By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam – In a bold step towards modernizing customs operations and boosting efficiency, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has unveiled a revamped Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) alongside a newly enhanced website. The official launch, held on January 20, 2025, marked a turning point in how cargo clearance will be managed at Tanzania’s ports, airports, and border posts.
TRA Board Chairman Mr. Mussa Abas Uledi underscored the monumental significance of the upgraded TANCIS system, highlighting its potential to reduce face-to-face interactions and streamline transactions. “This upgrade reflects our commitment to transparency and efficiency,” he stated, emphasizing that the digital system will not only simplify operations but also bolster revenue collection through fair and automated tax assessments.
The enhanced TANCIS system integrates seamlessly with 36 institutional systems, a feature Mr. Uledi described as critical for smooth and efficient operations. “The challenges and complaints arising from physical interactions will be minimized. TANCIS is a game-changer for our ports and border posts, and we are confident it will deliver the results Tanzanians expect,” he added.
TRA Commissioner General Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda elaborated on the transformative potential of the new system. He noted that the upgraded TANCIS would significantly reduce the time required to track cargo and enable traders to manage transactions from their offices, eliminating the need for physical visits to multiple institutions. “This is more than a system; it is a tool of empowerment for traders and a beacon of fairness in tax payments,” he said. Mr. Mwenda revealed that while the upgrade cost over TZS 100 billion, the benefits far outweigh the investment, positioning Tanzania as a leader in trade facilitation in the region.
The newly launched TRA website is equally impressive, designed to enhance communication between taxpayers and the authority. TRA Director of Taxpayer Education and Public Communications, Mr. Richard Kayombo, emphasized its advanced features, which include integration with other government institutions for seamless information access.
The event also saw stakeholders expressing their satisfaction with the upgrades. Customs Agents Association President Mr. Edward Urio lauded the TRA for addressing longstanding challenges. “We have been fully involved in this process, and the result is a system that truly works for us,” he said. Small traders echoed these sentiments, with Severine Mushi praising the TRA for creating a system that includes everyone. “This gives us hope. We now have a tool that simplifies our work and reduces delays,” he noted.
Mushi also called for continued education and training to ensure users could navigate the system effectively, avoiding unnecessary penalties. He further encouraged the TRA to maintain friendly tax rates and address long-standing issues around the valuation of goods to build even greater trust among traders.
A representative from the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) expressed gratitude for being involved from the beginning, emphasizing the collaborative effort that made the launch a success. “This synchronization of systems between TPA, TRA, and others is exactly what we needed. It’s a proud moment for all of us,” he said.
The launch of TANCIS and the new website stands as a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to modernizing its trade operations, boosting transparency, and fostering economic growth. With this milestone, the TRA has sent a clear message: the future of customs and trade in Tanzania is digital, inclusive, and efficient.