Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has announced a significant delay in the commencement of the Port Infrastructure Development (PID) Fee for 2026.
This decision follows a comprehensive review of formal requests submitted by various maritime and trade stakeholders across the country.
The implementation date for the new charge has now been officially moved to July 1, 2026.
The specific tariff originate from the TPA Sea Ports Tariff Book of 2026.
The regulatory framework for the charge was prepared pursuant to Section 73(1)(a) of the Ports Act, Cap. 166 R.E. 2023.
This legal foundation empowers the Authority to manage and develop port infrastructure through structured financial contributions from port users.
Prior to this announcement, the PID fee had already undergone one period of postponement.
The initial start date was scheduled for February 8, 2026.
Following an initial round of stakeholder feedback, the TPA moved the commencement date to March 8, 2026.
This second extension highlights the Authority’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the entire shipping and logistics ecosystem.
The extension of time is designed to facilitate a better state of readiness for all parties involved in the supply chain.
This includes shipping companies, clearing and forwarding agents, and cargo transporters. It also encompasses importers, exporters, and the general public.
“The TPA intends for this window to allow each entity to finalise existing contractual obligations with domestic and international clients,” the statement says.
Specifically, businesses now have until June 30, 2026 to complete current contracts under the old fee structure.
Furthermore, the additional time allows for the renegotiation of commercial terms for agreements that will remain active after July 1, 2026.
Such adjustments are necessary to ensure all future business dealings align with the statutory requirements of the PID fee.
The Authority has also addressed logistical issues concerning invoices issued on March 8 and 9, 2026.
“Any customer who has already processed payments for the PID fee on these specific dates is urged to visit the TPA billing office,” the statement further reads in part.
These offices are located at the respective ports where the transactions occurred.
Officials will provide the necessary procedures to facilitate a full refund of the PID amount paid.
For customers holding unpaid invoices from the same dates, the TPA has issued a different directive.
These individuals are requested to report to the TPA billing department before making any payments.
The billing staff will perform the required adjustments to remove the PID fee from the pending invoices.
This ensures that no customer is unfairly charged before the new official start date in July.
By allowing more time for adjustment, the TPA seeks to prevent any sudden disruptions to international trade routes.
The Authority continues to emphasize the importance of compliance with the Ports Act to ensure the long-term modernisation of Tanzanian maritime facilities.
