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Everything You Need to Know About Shipping a Car to Ghana

By Odet Garcia Posted: 10/10/2019

About 70 percent of vehicles imported into Ghana are used cars. This means that the number of used cars purchased from the United States have increased significantly. Hence, the pathway for US car auctions is wide open here. So, if you’re in Ghana, and are looking to buy a used car from the US, then this is the information for you. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about shipping a car to Ghana.

It’s very important that you understand the shipping process before buying your vehicle. There are many variables that you need to consider, including fees, requirements, and paperwork. If you’re unprepared you can face extra costs, and maybe even the possibility of not getting your car cleared through customs.

Prepare Everything You Need

We won’t get tired of repeating this word: research. This is key when it comes to importing a car from the US to any country. It’s fundamental that you know what you need and what to expect from the process. Being prepared helps you save money and make a good purchase that will fit your needs and wants.

Make sure you have done your research about the company that’s shipping a car to Ghana. Get a quote, check if they include cargo insurance, and read other customers’ reviews. This will help you have an idea of how they work. After all, you’re trusting them with your new car.

Shipping Methods

There are two types of shipping methods that companies work with. RoRo shipping, which means Roll On/Roll Off, is the most popular method because it’s very affordable. With this method, cars are driven onto and off of the ship. In this case, it’s important you make sure that your car is in good conditions.

The second method is Container shipping. You can choose between a shared or an exclusive container for your car. The shared container is the most affordable, but you’ll have to wait until it’s filled with other vehicles. This means you would probably wait more time for your car to arrive.

On the other hand, the exclusive container is more expensive, but your car would be the only one in it. Some benefits of container shipping are that you can also ship other items inside your car. Additionally, you’re not obligated to have a working car as is not going to be driven onto the container.

Getting Your Car Through Customs

In order to get your car cleared through customs in Ghana, you’ll need to comply with the following requirements:

Vehicles must be between 5 and 10 years old. Cars older than 10 years are subject to additional Taxes and Duties.
The vehicle cannot have more than a ¼ tank of gas.
Check here if Ghana requires you to file for a FERI, ECTN, BSC or an ASHI, before it enters the country.
Title and registration
Original purchase invoice
Insurance papers
Passport
The make, model and serial number
Packing list (this is required with the Container shipping method)
Certificate of value and origin

How Much Will It Cost?

Most shipping companies get your car to the port of Tema in Ghana. The price and the time that it takes to get there will depend on various factors. These factors include the place where the car is located, shipping method, budget, and type of car.

Ghana’s customs use a value known as CIF, which means Cost, Insurance, and Freight, to calculate taxes and duties that need to be paid for a car. You’ll need the CIF value of your car to have an idea of the total cost for shipping your car. Here is some information that can guide you:

Import duty …………………………..………..5, 10 or 20% of CIF value of a car
Import VAT……………………………………..12.5% of duty inclusive value (CIF + duty)
NHIL (Health insurance levy)…………….5% of duty inclusive value
Examination fee……….……………………….1% of CIF value
ECOWAS development levy…….…………5% of CIF value
Export development (EDIF) levy………..0.5% of CIF value

This information is a guide for you to know the most important things you need to research before shipping your car. With this you should be ready to receive your car without any inconvenience.

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