East African Court Issues Interim Injunction on Tanzania’s Excise Tax on Kenyan Safety Matches

The East African Court of Justice has issued an interim injunction restraining the Tanzania Revenue Authority from enforcing a Tsh400 per kilogram excise levy on imports of safety matches from Kenya. The levy was introduced under Tanzania's Finance Act 2025. The court ordered that Tanzania and its agencies must immediately stop collecting or enforcing the tax on Kenyan safety matches.

The order was issued by the First Instance Division in Arusha, where the East African Court of Justice is located. It will remain in force pending the determination of a case filed by Match Masters Limited. The company brought the matter before the regional court, which is based in the northern Tanzanian city.

The dispute centers on claims of discriminatory treatment of imported goods compared to locally manufactured products. Such treatment may breach EAC trade rules. The case will proceed for full hearing.

AllAfrica reported the ruling from Nairobi on 13 May 2026. The story was written by Phidel Kizito. Manufacturers and exporters across the region are watching the proceedings closely. The interim measure comes as the court examines whether Tanzania's application of the excise duty violates the East African Community's framework for free movement of goods among member states.

The full hearing is expected to scrutinize the Finance Act 2025 provisions against EAC commitments on non-discrimination. Match Masters Limited argues the levy disadvantages Kenyan producers in the Tanzanian market.