India to Tanzania Pharmaceutical Export

The pharmaceutical trade between India and Tanzania has experienced significant growth over the past decade. In 2022, the total export value from India to Tanzania was approximately $508.8 million USD, encompassing 20,264 shipments. This robust trade relationship is supported by 476 Indian exporters and 710 Tanzanian buyers, with an average shipment value of $25,000. The primary regulatory authority overseeing this trade in Tanzania is the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), which ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of imported pharmaceutical products. (tmda.go.tz)

India holds a dominant position in Tanzania's pharmaceutical import market, supplying a substantial portion of the country's pharmaceutical needs. This strategic importance is underscored by the extensive network of Indian exporters and the diverse range of products offered, catering to various therapeutic areas critical to Tanzania's healthcare system.

Between 2024 and 2026, several key developments have influenced the India-Tanzania pharmaceutical trade. Notably, in April 2024, the TMDA updated its guidelines for the registration of medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices, streamlining the approval process for foreign manufacturers. This regulatory adjustment has facilitated increased market access for Indian pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, in June 2025, a bilateral trade agreement was signed between India and Tanzania, aiming to enhance trade relations and reduce tariffs on pharmaceutical exports, further strengthening the trade corridor.

EXPORT_REGULATORY

Indian pharmaceutical companies seeking to register products in Tanzania must adhere to the TMDA's guidelines, which require a comprehensive dossier in the Common Technical Document (CTD) format. This dossier should include detailed information on the product's quality, safety, and efficacy. The registration process involves a thorough evaluation by the TMDA, which may include clinical trials to establish acceptable evidence of safety and efficacy before the product can be marketed in Tanzania. (tmda.go.tz)

Tanzania mandates that all pharmaceutical products imported into the country be manufactured in facilities that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The TMDA conducts inspections to ensure that manufacturing sites meet these standards. While Tanzania recognizes GMP certifications from other countries, manufacturers must provide evidence of compliance, such as certificates of compliance to ISO 13485, to facilitate the approval process. (tmda.go.tz)

Importers of pharmaceutical products into Tanzania are required to obtain several key documents:

• Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP): Confirms that the product is authorized for sale in the country of origin.

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Provides detailed information on the product's quality and composition.

• GMP Certificate: Demonstrates that the manufacturing facility adheres to GMP standards.

These documents must be submitted to the TMDA as part of the importation process. Additionally, importers must ensure compliance with all customs procedures and regulations set forth by Tanzanian authorities. (tmda.go.tz)

EXPORT_TRENDS

India's pharmaceutical exports to Tanzania are predominantly in the form of finished pharmaceutical formulations, including tablets, capsules, syrups, and injections. The top ten products exported in 2022 include:

1. Diclofenac Sodium With Paracetamol Tablets ($40.7M, 8.0%)

2. Metronidazole Tablets BP 200MG ($40.1M, 7.9%)

3. Paracetamol Tablets BP (Dolomol) ($32.6M, 6.4%)

4. Griseofulvin Tablets 500 mg BP (Dermoful) ($20.7M, 4.1%)

5. Combipack of Pantoprazole For Injection ($12.6M, 2.5%)

6. Lansoprazole Delayed-Release Cap USP 30 ($11.4M, 2.2%)

7. Chlorphenamine Tablets BP (Chlormine) ($10.4M, 2.0%)

8. Paracetamol Tablets BP 500MG (Parafil) ($9.9M, 1.9%)

9. Captopril Tablets BP (Capril-25) ($7.1M, 1.4%)

10. Dolutegravir Lamivudine and Tenofovir ($6.3M, 1.2%)

These products align with Tanzania's healthcare needs, addressing prevalent conditions such as pain, infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic diseases.

The expiration of patents for several blockbuster drugs presents opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical companies to introduce generic versions in Tanzania. Additionally, the growing demand for biosimilars in the region offers a promising avenue for expansion. Indian exporters can also explore new therapeutic areas, such as oncology and immunology, to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Tanzanian population.

Tanzania's disease burden, characterized by high rates of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS, drives the demand for pharmaceutical imports. The aging population and increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, further contribute to the rising need for medications. Government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and spending are also significant factors influencing import demand from India.

EXPORT_POLICY

Tanzania applies the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates to pharmaceutical imports, with specific duties and exemptions outlined in the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff. Certain pharmaceutical products may benefit from preferential rates or duty exemptions under bilateral agreements between India and Tanzania. Importers should consult the latest EAC and Tanzanian customs regulations to determine applicable tariffs and exemptions.

The East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol facilitates the free movement of goods, including pharmaceuticals, among member states. Bilateral trade agreements between India and Tanzania aim to enhance trade relations and may include provisions for reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers on pharmaceutical exports. Ongoing negotiations focus on further liberalizing trade and addressing regulatory harmonization to benefit pharmaceutical trade.

Tanzania's intellectual property laws, aligned with international agreements, provide protection for patents and data exclusivity. However, the country also has provisions for compulsory licensing, which can impact the entry of Indian generic pharmaceuticals. Indian exporters must navigate these IP regulations carefully to ensure compliance and protect their products in the Tanzanian market.

EXPORT_LOGISTICS

Pharmaceutical shipments from India to Tanzania primarily utilize sea and air routes. Major sea routes involve transshipment through ports in the Middle East or South Africa, with transit times ranging from 15 to 30 days, depending on the specific route and shipping conditions. Air freight offers faster delivery, typically within 7 to 10 days, but at a higher cost. Potential disruptions, such as those in the Red Sea, can affect shipping schedules and require alternative routing.

In India, key export ports include Ahmedabad ICD (4.1%), Nhava Sheva Sea (16.2%), and Chennai Air (0.4%). In Tanzania, primary import ports are Dar es Salaam (27.8%), Dar es Salaam (23.5%), and Dar es Salam (16.0%). These ports are equipped to handle pharmaceutical imports, with Dar es Salaam serving as the main gateway for goods entering Tanzania.

Maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical products during transit is crucial. Temperature-controlled logistics are essential for products requiring specific storage conditions. Compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards ensures that products are stored and transported under appropriate conditions. Packaging must meet international standards to protect products from environmental factors and physical damage during transit.

EXPORT_OPPORTUNITY

Tanzania's pharmaceutical market is experiencing steady growth, driven by an expanding population and increasing healthcare needs. The market is heavily import-dependent, with a significant share of pharmaceuticals sourced from abroad. Generics constitute a substantial portion of the market, offering opportunities for Indian exporters to supply cost-effective alternatives to branded medications.

The Tanzanian government has implemented various healthcare programs aimed at improving access to medicines and healthcare services. While insurance coverage is limited, there is a growing emphasis on expanding coverage and improving drug procurement systems to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines. These initiatives create a favorable environment for pharmaceutical imports.