TPA refutes allegations, but admits tax evasion at Dar port

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has strongly refuted claims that tax evaders use gate number 5 at the Dar es Salaam port to clear their containers without paying tax and that all containers destined for Inland Container Depots (ICDs) were cleared from the port without paying tax. The statement which was issued last week in Dar es Salaam by the TPA’s Corporate Communication Manager, Janeth Ruzangi, denounced media reports that tax evaders exclusively used gate number five and explained that; “containers destined for Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are cleared from the Dar es Salaam port without tax payment.” She went on to dismiss the media reports, deeming them misinformation to the public. “Assessment of all taxes are made when the containers are within the ICDs,” she detailed. According to her procedurally, gate No. 5 is special for clearance of containers going to the ICDs...” and “...customs procedures of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) demand that all containers that go through gate 5 be cleared without paying tax.” 

Newly elected Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Kassim
 

The statement holds firm that according to TRA procedures all containers that carry local cargo must go straight from the port to ICDs for tax assessment. “Therefore, no tax evasion arrangements can be made and effected at this gate because TRA procedures demand that cargo must be cleared without paying tax,” she emphasized. The statement also clarifies that containers having transit cargo remain at the port and no taxes are charged on transit cargo, rather they are charged port duties and levies. Recently, the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa paid an impromptu visit to inspect the port’s receiving and clearing cargo system following reports that 2,431 containers went missing without paying taxes. According to an official in the Prime Minister’s Office, a detailed study of the report previously prepared by the port authority in connection with the fraud is underway to expose all those who are implicated for appropriate action to be taken. “Serious inquiry about the containers that vanished from the port.