Identify the inspection arrangement for this purchase

TBS publishes import-control information and procedures for used motor vehicles. Ask which current arrangement applies to the country from which your vehicle will be exported, which organisation is responsible and what evidence must accompany it. The brand’s country of origin and the actual country of export may differ.

Before agreeing a booking, confirm the inspection stage, certificate details and who pays for any work needed to resolve a finding. Ask your agent how to verify the document against the vehicle identifier. This guide does not promise that destination inspection is an acceptable substitute for a required pre-shipment procedure.

Dealer inspection checklist ↗

Keep mechanical condition separate from conformity paperwork

Ask what the proposed inspection actually covers. A certificate, a workshop condition report and a service history each provide different evidence. Specify your required checks for tyres, brakes, warning lights, leaks, cabin equipment and any signs of structural or water damage.

For a hybrid or electric car, record the available battery test and charging details separately. If a test cannot be supplied, keep that item unresolved in the comparison. The right purchase decision depends on the actual vehicle’s condition and your business requirements, not on a general model specification.

Tyre evidence to request before export ↗

Define what a Dar es Salaam quotation includes

If Dar es Salaam is your requested port, state it explicitly and add any onward delivery location. Ask which route, shipping method and service can be confirmed. Define whether the proposal covers a port handover or additional work, and who takes responsibility when the next stage begins.

Separate the vehicle, inspection, export documents, origin transport, freight and insurance from destination handling, taxes, clearance and onward delivery. Record exclusions and amounts that still require a destination estimate. A shipping description does not by itself establish that every local charge has been covered.

How to compare a vehicle export quotation ↗

Prepare one consistent document file

Match the vehicle identifier, model description and relevant dates across the proposed invoice, registration or export record, inspection evidence and shipping instructions. Ask which originals are needed, when they will be available and who receives them. Resolve mismatched names or identifiers before the file is passed between parties.

Keep current photographs and a handover condition record with the documents. Agree a reporting channel for changes to the vehicle or shipment and the written process for dealing with discrepancies. Availability, commercial terms and the final shipment scope need individual confirmation; sending a website request starts that discussion.

Building a shipping condition record ↗

What to do when a point remains unverified

  1. The inspection plan refers to another export country

    Evidence to request
    The actual country of export and confirmation of the applicable TBS arrangement.
    Next action
    Have the correct inspection route and provider confirmed before a shipping booking is agreed.

  2. The certificate cannot be matched to the vehicle

    Evidence to request
    The issuer, certificate details, relevant dates and matching VIN or chassis number.
    Next action
    Request verification through the appropriate channel. Keep conformity unresolved until the mismatch is explained.

  3. A certificate is used to answer every condition question

    Evidence to request
    Its stated scope plus separate reports for the mechanical checks you require.
    Next action
    Identify untested items such as battery condition or tyre details and decide what further evidence is needed.

  4. Destination charges are described as included

    Evidence to request
    The exact included services, excluded charges and final agreed handover point.
    Next action
    Ask for written detail and obtain remaining local estimates before treating the figure as your purchasing total.

What to include in your sourcing brief

  • Models, years, quantity and the actual country of export when known
  • Steering, mileage, condition limits and powertrain requirements
  • Inspection evidence required and the party confirming its applicability
  • Requested port and any onward delivery location
  • Quoted inclusions, destination-estimate owner and intended timeline

The catalogue contains model references and illustrations. Actual availability, condition, eligibility and commercial terms require individual confirmation.

Model references for your brief

Use these pages to describe your requested configuration; a model reference does not certify an individual vehicle’s eligibility.

Sources and scope of this guide

This guide helps you prepare purchasing questions. It does not replace current confirmation from the authorities or your customs representative and is not an import approval.

  • TBS: imports and export control ↗

    Official starting point for used-vehicle inspection arrangements. Check the current procedure, notices and applicable export-country coverage with TBS.