Importing Scientific Instruments from Tanzania into the United States in 2026 carries a total effective tariff of 1.5% (MFN 1.5%). That figure is the stacked rate applied to the customs value before fees. Use the calculator below for the exact landed cost, including Merchandise Processing and Harbor Maintenance fees.
Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Scientific Instruments from Tanzania
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for scientific instruments follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 1.5%. The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 0%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 1.5%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $159.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $10,808.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $1B in goods from Tanzania in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Africa region. Key import categories from Tanzania include coffee tea, precious metals jewelry, fresh produce, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Scientific Instruments represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from Tanzania.
What Section 122's Lapse Means for This Import
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026 after its 150-day statutory limit, and Tanzania is not among the roughly 60 economies covered by the forced-labor Section 301 duty that took effect the same day. The Section 122 surcharge that previously applied to scientific instruments was removed, leaving the total effective rate at 1.5% based on the remaining tariff layers. No replacement surcharge backfilled the lapse for Tanzania.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Scientific Instruments
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on scientific instruments may consider sourcing from Kenya (effective rate 0%, saving approximately 1.5 percentage points); Uganda (effective rate 0%, saving approximately 1.5 percentage points); Ethiopia (effective rate 0%, saving approximately 1.5 percentage points). Compared to Tanzania's total effective rate of 1.5%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Related Context
Tariff Timeline for Tanzania
Section 232 steel/aluminum tariff increased to 50%
Section 122 uniform 10% surcharge takes effect
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Scientific Instruments from Tanzania is 1.5%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 1.5%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 1.5%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Scientific Instruments from Tanzania, you can expect to pay approximately $150.00 in total duties at the current rate of 1.5%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $10,150.00, representing an effective cost increase of 1.5% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
Yes, Section 122 adds 0% to the tariff on Scientific Instruments from Tanzania. This surcharge was enacted on February 24, 2026 under Section 122 of the Trade Act and applies uniformly to imports from most countries. It stacks on top of the MFN base rate of 1.5%, contributing to the total rate of 1.5%.
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026 after its 150-day statutory limit, and Tanzania is not among the roughly 60 economies covered by the forced-labor Section 301 duty that took effect the same day. The Section 122 surcharge that previously applied to Scientific Instruments was removed, leaving the total tariff rate at 1.5% based on the remaining tariff layers. No replacement surcharge backfilled the lapse for Tanzania.
For Scientific Instruments, alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of Tanzania include Kenya (effective rate: 0%), Uganda (effective rate: 0%), Ethiopia (effective rate: 0%). Compared to Tanzania's total effective rate of 1.5%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.