Counterfeit hotspots in Tanzania that brand owners must be aware of
April 28, 2026
Thought Leadership
The primary anti-counterfeiting legislation in Tanzania is set out in the Merchandise Marks Act (Cap 85), containing criminal sanctions for trademark infringement. Under this legislation, a person commits an offense if, in the course of trade or business, they apply a false trade description to goods, or supply or offer to supply any goods bearing such a false description. Although typical trade descriptions cases cover misperceptions as to quality, the application of a trademark to goods may be a false trade description as well.
The Merchandise Marks Act is enforced by trading standards officers employed by the local authorities (which are under a statutory duty to enforce the Act). The officers are part of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) with the aim of promoting and protecting effective competition in trade and commerce, as well as protecting consumers from unfair and misleading market practices. The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency in the production, distribution and supply of goods and services. Following a complaint, officers are empowered to make test purchases, enter premises, and inspect and seize goods with the help of the police, customs or any other public authorities. It should be noted that a complaint is unlikely to succeed without the support of a trademark registration certificate. It should also be submitted along with an Indemnity Bond undertaking to compensate the FCC for the costs relating to the inspection, seizure and other claims in the event the goods are found to be genuine. largely on the gravity and the scale of the infringement and the persistence of the defendant. Officers of the FCC do not have ex officio powers. Turning to border measures, the customs authorities also lack any legislative authority to exercise ex officio detention of prima facie counterfeit goods. Rights holders must investigate any potential import of counterfeit merchandise sufficiently in advance of the actual import. Complaints may also be filed before the Tanzania Food and Drug Administration FDA, responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs (medications), vaccines, medical devices, and cosmetics. The FDA will then ask the Customs authorities to take reasonable measures to detect and detain the subject goods.
Does landlord liability exist in Tanzania?
The owners of a marketplace are not liable for fakes being sold on their premises. Rights holders can only target specific stall/store owners.
Counterfeit hotspots you should know in Tanzania:
The main problematic areas are in the northern areas of Tanzania.
Kariakoo market Location: A very busy and crowded area in Swahili Street in Dar es Salaam (map link). Counterfeit risk factor: Very high Fakes known to be sold there All products, including electronics, auto spare parts, and clothing.
Manzese market Location: Another popular market in Dar es Salaam, found by the busy Morogoro Road. Counterfeit risk factor: High Fakes known to be sold there All products, but mainly fake fashion branded clothing.
Arusha, Mwanza, Mara, and Kilimanjaro Location: The northern part of mainland Tanzania (map link to Arusha, Mwanza, Mara, and Kilimanjaro). Counterfeit risk factor: Relatively high Fakes known to be sold there All products.