Guide
How to Buy from China and Ship to Tanzania (2026 Guide)
Updated · Herufi
The short answer
The easiest way is to order through a store that handles everything for you. On Herufi you pay in shillings (M-Pesa or card), and we buy from the factory, inspect it, ship it, clear customs and deliver it. Sea freight takes 35–45 days and is free on every order; air cargo takes 10–14 days at TSh 28,000 per kg.
6 steps to buying from China
- 1
Choose your products
Find what you want and see the price in shillings, with import duty already included.
- 2
Compare shipping options
Every product page prices sea freight, air cargo and express air for the quantity you choose.
- 3
Pay in shillings
Pay with M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, HaloPesa, Visa or Mastercard. No currency exchange or foreign transfer.
- 4
We buy and inspect
We buy from the factory and quality-check your items at our Guangzhou warehouse before they ship.
- 5
Shipping and customs
Your order travels to Dar es Salaam and our team clears customs. You get an SMS at every stage.
- 6
Delivered to your door
A local courier delivers it, or calls to arrange collection if you're outside our door-delivery cities.
Shipping costs from China to Tanzania
These prices come straight from our checkout and include customs clearance.
| Method | Delivery time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight | 35–45 days | Free (free on every order) |
| Air cargo | 10–14 days | TSh 28,000/kg, minimum TSh 14,000 |
| Express air | 5–7 days | TSh 55,000/kg, minimum TSh 55,000 |
What is chargeable weight?
For air shipping we charge the actual weight or the volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000), whichever is higher, rounded up to the next 0.5 kg. For sea freight we use the packed volume in cubic metres (m³). That's why large furniture ships by sea only.
Customs duty and VAT
If you import on your own, you pay customs duty and VAT at the port, plus clearing-agent fees. On Herufi, import duty is included in the product price and 18% VAT is shown clearly at checkout, so you know the full cost before you pay.
Herufi compared with the alternatives
| Herufi | Shipping agent | Import yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Shillings, M-Pesa or card | Often USD | International bank transfer |
| Duty & customs | Included | Varies | You handle it |
| Quality inspection | Every order | Sometimes | None |
| Returns | 14 days in Tanzania | Rarely | Difficult |
| Price known upfront | Yes, at checkout | Not always | No |
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy from China and get it delivered to Tanzania?
Order on Herufi and pay in Tanzanian shillings; we buy from the factory in China, inspect it, ship it, clear customs and deliver it to your door. You don't need an agent, a foreign bank transfer or a trip to the port.
How much does shipping from China to Tanzania cost?
Sea freight is free on every order. Air cargo costs TSh 28,000 per kg (minimum TSh 14,000) and express air TSh 55,000 per kg (minimum TSh 55,000). The exact price for your items is shown on every product page and at checkout.
How long does shipping from China to Tanzania take?
Sea freight takes 35–45 days, air cargo 10–14 days and express air 5–7 days, including customs clearance.
Do I pay customs duty or VAT on delivery?
No. Import duty is included in our prices and 18% VAT is shown at checkout, so there is nothing extra to pay when your order arrives.
Can I pay with M-Pesa?
Yes. We accept M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, HaloPesa, Visa and Mastercard, and every price is in Tanzanian shillings (TZS).
Where in Tanzania do you deliver?
We deliver to your door in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Dodoma. Other towns are served through partner pickup points, and the courier calls you to arrange collection.
How do I know the products are good quality?
We buy from manufacturers we have verified in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yiwu and Foshan, inspect every order before it ships, and you can return items within 14 days of delivery.
Ready to order?
Browse products priced in shillings and see the shipping cost before you pay.
Start shopping