SENDING PACKAGES TO US  

Last updated June 5, 2009

A number of people have asked us how they can send us packages in Tanzania. We have prepared some helpful guidelines and a list of items we would like below:

General

Sending packages to Tanzania is generally reliable and there are only a few cases where the packages have not arrived. That being said, we would not recommend sending anything with a high value (unless it is by courier mail) as there have been a few occasions where high value packages have gone missing. A good rule of thumb is not to send anything that you would be very upset about if it did not arrive.

If you would like to send us something of higher value it may be possible for us to arrange for someone to hand-carry it from the US/UK so please contact us.

Timing

Letters and packages usually take between 2-4 weeks arrive but can take much longer (we recently heard from a colleague that a package arrived for them 3 years after posting!!)

Customs Forms

Import duty on packages sent to Tanzania can be as much as 100% of the value of the goods so it is important to complete the Customs Form in a way that will minimize the risk of loss/theft and allow us to be able to accept the package.

-     Please only put a zero or very low amount on the customs form. Preferably put 'No Commercial Value' or zero value on the form.

-          Padded/Jiffy envelopes don't usually attract any Customs Duties so it is better to send items in several of these than one large box.

-          Boxes typically attract Customs Duties of between US$5 and US$20 depending on the size and contents of the box.

-          The duties payable are purely arbitrary and are based on the appearance and type of the items in the box rather than their true value.

-         Generalize the description on the customs form. Educational materials and missionary supplies are examples of good general descriptions that can be used

-         Books/magazines are exempt from duty so always describe them as such

Address

Jonathan & Rachel Morgan

SIL

P.O. Box 1369

Dodoma

Tanzania

East Africa

Please e-mail us to tell us when you have sent something so we can follow up at the post office if it does not arrive and update our list.

ITEMS WE WOULD LIKE!

Books

Zondervan 2009 Church and Nonprofit Tax and Financial Guide

Bible Commentaries (book or CD/DVD)

Missionary biographies

Newer Christian books

Tom Clancy Op-Center series

Chris Ryan

Lori Wick

Owner’s/Technical handbook for 1998 Toyota Landcruiser Prado (3000cc diesel)