TRA CALLS ON ICDS TO OPERATE 24 HOURS, WARNS AGAINST TAX EVASION





The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has directed all owners and operators of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the country to begin offering 24-hour services in order to match the pace of Customs operations and enhance efficiency in government revenue collection.

Speaking on February 19, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during a joint meeting with ICD owners, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said the implementation of round-the-clock services will facilitate trade, reduce cargo congestion, and improve productivity in the transport and logistics sector.

Mwenda noted that TRA is ready to support the commencement of 24-hour operations, explaining that Customs officers have already begun providing such services.

“I urge you to enhance efficiency in your operations by organizing yourselves to provide services for 24 hours. As TRA, we will deploy our staff, and you should prepare the necessary equipment and other requirements; the goal is to increase efficiency,” Mwenda said.

He emphasized that ICDs are a critical link in facilitating both domestic and international trade, adding that their contribution to tax revenue collection is significant. He further explained that the efficiency of ICDs goes hand in hand with the efficiency of Customs services, making cooperation between owners and TRA essential to achieving shared objectives.


In a related development, Mwenda warned against tax evasion practices by some ICD operators, stating that TRA is aware of such incidents and will not hesitate to take legal action against those found responsible.

“I am aware that there is tax evasion within some ICDs. This cannot be tolerated. All ICDs must comply with the law. We must work together to ensure ICDs are seen as secure and compliant; we will not hesitate to take action against those who violate the law,” he stressed.


For her part, Angelina Ngalula, President of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), said ICD operators are a key link in the journey toward the National Development Vision 2050 and should work closely with the government to build a strong economy and drive positive reforms.

Meanwhile, Chairman of ICD Owners, Meleckzedeki Kichange, stated that the use of digital systems on the Customs side, including TANCIS, has simplified task allocation and improved operational efficiency.

He added that ICD owners continue to collaborate closely with TRA as their main stakeholder and that they are currently operating in a more peaceful and stable environment than ever before.

Also speaking at the meeting, Customs and Excise Commissioner Juma Bakari said that 52 percent of customs revenue is generated from ICDs, emphasizing their readiness to create a more conducive working environment to further increase the sector’s contribution to government revenue.

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