In a recent development, the East African Community (EAC) has unveiled revised duty rates affecting imports from Tanzania, impacting various sectors including manufacturing and industrial inputs. The changes were communicated through a Gazette notice on Tuesday, July 16, highlighting the imposition of duties, levies, and charges on select products when sold in Kenya.

Among the goods subject to these measures are soap, tea packaging materials, food and beverage flavors, toughened glass, electrical cables, and televisions. This move aims to regulate the influx of specified goods from Tanzania into Kenya and maintain fair trade practices within the EAC.

“In the event that the above-finished products are sold in the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Burundi, such goods shall attract duties, levies and other charges provided in the EAC Common External Tariff,” the Gazette notice stated.

Furthermore, the duty remission for Tanzanian manufacturers on specific quantities of RBD Palm Stearin indicates a duty rate of zero per cent until June 30, 2025, incentivizing the production of soap within Tanzania.

The adjustments also extend to products like washing powders, detergents, and packaged tea materials, affecting the pricing and distribution of these items across EAC member states. The EAC’s decision to impose duties on electric cables, wire products, and even televisions from Tanzania reflects a broader effort to regulate cross-border trade and maintain economic equilibrium.

As these new duty rates come into effect, the dynamics of trade between Tanzania and its EAC counterparts will likely witness significant shifts, impacting businesses and consumers alike in the region.