How Much Does It Cost to Import a Canter?

The Example Truck

For this example, we use a typical Canter that Tanzanian buyers often choose:

• Model: Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, flatbed
• Size: 2-ton class
• Model year: 2012
• Engine: 4M50 diesel
• Destination: Dar es Salaam Port

Please note: this is a reference example only. The figures below are illustrative and are not an actual quotation or a confirmed price. Actual prices change with the condition, mileage, and year of each truck, and with the shipping market at the time of booking. Duties and local charges in Tanzania are rough estimates and may differ from what you actually pay.

Part 1: What You Pay to Us (C&F Price)

The C&F price is what you pay to WeCarJapan before shipment. Marine insurance is not included.

Item	Amount (USD)
Vehicle price (FOB)	8,000
Ocean freight (Japan to Dar es Salaam)	2,300
C&F Dar es Salaam	10,300

Your bank's transfer charge is not included in the C&F price. For details about each price term, see What Is C&F Price? The Difference Between C&F, CIF, and FOB.

Part 2: What You Pay in Tanzania

After the truck arrives, import duties, taxes, and local charges are paid in Tanzania. Most taxes are calculated on the customs value. In this example, we use the C&F price as the customs value.

Item	Basis	Amount (USD)
Import duty	25% of customs value	2,575
Excise duty (vehicles 8 years or older)	5% of customs value + import duty	644
VAT	18% of customs value + import duty + excise duty	2,433
Railway Development Levy	2% of customs value	206
Customs Processing Fee	0.6% of FOB	48
Port charges	Port handling and shipping line local charges (estimate)	700
Clearing agent fee	Estimate	400
Registration	Registration tax TZS 250,000 + HIV/AIDS Response Levy TZS 200,000	180
Total in Tanzania		7,186

Assumptions: import duty at 25% applies to trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 5 tonnes or less; heavier trucks are charged a lower rate. Registration fees are converted at USD 1 = TZS 2,500. TRA may also use its own valuation instead of the invoice price when calculating taxes.

Tax rates and fees are set by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and can change. Please confirm the latest figures with TRA or your clearing agent before you buy.

Total Cost Example

Item	Amount (USD)
C&F Dar es Salaam (paid to WeCarJapan)	10,300
Duties, taxes, and local charges (paid in Tanzania)	7,186
Total landed cost (reference)	17,486

In this example, duties, taxes, and local charges in Tanzania add about 70% on top of the C&F price.

What Changes the Total Cost?

Several factors can move the total up or down:

• Model year: older trucks may be charged additional duty, which can cancel out a lower vehicle price.
• Body type and height: taller bodies such as wing vans cost more to ship than flatbeds.
• Exchange rate: duties in Tanzania are paid in local currency, so the USD total moves with the exchange rate.
• Port storage: delays in clearance add storage charges at the port.

This is why many buyers choose a slightly newer Canter: the higher vehicle price can be offset by lower duty and fewer repairs after import.

How to Get an Accurate Quotation

To compare quotations fairly, always compare the total landed cost, not the vehicle price alone. When you ask us for a quotation, tell us:

• The truck you are interested in (stock number or model)
• Your destination port
• Whether you want an FOB or C&F price

For the full import procedure, see How to Import a Used Truck from Japan to Tanzania.

Conclusion

The price shown on a truck listing is only the starting point. By adding freight and Tanzanian duties and charges, you can get a rough idea of the total cost of putting a Canter on the road.

The figures in this article are a reference only. For an actual price, please ask us for a quotation for the specific truck.

Please check our Canter stock or contact us for a quotation tailored to your needs.