Shipping Agent Licence Tanzania: TASAC Ownership Limits, Fees, Renewals, the Clearing Fee Floor and the Line Between TASAC and TRA

This guide sets out how the shipping agent licence Tanzania requires works in practice: who may own the agency, the TASAC licence family, fees with register IDs, the annual filing window, the clearing fee floor, TASAC's exclusive cargo, the separate TRA customs licence and the Zanzibar position.

What the law says about the shipping agent licence in Tanzania

Five layers of law govern a shipping agency on the Mainland. Each has its own regulator file or fee.

• The Act. The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Act, Cap. 415, was passed on 16 November 2017 and assented on 28 November 2017, as the Act No. 14 of 2017 text on FAOLEX shows. We read the ownership and penalty sections in the Revised Edition 2023 copy published by VK Advocates.
• Where it applies. Section 2 limits the Act to maritime matters "in Mainland Tanzania". Zanzibar is outside it.
• The licence rule. Part IV, sections 13 to 20, covers the licensing of private shipping agents. Section 13 sets who may apply. Section 14 covers suspension and revocation after a 30-day show-cause notice.
• The regulations. The Shipping Agents Regulations, GN 339 of 2018, were amended by GN 54 of 2022, which replaced the fee schedules, and by GN 379 of 2023, which added inspections and renewal documents.
• The business licence. A shipping agent also holds a Class A business licence under the Business Licensing Act, Cap. 101 R.E. 2023 (BLA005). GN 379 of 2023 lists a certified business licence among the renewal documents.

Sister regulations of 2018, listed by Clyde & Co, run from GN 337 to GN 343 and cover the rest of the trade.

Who should read this

• Tanzanian founders setting up a ship agency at a sea or lake port.
• Foreign lines and agency groups looking for a local partner.
• Clearing and forwarding firms renewing with TASAC and TRA.
• Importers and exporters checking what their agent may lawfully charge.

For the customs side, read our guides to the customs clearing agent licence and TRA customs licences for 2027. For the wider sector map, see transport and logistics licensing.

What does TASAC do, and what has changed since 2018?

The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) is set up by section 4 of the Act. Clyde & Co reported in March 2018 that the Act came into force on 23 February 2018. Its January 2018 briefing explained that TASAC took over the maritime work of SUMATRA, the former surface and marine regulator.

TASAC wears three hats:

• Regulator. Section 12(1) lets it issue, renew and cancel licences, regulate rates and register agents and shippers.
• Safety administration. It registers vessels and seafarers.
• Operator. Section 7(1) reserves certain cargo to it for clearing.

On its maritime transport regulation page, TASAC lists port service providers (terminal operators, dry ports, miscellaneous port services, gross mass verifiers) and shipping service providers (shipping agents, consolidators, clearing and forwarding agents).

Since 2018 the exclusive cargo list has shortened, clearing became citizens-only (July 2025) and a minimum clearing fee arrived (March 2026).

Who can hold a shipping agent licence in Tanzania?

Section 13(2) of Cap. 415 sets the test. TASAC licenses an applicant only if it is:

• a Tanzanian citizen, or
• a company incorporated under the Companies Act in which "more than sixty per cent of the share capital is held directly or indirectly by a citizen of Tanzania".

It also needs the prescribed qualifications and no criminal record. Three points follow.

• Sixty per cent is not enough. A 60/40 split fails. The citizen share must exceed 60%, so foreign investors hold 39.99% at most.
• Holdings are looked through. On our reading of "directly or indirectly", shares held through a foreign-owned Tanzanian company are not citizen capital.
• Some shareholders are barred outright. Section 13(3) stops a licence if the applicant or any shareholder is a ship owner, ship operator, ship charterer, dry port operator or clearing and forwarding agent.

Section 13(3) is the rule foreign lines miss: a shipping line may not hold even a minority stake in its agent. Section 13(4) makes the licence non-transferable.

Capital is a second test. Section 15 lets the Minister prescribe minimum paid-up capital by order. GN 54 of 2022 sets it for a coastal vessels agent: at least USD 3,000 if wholly Tanzanian-owned, or USD 25,000 if jointly owned. We did not find the figure for a sea vessels agent, so it is listed under Figures to confirm.

Our guide to activities closed to foreigners covers the wider list. Nominee holdings sit badly with beneficial ownership filings at BRELA.

Which shipping licences does TASAC issue?

A ship agency is one licence in a family. TASAC's 2025 public notice on applications and renewals splits them into licences and registration certificates.

The TASAC summary of GN 343 of 2018 sets the port services categories:

• Category A: watchman services, hatch cleaning, cargo lining and separation, chipping and painting, dunnaging, and lashing or unlashing on board.
• Category B: labour gangs for stevedoring, stevedoring gear, cargo trimming, and labour for dry port operators.
• Category C: pre-shipment inspection, cargo and ship surveys, and supercargo services.

Gross mass verifiers and shippers hold TASAC registration certificates. GN 379 of 2023 bars an agent from working outside its licence category.

How much does a shipping agent licence cost?

Figures are from the Zatra fee register at 26 September 2026, in the currency each instrument prints.

Three notes on this table.

• The coastal line. GN 54 of 2022 created three agent categories. Register line F0392 prints only sea and inland rates; F0834 carries the coastal line.
• The foreign column. GN 340 still prints foreigner rates of USD 50, USD 200 and USD 100 (F0383), but a foreign-held clearing firm can no longer register.
• The foreign-owned business licence. Cap. 101 treats a company more than 50% held by non-citizens as foreign-owned. A TASAC-licensed agent must be more than 60% citizen-held, so on our reading BLA006 does not arise for a licensed agent.

Every Mainland government fee is paid against a GePG control number. The amount on the control number governs on the day of payment. Our government fees handbook prints the full register.

How do you apply for or renew a TASAC licence?

TASAC takes applications online through its service providers portal; renewing licensees log into their existing accounts.

The same notice set the window. Shipping agency applications were due "not later than 31st October, 2025" under regulation 4(3) of the 2018 Regulations. We found no 2026 notice on TASAC's announcements page on 28 October 2026. If the regulation date holds, applications for 2027 are due by 31 October 2026.

The shipping agency file listed in the notice:

• certificate of incorporation (new applicants), share certificates and a BRELA search;
• principal agreements, a ships commitment letter and the agency tariff;
• tax clearance certificate;
• evidence of qualified maritime staff;
• affidavits, a container guarantee form and customer care procedures;
• proof of payment to the Maritime Education and Training (MET) Fund;
• on renewal, audited accounts, the latest bank statement and annual returns.

GN 379 of 2023 adds renewal items: a certified business licence, proof of ICT systems, the tariff and minimum commission schedule, and proof of fee payment. Clyde & Co summarised these changes in September 2023. Two staff must hold at least a certificate in shipping, ports, clearing and forwarding or logistics. TASAC must inspect the premises before issuing a licence, and it monitors licensees twice a year.

TASAC may publish applicants' names so the public can raise eligibility concerns.

What may a shipping agent charge cargo owners?

TASAC regulates the agent's own tariff as well as its licence. The main instruments are these.

• Agency fees on seaborne cargo. The Third Schedule of GN 339 of 2018, as substituted by GN 54 of 2022, sets ranges by trade route. On imports, a 20 ft container runs USD 21.36 to 49.84 and a 40 ft container USD 42.72 to 99.67 (F0387, F0832). On exports, a 20 ft container is USD 7.12 (F0388).
• Local charges. The Local Shipping Agency Fees Order 2023, GN 375 of 2023, caps the delivery order at USD 15 per bill of lading, the bill of lading fee at USD 38.14 and an amendment at USD 59.32, VAT exclusive (NEW-03-30, F0831).
• Minimum commission. The Shipping Business Fees, Charges and Commissions Order, GN 181 of 2021, sets a minimum agency commission of 3.5% of gross freight on liner cargo booked by the agent (F0389).

GAC reported in June 2023 that the delivery order fee was restored from 9 June 2023 at those rates. Maersk announced on 18 June 2026 a USD 38 destination documentation fee, citing a TASAC directive of 19 May 2026 on local shipping agency fees. We have not seen that directive, so check it before quoting a customer.

Unpaid shipping fees carry interest. GN 379 of 2023 cut the rate in regulation 41(1) from 30% to 10% a month on the principal.

What is the minimum clearing and forwarding fee under GN 83 of 2026?

The Tanzania Shipping Agencies (Fees for Clearing and Forwarding Services) Order, 2026, GN 83 of 2026, took effect on 20 March 2026. It sets a floor, not a cap. A clearing agent may not charge its client less.

Fees are payable in the shilling equivalent. FEAFFA reported on 27 March 2026 that agents must also issue receipts and use the prescribed electronic systems. The Kenya Times reported on 10 July 2026 that a TASAC reminder dated 6 July warned agents against undercutting. Charging below the floor is an offence under Cap. 415 (F0386).

Ten 40 ft import containers cannot be cleared for less than USD 2,000 in agency fees, or USD 2,500 in transit. Port charges and storage are separate; see our guides to TPA charges and demurrage and storage.

Which cargo can only TASAC clear?

Section 7(1) of the R.E. 2023 text gives TASAC an exclusive mandate to clear and forward imports and exports of five classes:

• arms and ammunition;
• mineral concentrates;
• chemicals used by mining companies;
• Government trophies;
• live animals under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The list was wider in 2018; Clyde & Co described the original section 7 as covering minerals, machinery, equipment and petroleum products. The detailed rules now sit in the Clearing and Forwarding of Exclusive Items Regulations, GN 184 of 2025. Clyde & Co reported in June 2025 that these revoke GN 386 of 2020 and allow TASAC to engage licensed third parties through procurement.

A mixed consignment is cleared whole by TASAC. Its fees are in GN 181 of 2021 (F0390). Containerised minerals cost USD 300 per 20 ft and USD 350 per 40 ft per bill of lading; firearms and ammunition USD 150; live animals USD 200. Section 7(3) makes performing an exclusive function a crime, with a fine of not less than USD 20,000, at least two years' imprisonment, or both. Our mineral export permit guide covers the Mining Commission side.

How is a TASAC licence different from a TRA customs agent licence?

They are two licences from two authorities. TASAC regulates the commercial agent. TRA licenses the person who lodges customs declarations under the East African Community Customs Management Act.

TRA's customs licensing page requires a TASAC registration certificate for every customs agent renewal. A clearing firm therefore renews TASAC first and TRA second. Our note on foreign importers and the clearing reservation explains why an importer of record is not an agent.

What applies in Zanzibar?

Cap. 415 does not reach Zanzibar. Section 2 limits it to Mainland Tanzania, and GN 184 of 2025 and GN 83 of 2026 are Mainland instruments. A TASAC licence does not authorise agency work at Zanzibar or Pemba ports.

The Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA), set up by Act No. 3 of 2009, describes its work as vessel registration, survey, seafarers and search and rescue. The Maritime Transport Act No. 5 of 2006 copy on its site contains no shipping agent licence that we could find. We could not confirm which Zanzibar body licenses ship agents, or on what ownership terms. Ask ZMA in writing before quoting a client.

See our guide to Union and non-Union taxes.

What penalties apply to shipping agents?

TASAC may also suspend or revoke a licence under section 14 after a 30-day show-cause notice. DLA Piper Africa reported on 1 August 2025 that a non-citizen already licensed for a reserved activity may trade to the licence's expiry but may not renew.

Worked example: first-year cost of a sea vessels agent in Dar es Salaam

This example is hypothetical. A new company is 70% held by two Tanzanian citizens and 30% by a foreign logistics investor that owns no ships and no clearing business. It will act for liner calls at Dar es Salaam, with a branch in Tanga. We use an illustrative TZS 2,450 to the dollar; the control number amount governs.

• By currency: USD 3,050 to TASAC and TZS 1,400,000 to BRELA.
• Year two: USD 3,000 to TASAC (TZS 7,350,000) and TZS 1,400,000 for the business licence. Confirm whether TASAC charges the USD 50 application fee again on renewal.
• If the investor held 41%: the company fails section 13(2), and no fee buys a licence.
• If the investor were a shipping line: section 13(3) bars the licence at any percentage.

Zatra's professional fee for the file is quoted separately and is never added to these government charges.

What to do now

1. Test the cap table. Trace every shareholder to a natural person and confirm the citizen share exceeds 60%, with no shipowner, charterer, dry port or clearing shareholder.
2. Pick the category. Choose sea, coastal or inland waterways vessels agent, since a licensee may operate only in its category.
3. Check the window. Confirm TASAC's deadline for 2027 licences; regulation 4(3) points to 31 October each year.
4. Build the file. Gather the principal agreements, staff certificates, tariff, affidavits, container guarantee, tax clearance and MET Fund proof.
5. Hold the business licence. Obtain or renew the BRELA Class A licence for each place of business (BLA005).
6. Align the tariff. Check agency fees and local charges against GN 339, GN 375 and any 2026 TASAC directive.
7. Split the clearing work. If the group clears cargo, run it through a separate, wholly citizen-owned firm with its own TASAC and TRA files.
8. Route trouble to an advocate. Show-cause notices, revocation, prosecution, cargo seizure and ownership disputes need an advocate before any reply.

Key dates

Fee orders change by Government Notice. Check the TASAC legislation page before each renewal.

How Zatra helps

Zatra's import and export compliance service prepares TASAC files and the TRA customs licence that follows. Our business licensing desk handles the BRELA Class A licence for each office. Our share transfer and restructuring team rebuilds a cap table to meet section 13, with beneficial ownership filings that match it. See pricing or contact us.

Two cost buckets stay separate. TASAC, BRELA and TRA fees are paid by the client to each authority at the official rate against its GePG control number. Zatra's professional fee is quoted on its own line and never marked up onto them.

TASAC, BRELA and TRA make every decision. Zatra prepares and coordinates the file; it does not decide or guarantee any authority's outcome. Show-cause replies, licence revocation, prosecutions, cargo seizures, shareholder disputes and formal legal opinions go to the advocate on our team.

Sources and status

Accurate as at 28 October 2026. Section numbers are from the Cap. 415 R.E. 2023 text unless marked. Fees are from the Zatra fee register at 26 September 2026.

• Tanzania Shipping Agencies Act, Cap. 415 R.E. 2023: VK Advocates copy; Act No. 14 of 2017: FAOLEX, assented 28 Nov 2017.
• GN 54 of 2022 (published 21 Jan 2022) and GN 379 of 2023 (signed 18 May 2023): TASAC.
• Public notice on application and renewal of licences: TASAC, 2025 (deadline 31 Oct 2025).
• Functions of miscellaneous port services, GN 343 of 2018 and maritime transport regulation page: TASAC, live Oct 2026.
• GN 181 of 2021: TanzLII, version of 5 Feb 2021.
• Customs licences: TRA, live Oct 2026.
• Zanzibar Maritime Authority and Maritime Transport Act 2006: ZMA, live Oct 2026.
• Clyde & Co: 31 Jan 2018; 23 Mar 2018; 17 Jan 2019; 26 Sep 2023; 9 Jun 2025.
• GN 487A of 2025: DLA Piper Africa (IMMMA Advocates), 1 Aug 2025.
• GN 83 of 2026: FEAFFA magazine, 27 Mar 2026; The Kenya Times, 10 Jul 2026.
• Local charges: GAC, 12 Jun 2023; Maersk, 18 Jun 2026.
• Zatra fee register lines F0344 to F0346, F0383 to F0392, F0831, F0832, F0834, F0889, F0890, BLA005, BLA006, BLA045 and NEW-03-30: fees at 26 Sep 2026. Accessed 28 Oct 2026, as were all sources above.

Figures to confirm before you act

• Filing deadline: whether TASAC has set 31 October 2026 for 2027 shipping agency applications; we found no 2026 notice
• Renewal fee: whether the USD 50 application fee is charged again on renewal
• Minimum capital: the paid-up capital prescribed under section 15 for a sea vessels agent
• MET Fund: the amount payable to the Maritime Education and Training Fund, assessed by TASAC
• Local charges: whether TASAC's directive of 19 May 2026 replaced the GN 375 of 2023 caps
• Reserved list: whether TASAC or BRELA reads GN 487A item 11, "brokerage or agency in businesses", as reaching shipping agency
• Zanzibar: which body licenses ship agents at Zanzibar and Pemba ports, and on what terms
• Exchange rate: TZS 2,450 to the dollar in the worked example is an assumption

This article is general information based on official sources available at the date of publication. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and notices change. Verify with the issuing authority or consult Zatra before acting.