Tanzania Communications issues warning to unauthorised couriers

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has warned courier operators who are providing the service without relevant licencing, directing such offices to immediately register with the regulator.

The state-run agency’s director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, said yesterday that there are some firms, including passenger bus operators, which have been running the courier services without the relevant authorisation.

He explained that licencing of the parcel and cargo transportation service providers enhances their accountability to the citizens they serve.

“As the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the courier services sector, we recognise the vital role they play in supporting our economic activities. It is our duty to remind both existing and potential providers of courier services, of their obligation to register their services with TCRA and renew their licences if they have expired,” said Dr Bakari.

The regulator has embarked on a four-month campaign, which seeks to increase public awareness about licenced postal and cargo transportation services and their importance to social and economic development in the country.

Dr Bakari said that the campaign aims to address challenges faced by users of parcel and cargo transportation services. He said the public education campaign targets to encourage users to use duly authorised and registered providers of courier services, who have offices, storage facilities for parcels, good record of efficiency, safety, and integrity in the delivery of the services.

“Operating courier services without a licence is contrary to the established legal procedures,” he said, adding that those who need to register such activities can submit their applications online.

“We have greatly improved our services, and all licence applicants can obtain their licences through the Tanzanite portal,” he emphasised.

TCRA issues licences for postal and cargo transportation companies in six categories, including international, East Africa, intra-city and inter-city.