Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionProcessed cereal-based staple food (pasta products)
Market
Dried pasta in Tanzania is a shelf-stable, ready-to-cook staple sold mainly as prepackaged consumer goods, supplied through both imports and local manufacturing. Tanzania applies East African Community (EAC) product standards and labeling requirements for prepackaged foods, and pasta products are covered under the EAC pasta specification standard (EAS 173). Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) evidence of certified spaghetti production (e.g., Wilmar Pasta Tanzania Limited) indicates an established domestic processed-food supply base alongside imported brands. Market access and continuity of supply are highly sensitive to regulatory conformity (notably PVoC CoC where applicable), labeling compliance, and seaport logistics via Dar es Salaam.
Market RoleDomestic consumer market supplied by a mix of local manufacturing and imports
Domestic RolePackaged staple carbohydrate for households and foodservice; produced locally and imported
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability due to shelf-stable product format, continuous manufacturing, and import replenishment.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Finished pasta is expected to be free from insect infestation and foreign matter under EAS 173 hygiene/quality provisions.
- Product performance expectations include retaining shape and not becoming pasty when cooked according to the declared cooking time (EAS 173).
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content limits apply by pasta type under EAS 173 (e.g., lower limits for long pasta such as spaghetti; higher allowance for short-cut pasta).
- Total aflatoxin maximum level is specified in EAS 173 for pasta products.
- Coloring matter is not permitted under EAS 173 provisions for pasta products.
Packaging- Moisture-proof, well-sealed containers are required for pasta products under EAS 173.
- Labels for prepackaged pasta should align with prepackaged food labeling requirements (DEAS 38) and pasta-specific label elements (EAS 173), including batch/lot identification, expiry date, and recommended cooking time.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Wheat/semolina sourcing → mixing/kneading → extrusion/forming → controlled drying → packing → TBS conformity steps (where applicable) → wholesale/retail & foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient distribution is typical, but moisture and heat exposure control are important to prevent quality degradation during storage and transit.
Atmosphere Control- Dry, low-humidity storage conditions and moisture-barrier packaging integrity are key to preventing mould and quality loss.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is strongly dependent on keeping moisture low and packaging seals intact; damage or high humidity increases spoilage/infestation risk.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf a dried pasta consignment is within TBS’s regulated scope, missing or invalid PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and/or non-compliant labeling can trigger customs clearance failure, detention, fines, or rejection at Tanzanian ports.Confirm HS 1902 subheading and whether the shipment is regulated under TBS PVoC; complete pre-shipment conformity with an authorized PVoC contractor; align labels to DEAS 38 and pasta-specific EAS 173 elements (including batch/lot, expiry, and cooking time) before shipment.
Logistics HighSea-freight and port-process disruption (documentation gaps, port dwell time, and container availability/price swings) can cause stockouts and sharp landed-cost changes for a freight-intensive, high-volume packaged staple like dried pasta.Build lead-time buffers, book freight in advance for peak periods, ensure complete document packs for TANCIS filing and port processes, and diversify supply between local certified producers and multiple import origins.
Food Safety MediumQuality and safety non-conformance risks include excess moisture, infestation, and toxin/microbiological non-compliance against EAS 173 requirements, which can lead to enforcement action and commercial rejection.Specify EAS 173 compliance in supplier contracts (including moisture control, hygiene, and packaging integrity), require batch-level COAs where applicable, and implement incoming inspection and storage humidity control.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000 (or equivalent GFSI-recognized schemes)
FAQ
What tariff rate does the EAC Common External Tariff list for pasta (HS 1902) in Tanzania’s customs territory?The EAC Common External Tariff (2022 version updated June 2025) lists a 25% tariff for HS 1902 pasta lines. The applied rate at entry can still depend on the exact HS 1902 subheading, origin, and any applicable exemptions or preferential treatment, so confirm with your clearing agent and current customs guidance.
Does Tanzania require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for importing dried pasta?TBS states that consignments that fall under its Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for customs clearance. Whether a specific dried pasta shipment is regulated under PVoC should be confirmed with TBS and an authorized PVoC contractor using the shipment’s HS classification and product scope.
Which standard covers pasta product requirements in the East African Community context used by Tanzania?Pasta product requirements are covered under EAS 173 (Pasta products—Specification), which includes product quality/safety requirements and pasta-specific labeling elements such as batch number, expiry date, and recommended cooking time.
What are the key labeling expectations for prepackaged dried pasta sold in Tanzania?Tanzania’s prepackaged food labeling requirements are set out in DEAS 38:2024, and EAS 173 adds pasta-specific label expectations (including recommended cooking time). In practice, labels should support traceability (e.g., batch/lot and expiry) and provide the required manufacturer and product information.