Countries / Middle East & Africa

Tanzania

Many consumer categoriesChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemETS (Tanzania Revenue Authority)
Code on the productElectronic tax stamps
AggregationNo.
First stepHold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Phased since 2019: alcohol first, then soft drinks and energy drinks, then juices and bottled water. Stamp charges are paid per stamp to the provider; after industry pressure they were cut by 14.5–30% in 2024. The contract with the current provider ends in January 2027 and a new tender closed on 15 September 2026.

If you supply this market

  1. Hold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
  2. Order stamps from the authority for each batch: ETS.
  3. Apply a stamp to every unit before release and activate it in the system.
  4. Keep stock and reports in line: unstamped goods can be seized.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Coming next

  • Jan 2027Contract with the current stamp provider ends; tender for a new one closed 15 Sep 2026

Already in force

  • Jan 2019Alcohol, wine, spirits, beer
  • Aug 2019Soft drinks, energy and malt drinks
  • Nov 2020Juices, bottled water
  • 2024Stamp charges cut: cigarettes 30%, beer 19%, soft drinks 14.5%

What the code looks like

TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Tanzania?

Yes. Codes are required on many consumer product groups through ETS.

What is already in force?

Jan 2019: Alcohol, wine, spirits, beer; Aug 2019: Soft drinks, energy and malt drinks; Nov 2020: Juices, bottled water; 2024: Stamp charges cut: cigarettes 30%, beer 19%, soft drinks 14.5%.

What code goes on the product?

Electronic tax stamps.

Is aggregation required?

No.

What changes next?

Jan 2027: Contract with the current stamp provider ends; tender for a new one closed 15 Sep 2026.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with Daily News: ETS in Tanzania. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.