East Africa currently requires significant factory equipment to support its rapidly growing industrial sectors. Machinery sellers in India must understand shipping routes, paperwork, and port rules to succeed in this market. Sending machinery from India to Kenya and Tanzania offers excellent business opportunities for ambitious exporters.
In this complete port shipping guide, we discuss some useful facts regarding shipping steps, document rules, and total costs involved. You might ship factory tools, farm machines, or heavy building gear to these waiting markets. Knowing the correct Machinery Exporting process helps you ensure safe delivery and secure good prices.
Why Sellers Export Machinery to East Africa?
Many Indian sellers produce different types of high-quality machines that African countries actively buy for development. Kenya and Tanzania serve as major buyers because they need machines for farms and factories. These nations import a significant volume of equipment from India during every financial year.
This trade relationship is strong because you can find reliable shipping options and agents easily. Ships travel frequently between India and Africa, ensuring your goods arrive on time and safely. The shipping rates remain competitive while the trade agreement India has with these nations helps exporters.
Top Indian Ports for Machinery Export
Two major Indian ports currently handle most machinery shipments destined for African markets.
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Nhava Sheva (JNPT) – Mumbai
Nhava Sheva serves as India’s largest container port and is located near Mumbai city. This busy port handles a massive volume of heavy machinery shipments every single day. The facility uses modern tools to lift heavy cargo and offers large storage rooms. Ships sail directly from this location to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam without delays. The port operates day and night to provide efficient port to port services.
Mundra Port – Gujarat
Mundra Port in Gujarat offers another excellent option for sending heavy machinery to Africa. This port offers lower prices and handles many shipping containers with great efficiency. It is located near factories in western India which saves you significant truck costs. Both ports can handle standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers for your convenience.
FCL Shipping Rates: India to Africa
You must understand shipping rates in Africa accurately to plan your financial budget for the project. FCL shipping Africa prices change based on destination and the specific time of year.
Estimated FCL Shipping Rates (January 2026):
| Route | 20ft Container | 40ft Container | Transit Time |
| India to Mombasa (Kenya) | $2,200 to $3,800 | $3,000 to $4,900 | 20 to 25 days |
| India to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) | $2,200 to $3,800 | $3,000 to $4,900 | 22 to 28 days |
Prices often rise significantly during the peak season from August to December each year. You also pay for trucks to transport the box to the port for export. This inland transport typically costs between ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 depending on the distance.
Essential Export Documentation
You need correct export documentation to send machines to international destinations without any legal issues.
- Import Export Code (IEC): All machinery sellers must possess a ten-digit IEC code to conduct business legally.
- Commercial Invoice: This paper shows exactly what you sell and lists the total machine cost.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): This document proves the shipping company currently holds your items for transport.
- Packing List: This describes every item inside the box including specific weight and size.
- Certificate of Origin (COO): India uses the eCoO 2.0 system to prove the machine was made in India.
- Shipping Bill: You must send this document on the ICEGATE system to inform the government.
Step-by-Step Export Procedure
The export process follows clear steps starting at your factory and ending with checks.
- Pre-Export Preparation: Clean and pack your machine well using strong wood boxes or plastic covers.
- Document Filing: Give papers to your agent five days before the box reaches the port.
- Loading: Load the machine at your factory or at a special packing station.
- Customs Clearance: The ICEGATE system creates Form-13 when the box finally arrives at the port terminal.
- Departure: Workers load the container onto the ship and the company issues the Bill of Lading.
Destination Ports: Mombasa & Dar es Salaam
You should know about African ports to help you plan when things will arrive.
- Mombasa (Kenya): This is Kenya’s main port with nineteen docking places and modern cranes. Goods typically wait three to five days here before final release.
- Dar es Salaam (Tanzania): This port uses the modern TANCIS computer system for fast processing. It serves as the main gateway for machinery export to Tanzania and neighbors.
Kenya Import Requirements & Duties
Kenya has strict rules for bringing things in so you must prepare papers early. When you export machinery to Kenya, specific documents are required.
Required Documents
You must file the Import Declaration Form (IDF) with the Kenya Revenue Authority. You also need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to prove the machine meets quality standards.
Duties and Taxes
You must pay tax on things you bring into the country of Kenya.
- Customs Duty: 0% to 25% of the machine price.
- VAT: 16% on the full cost.
- Total Cost: Usually 23% to 45% of the machine price.
Tanzania Import Requirements & Duties
Tanzania uses computers for imports so you must send your papers very early.
Required Documents
You need an Import Declaration Form (IDF) which costs 0.4% of the total price. You also need a letter that allows your clearing agent to work legally for you.
Duties and Taxes
Tanzania asks for duty from zero to twenty-five percent plus Value Added Tax. The Import Declaration Form fee is at least five thousand US dollars for imports. You must put papers on the TANCIS system seven days before the ship arrives.
Trade Agreements & Tax Benefits
India has deals with Kenya and Tanzania that help reduce taxes on your exports. The trade agreement India has maintained since 1966 lowers barriers. It gives status that lowers tax for Indian machines and removes quantity limits. Groups like the East African Community help keep taxes low for Indian goods.
Role of a Freight Forwarder India
A good freight forwarder India does the hard work and stops mistakes from costing you money.
- Documentation: They make bills and ensure all papers follow the strict government rules.
- Customs: They send forms on ICEGATE and get the necessary export permits for you.
- Logistics: They book the container and find the best route for your specific shipment.
- Insurance: They get insurance to keep your machine safe during the long ocean journey.
Total Export Cost Breakdown
You must know all costs to set the right price for your international buyer.
A typical 40ft container shipment includes these costs:
- Inland Haulage: ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
- Port Handling (India): ₹8,000 to ₹12,000.
- Shipping Freight: $3,000 to $4,900.
- Destination Clearance: $400 to $800 (plus taxes).
Total Logistics Cost: About $5,000 to $8,000 per container shipment.
Conclusion
Sending machinery from India to Kenya and Tanzania is a smart business move. Good ships and clear rules make it work if you know the export steps. Kenya and Tanzania want Indian equipment and good planning makes your machines arrive safely.
A good helper makes everything smooth and ensures you avoid costly shipping mistakes. Stop worrying about complex logistics and start focusing on your business growth today. You can confidently trust Sea Trans Agencies for reliable service.
