Abstract
The efficient clearance of cargo is a key determinant of the competitiveness of seaports, the reliability of international trade and the cost of regional supply chains. Although the Port of Dar es Salaam has been undergoing reforms in customs, single window affairs, infrastructure enhancement and risk-based controls, delays and operational bottlenecks are still prevalent in the movement of cargo. The study examined four trade facilitation measures namely customs automation, inter-agency coordination, infrastructure efficiency and risk management systems and their impact on the efficiency of goods clearance operations in the Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This research was conducted using explanatory research design. The target population included customs officers, clearing/forwarding agents, importers/exporters and other government agencies at the port. A stratified random sampling was used in selecting a sample of 189 respondents out of a target population of 358 and 171 usable questionnaires were returned, 90.4% response rate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to analyse the data. Cargo clearance efficiency was found to be significantly positively related with customs automation (r = .443), inter-agency coordination (r = .347), infrastructure efficiency (r = .309) and risk management systems (r = .449) (p < .01). The multiple regression model was statistically significant, F(4,166) = 19.61, p < .001, with R² = .321 and adjusted R² = .305. Customs automation (B = .284, p < .001), inter-agency coordination (B = .236, p = .002), infrastructure efficiency (B = .218, p = .003), and risk management systems (B = .297, p < .001) each had a significant positive effect. The standardized coefficient (β = .281) of risk management systems was the highest. The study's recommendations are that an integrated approach to trade facilitation, involving the use of digital customs systems, coordinated border management, suitable infrastructure and intelligent risk management is the most effective way to improve cargo clearance efficiency. The findings have implications for customs authorities, port managers and policymakers looking to minimise clearance delays, and improve Tanzania's role as a regional trade and logistics gateway.
Keywords: trade facilitation; customs automation; inter-agency coordination; port infrastructure; risk management; cargo clearance efficiency; Dar es Salaam Port