China is Ghana’s largest trading partner and largest source of imports.

The main categories of Chinese exports to Ghana include: machinery, electronics, steel products, vehicles, plastics, footwear and clothing.

Whether you’re a first-time shipper or an experienced importer, our expert insights will help you navigate the complexities of international freight to ensure your goods arrive safely and efficiently to Ghana from China.

• Expertise in Ghana Shipping
• Cost-Effective Solutions
• Comprehensive Service Range
• Custom Shipping Strategies
• Door-to-Door Service
• Reliable Customs Clearance
• Extensive Network
• Excellent Customer Support

Ghana Customs

When importing goods into Ghana, the right procedures with respect to clearance of goods, must be adhered to after the goods have been shipped.

Ghana currently uses the Harmonized System (HS) Customs Code to classify goods. Tariffs are based on value (ad valorem) or weight or volume (specific) and are subject to change. Most goods, unless they are totally exempt from customs duties, are subject to an import duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), and certain other fees and charges. The import duty is assessed on the Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) value of the good. The VAT and other fees and charges are assessed on the sum of CIF plus the duty.

The Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) platform processes documents and payments through a single window that provides an end-to-end trade facilitation and automated customs operation and management system. The ICUMS fee is 0.75 percent of the Free on Board (FOB) value of imports. In addition, for some products, Ghana may apply a one percent customs processing fee which is assessed on Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) plus the duty on the import.

Import Documents Requirements of Ghana Customs

One must be in possession of the under-listed documents before or at the time the imported goods arrive at the ports of Ghana to facilitate the clearing process.

• Original waybill or Bill of Lading
• Attested invoice
• Packing list
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) from Ministry of Trade
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from GRA or GhanaCard PIN
• Required permit(s) from any of the regulatory agencies, dependent on the type of goods. i.e. Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), etc.

Tariff of Ghana Customs

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is made up of 15 member countries that are located in the Western African. The Member States are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo.

Consistent with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET), Ghana applies five tariff bands to products from China:

• Zero (0) Rated – Essential Social Goods
• 5% – Basic necessities, basic raw materials, Capital Goods, Specific Inputs
• 10% – Inputs and Intermediary Products (Semi-Finished Goods)
• 20% – Finished Goods (final Consumer goods)
• 35% – Specific goods for Economic Development

Ghana’s standard VAT rate is 15%.

Ghana Customs Clearance Process

• Documentation Submission: Submit the required documents to the Ghanaian customs authorities.
• After the electronic declaration or application is effective, the importer pays the import tariff at the authorized bank.
• The importer submits the tax payment certificate to the customs.
• Customs officers inspect and release the imported goods. Customs inspection methods for imported goods include scanner inspection and manual inspection.
• Release: Once all requirements are met, your shipment will be released for import.

Sea Freight from China to Ghana

Container shipping is the most popular and reliable method for transporting goods to Ghana, offering flexibility, security, and efficiency. Whether you are a business looking to ship commercial cargo or an individual moving e-commerce stuff, container shipping provides a comprehensive solution that meets diverse needs.

Shipping by sea allows you to move your cargo from China to Ghana at the minimum cost possible, but you’ll accept the long transit time across the ocean. One more advantage with sea freight, we are capable of transporting almost any type of goods, even those classified as dangerous goods.

Top Container Ports in Ghana

North Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea is where the Ghanaian coastline meets, and the country’s seaports are well-equipped for shipping goods to its interior cities. The ports of Takoradi and Tema are two of its largest seaports.

Ghana’s inland waterway shipping is mainly related to Lake Volta, with a voyage of about 450 kilometers. There are four main terminals around Lake Volta: Yeji, Keta krachi, Dambai and Kpandu.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Ghana

Ocean freight rates vary with cargo volume, route, shipping line, port of departure and arrival, container type, etc.

For instance, the port-to-port container rate from FOB Shenzhen China to Tema Ghana is $4,500 for 1x40HC.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Ghana

The transit time by sea, port to port, depends on the specific origin and destination ports chosen, service route, sailing schedule and choice on carrier.

Ocean freight Port-to-Port takes about 35 to 45 days to complete a shipment from China to Ghana.

Air Freight from China to Ghana

At CFC, we have over 20 years’ experience in offering air forwarding services to Ghana from China. We offer a wide range of services at amazing prices, whether you are looking for air freight to Accra or air freight to Ghana in general.

Top Airports in Ghana

Kotoka Airport in the capital Accra is the largest international airport in Ghana. Currently, Ghana has more than 50 international routes, with direct flights to London, New York, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Brussels, Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo, Addis Ababa and surrounding countries. Domestic routes mainly connect Accra with important cities such as Kumasi, Takradi and Tamale.

Air Freight Cost from China to Ghana

Air freight transport is ideal for your time-sensitive cargo to Ghana from China. Our air freight services offer streamlined shipping to transport goods fast and reliably. In addition, CFC moves your goods faster.

Air rate changes often. Please reach out to us for an updated air price based on your specific requirements.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Ghana

There are many routes between China and Ghana. Emirates Airlines has direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Yinchuan and Hong Kong to Accra via Dubai. Ethiopian Airlines also has flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu to Accra via Addis Ababa. It can also transfer from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Kenya, South Africa and other countries to and from Beijing and Accra.

Generally cargo air shipped from China takes 5-7 days to arrive in Ghana.

We have developed strong connections with major airlines and built a vast network of air cargo transportation, offering daily and weekly cargo flights from China’s main airports to Ghana.

Working with CFC

CFC is different from the very larger Freight Forwarders, in that we give all our customers a greater amount of our time and personal attention, looking after all their overseas shipping and documentation requirements. Taking the pressure off our clients, leaving them to focus on what they do best, making and selling their products.

We offer complete International shipping services to Ghana from China by air or sea. With the co-operation of experienced and reliable Ghanaian customs brokers partners located in all major cities, we can also offer full door to door logistics services to Accra, Tamale, Kumasi, Sunyani, Koforidua, Cape Coast, Tema and beyond.

Start Shipping Today