Tanzania EcoLevy Program – Sustainable Trade for Telecommunication Equipment
🌿 Overview
The Tanzania EcoLevy Program is an environmental compliance initiative administered by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
It requires pre‑shipment assessment and collection of an advance eco levy fee on new and used telecommunication and electronic communication equipment imported into the United Republic of Tanzania, including both the mainland and Zanzibar.
An authorized inspection body is mandated by TCRA to implement this program.
Exporters and importers must obtain an EcoLevy Certificate before goods are shipped, ensuring every product meets regulatory and environmental standards for customs clearance.
⚙️ Regulatory Framework
The program operates under the Electronic and Postal Communications (Electronic Equipment Standards and E‑Waste Management) Regulations, 2020 (Government Notice No. 919).
It became effective on 23 May 2023 following the official notice to importers on 30 March 2023.
Key Objectives of the EcoLevy Program 🌍
- Prevent the import of electronic waste and support e‑waste formalization in line with the Basel Convention.
- Collect environmental fees (Eco Levies) to fund recycling and sustainable waste management initiatives.
- Reduce pollutants and protect human health and the environment at a product’s end of life.
- Promote Sustainable Development Goal 3.9 – reducing illness and death from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
🧾 Scope of Products and Requirements
All telecommunication and electronic devices—both new and used—designed for connectivity fall within the program scope.
Required Compliance Elements ✅
- Advance EcoLevy payment made through the TCRAs GePG portal.
- Type Approval Certificate for each device model issued by TCRA.
- TCRA Importer License granting authorization to import telecom equipment.
- RoHS compliance for new products (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).
- Dismantling guides detailing product recycling steps (for new equipment).
- Exporter declaration confirming used products are functional and not e‑waste.
Importers and exporters should consult TCRA’s Tanzanite Portal to confirm type approvals or request new approvals before shipping.
🔄 EcoLevy Certification Process
Step 1 – Application 📝
Exporters submit a Request for Certificate (RFC) via the official EcoLevy portal.
The request includes details like HS codes, brand, model, quantities, and supporting documents.
Step 2 – Assessment 🔍
The inspection body reviews documents, verifies type approval and RoHS compliance, and calculates the applicable EcoLevy fee.
Used equipment undergoes physical inspection to confirm functionality and authenticity.
Step 3 – Payment 💰
After assessment, the exporter pays the EcoLevy fee through the TCRAs GePG portal before shipment.
Step 4 – Inspection and Testing (If Required) 🧪
Inspectors check the condition and conformity of used goods, witness functionality tests, and may sample products for laboratory analysis.
Step 5 – Issuance of EcoLevy Certificate 📜
Once documentary and payment requirements are met, a secure EcoLevy Certificate (ELC) is issued electronically.
Products must not be shipped before the certificate is granted.
If non‑compliance is detected, a Discrepancy Report will be issued instead.
🛬 Importers’ Responsibilities and Customs Clearance
- Inform suppliers/exporters of the EcoLevy requirement before shipping.
- Hold a valid TCRA Import License and Type Approved equipment.
- Submit the EcoLevy Certificate with the customs declaration for clearance.
- Ensure that payments are complete and recorded in the TCRA system to avoid delays.
- Non‑compliant shipments arriving without an EcoLevy Certificate will be denied entry.
Incomplete payments or illegal imports may lead to penalties under Tanzanian law.
🧭 Benefits of the EcoLevy Program
- Environmental Protection 💚: Encourages responsible management of electronic waste and reduces pollution.
- Regulatory Assurance 📑: Ensures telecommunication equipment complies with Tanzania’s national and international standards.
- Facilitated Customs Clearance 🚢: Pre‑shipment certification reduces clearance delays and customs penalties.
- Market Sustainability ♻️: Promotes a circular economy through recycling funding and eco‑friendly practices.
🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Assist
ComplyMarket supports exporters and importers in meeting Tanzania’s EcoLevy Program requirements.
Our specialists offer:
- Guidance on TCRA approval processes and document preparation.
- Verification of product compliance and RoHS evidence.
- Audit‑ready document management and application tracking.
- Coordination with authorized inspection bodies for timely certificate issuance.
With ComplyMarket, businesses can navigate the EcoLevy process smoothly, ensuring their goods reach Tanzania quickly.