Addressing the House of Representatives, Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, clarified that ordinary citizens carrying small personal belongings are not subject to additional tax charges when entering mainland Tanzania.
“The governments of Zanzibar and the Union have agreed not to charge ordinary citizens for small personal items, such as a television, when entering mainland Tanzania,” he said. “If any officials are still imposing such charges, the relevant authorities must take corrective action.”
Abdulla explained that tax adjustments apply strictly to large consignments of goods or vehicles that were initially imported into Zanzibar under its tax regime and later transferred to the mainland. In such cases, he said, any differences in applicable duties must be settled in accordance with the law.
“There is no Union grievance here. Some individuals are politicising the issue for personal interests,” he stressed.
Earlier, Finance and Planning Minister Juma Malik Akili told lawmakers that the government remains committed to enforcing tax regulations fairly and transparently. He said authorities are working to safeguard public revenue while ensuring the country maintains a conducive environment for trade and investment.
The clarifications come amid heightened political debate over trade and tax harmonisation between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, with leaders seeking to reassure citizens and businesses that established agreements remain in force.