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Trade & Business Advisory

Trade & Business Advisory in Tanzania

Practical legal guidance for importers, exporters and growing businesses: trade contracts, business structures, partnerships and franchising, plus retained advice for the questions that come up every day.

Overview

Legal advice that keeps your trade moving

Trading across borders and running a growing business involve a steady stream of legal questions: which permits are needed to import a product, how to allocate risk with an overseas supplier, how to structure a partnership or license a brand. Getting the answers wrong can mean goods held at the border, unenforceable agreements or disputes with partners.

Nkola Attorneys advises importers, exporters and businesses across Tanzania on the legal side of trade and commerce. We combine knowledge of Tanzanian and East African trade rules with commercial awareness, so our advice is clear, timely and focused on keeping your business moving.

For clients who want ongoing support, our retained legal advisory service gives you direct access to an advocate for day-to-day questions, contract reviews and early advice, at a predictable cost and without the overhead of an in-house legal team.

How we help

Our trade & business advisory services

Import and export guidance and retained day-to-day advice.

  • 01

    Import and export guidance

    Advice on the legal requirements for moving goods into and out of Tanzania, including customs, product standards, permits and the documentation that keeps shipments compliant.

  • 02

    Trade and supply contracts

    Sale of goods, supply, distribution and agency agreements with clear terms on delivery, risk, payment, warranties and remedies, aligned with the trade terms you use.

  • 03

    Business structuring

    Advice on the most suitable structure for your business, whether a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited company, and on restructuring as you grow.

  • 04

    Partnership agreements

    Partnership and co-operation agreements that set out contributions, profit sharing, decision-making, exit and dispute resolution between business partners.

  • 05

    Franchising and brand licensing

    Franchise and licensing agreements for brands entering or expanding in Tanzania, covering fees, territory, standards, intellectual property and termination.

  • 06

    Retained legal advisory

    An ongoing retainer giving you direct access to an advocate for everyday operational questions, contract reviews and early legal advice before issues escalate.

Who we advise

Clients we work with

  • Importers and exporters of goods
  • Distributors, agents and wholesale traders
  • Businesses forming partnerships
  • International brands franchising into Tanzania
  • Local businesses taking on a franchise
  • Growing businesses without an in-house lawyer

Legal framework

Key laws and regulators

East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004
Customs procedures across the EAC, administered locally by TRA.
Sale of Goods Act, Cap. 214
Implied terms and remedies in contracts for the sale of goods.
Law of Contract Act, Cap. 345
General rules on commercial agreements.
Standards Act
Product standards and conformity requirements, overseen by TBS.
Fair Competition Act, Cap. 285
Rules on exclusive dealing and other restrictive agreements.
Business Licensing Act, Cap. 208
Licences required for trading activities.

Our approach

How we work with you

  1. 1

    Listen

    We understand your trade, products, partners and the markets you operate in.

  2. 2

    Advise

    We give clear, practical guidance on requirements, risks and options.

  3. 3

    Document

    We draft and negotiate the agreements that protect your business.

  4. 4

    Support

    We stay available for day-to-day questions through a retained arrangement.

FAQs

Trade & Business Advisory: frequently asked questions

What legal requirements apply when importing goods into Tanzania?

Requirements depend on the product. Importers generally need to comply with customs procedures under the East African Community customs framework, pay applicable duties and taxes, and meet product standards and any sector-specific permits. We help you identify the requirements for your goods before they ship.

What is a retained legal advisory service?

A retainer is an ongoing arrangement where you pay a regular fee for an agreed scope of legal support. It gives you direct access to an advocate for everyday questions and contract reviews, helping you address issues early and budget for legal costs with confidence.

Can you help with franchise agreements in Tanzania?

Yes. We advise both franchisors entering Tanzania and local businesses taking on a franchise, covering fees, territory, operating standards, intellectual property, supply arrangements and termination.

Should my business be a partnership or a company?

A partnership can be simple to set up, but partners may be personally liable for business debts. A limited company separates the business from its owners and is often better suited to growth, investment and larger contracts. We advise on the right structure for your circumstances.

Do you draft distribution and agency agreements?

Yes. We draft and negotiate distribution and agency agreements that set out territory, exclusivity, targets, pricing, liability and termination, and that take account of competition law.

Related services

Explore our other practice areas

This page provides general information about Tanzanian law and our services. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change, so please contact us for advice on your specific circumstances.

Get in touch

Talk to us about trade & business advisory

Tell us what your business is facing. We will listen and explain your options.

Call +255 757 974 143Email us