradeMark Africa, project page: Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency: CCTTFA Executive Secretary holds meeting with Tanzania Commissioner of Customs (6 March 2023)
- WCO News: Countries in East Africa cut transit time, by Geofrey Balamaga, Uganda Revenue Authority (21 February 2019)
- The New Times (Rwanda): Cross-border traders urge Tanzania to join e-Cargo systems, by James Karuhanga (1 April 2017)
- Tanzania Revenue Authority: Customs licencing (accessed 24 October 2026)
Related
- How customs clearance works in Tanzania
The steps to clear imported goods in Tanzania, from appointing a licensed agent and lodging in TANCIS to paying port charges and collecting cargo.
- TANCIS: the Tanzania Customs Integrated System
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- Tanzania Revenue Authority customs
The customs role of the Tanzania Revenue Authority: TANCIS and TeSWS, import and export steps, licences and fees, and one stop border posts.
- Cargo release at Dar es Salaam port
How imported cargo leaves Dar es Salaam port: Release Order, Delivery Order, TePP invoice, Gate-in-Ticket, storage charges and operators.
- Transit cargo to Zambia and the DRC through Tanzania
Customs rules, port storage terms, border posts and recent volumes for transit cargo moving from Dar es Salaam to Zambia and the DRC.