The Tanzania market for Indian non-basmati rice
West Africa (Benin 15.71%, Guinea 8.21%, Cote d'Ivoire 7.97%, then Togo - APEDA FY2024-25) buys parboiled and white long grain mainly CFR in 50 kg bags; Nigeria requires NAFDAC registration by the importer for packaged food.
Indian community in Tanzania (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 55,000 (PIO 40,000 + NRI 15,000).
Non-Basmati Rice specification for Tanzania orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Broken | 5% (premium), 15%, 25% or 100% broken grades (typical trade grades) |
| Moisture | ≤ 13-14% (typical) |
| Average grain length | IR-64 about 5.8-6.2 mm; Sona Masoori about 5.0-5.2 mm (typical) |
| Chalky grains | ≤ 5-6% (typical) |
| Damaged / discoloured | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
| Foreign matter | ≤ 0.1-0.5% (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping non-basmati rice to Tanzania
Typical sea transit from India: 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian non-basmati rice is mainly produced or harvested Paddy harvest Oct-Nov; new-crop shipments Nov-Mar (ASSUMPTION - general crop calendar); Kharif harvest Oct-Dec; rabi Mar-May (ASSUMPTION). Allow 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Tanzania customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 24-26 MT in 25-50 kg bags, 40' HC about 26-27 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FAS; CIF Tanzania is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Tanzania
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Port of Dar es Salaam (TPA; DP World concession since 2024; serves Zambia/DRC/Malawi/Burun | Indian-Tanzanian (Kariakoo/Upanga) wholesalers, rice/edible-oil importers, transit traders to DRC/Zambia |
| Arusha | Inland; Port of Dar es Salaam / Port of Tanga (~430 km) / Mombasa via Namanga · Kilimanjar | EAC/NGO procurement, safari lodges & HORECA, horticulture/seed inputs |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to Tanzania take?
Typically 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does Tanzania have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. MFN tariffs (EAC CET) [S7 — Tanzania not mentioned] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to non-basmati rice from India?
Usually HS 100630. Tanzania applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is the difference between Sona Masoori and IR-64?
Sona Masoori is a lightweight, aromatic medium grain from south India sold mainly to diaspora retail; IR-64 is a long-grain variety exported raw or parboiled as a staple rice, mainly to Africa and Asia.
Which broken percentages can you offer?
Standard trade grades are 5%, 15%, 25% and 100% broken; tighter specifications can be milled to order.
Do non-basmati exports need registration?
Yes. Since 24 September 2025 each non-basmati export contract must be registered with APEDA before shipment (DGFT Notification 33/2025-26).
Related guides
Request a quote: non-basmati rice to Tanzania
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Tanzania. We quote CIF/CFR with full export documentation.