🇬🇭 Import Customs & Duties: Ghana
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. Additional levies: NHIL 2.5%, GETFund Levy 2.5%, COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy 1%. Effective combined rate approximately 21%.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-20% ECOWAS CET (smartphones 10%, laptops 10%, TVs 20%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20% ECOWAS CET (finished garments 20%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20% ECOWAS CET (all footwear 20%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-20% (rice 10%, sugar 20%, fish 10%, meat 20%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, agricultural 0%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% (perfumes 20%, soap 10%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-20% (basic toys 10%, electronic toys 20%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division uses ICUMS (Integrated Customs Management System) since 2020, replacing older GCNet/CUSDEC systems. ECOWAS Common External Tariff applies (5 bands: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 35%). Tema port is the main entry point, new MPS Terminal 3 expanding capacity. Kotoka International Airport for air cargo. Pre-arrival processing available. Tax Identification Number (TIN) mandatory.
What to Actually Expect
Improving with ICUMS but still challenging. Tema port congestion causes delays, though MPS Terminal 3 is expanding capacity. Benchmark (reference) values sometimes override declared values, leading to higher duties than expected. Use licensed customs broker. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) operate reliably. Kotoka Airport customs reasonably efficient for air freight.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import Declaration Form (IDF) required for all commercial imports. Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) conformity assessment for regulated products. FDA-Ghana approval for food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices. DVLA for used vehicles (age restrictions apply). Import permits for arms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals.
Certificate of Origin
ECOWAS certificate for regional preferential trade. Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) issues certificates. AGOA certificate for US market duty-free access. AfCFTA Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Ghana is a key player in African free trade.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Ghana:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $10 | $17 | $27 |
| $200 | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| $500 | $90 | $89 | $179 |
| $1000 | $190 | $179 | $369 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Ghana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Ghana?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Ghana is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Ghana?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Ghana is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Additional levies: NHIL 2.5%, GETFund Levy 2.5%, COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy 1%. Effective combined rate approximately 21%.
How long does customs clearance take in Ghana?
Typical customs clearance in Ghana takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Ghana?
To import into Ghana, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Ghana?
Ghana prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.