Importing a Car to Ghana from the UK: Duty, Age Rules and Tema Port

Ghana is one of the more established and accessible West African markets for UK used vehicle exports, with the vast majority of shipments routed through Tema Port near Accra, and a smaller volume through Takoradi Port further along the coast. Both RORO and container shipping are available, with RORO generally the more economical option for standard running vehicles and container shipping preferred for higher-value cars or shipments that include personal effects.

Sailing times from UK ports to Tema typically range from around 14 to 21 days depending on the shipping line and any transhipment involved. Ghana's used vehicle market favours mid-range saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, and UK-sourced cars are well regarded locally thanks to relatively low mileage and documented maintenance history compared with some other source markets.

Ghana imposes an age limit on used vehicle imports, restricting the import of vehicles older than 10 years from their year of manufacture under current policy — vehicles that exceed this limit are subject to penalty charges on top of standard duty, or in stricter enforcement periods may face outright refusal of clearance. This age policy has been a consistent feature of Ghanaian import regulation, aimed at reducing the number of older, higher-emission vehicles entering the country, though the precise penalty structure has been adjusted at various points.

Given the direct financial impact of shipping a vehicle that turns out to exceed the age limit, we always recommend confirming the exact manufacture date of any vehicle intended for Ghana against current Ghana Revenue Authority Customs Division guidance before finalising a purchase.

As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ghana applies duty rates broadly in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, under which most passenger vehicles attract import duty of around 5% to 20% depending on engine size and vehicle category, alongside additional levies including VAT, the ECOWAS levy, and other statutory charges applied by the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Vehicles are typically assessed using the Ghana Home Delivery Value or a benchmark value system based on vehicle make, model, age and specification rather than solely the invoice price, and it's worth noting that older vehicles can attract a higher effective overage penalty on top of standard duty, which can significantly change the total landed cost calculation. Getting an accurate, current duty estimate from a specialist before committing to shipping is strongly recommended given how frequently rates and benchmark values are reviewed.

Clearance at Tema or Takoradi requires the vehicle's bill of lading, the original V5C or UK export certificate, commercial invoice, and completion of the Ghana Customs Management System (ICUMS/UNIPASS) declaration, generally handled through a licensed customs broker or clearing agent. A destination inspection may also be required depending on current policy, verifying the vehicle's condition and specification match the declared documents.

Once customs clearance and duty payment are complete, the vehicle can be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA Ghana), which involves a roadworthiness inspection, submission of the customs clearance certificate, and payment of registration fees before number plates are issued.

We work with established local clearing agents at Tema to help ensure vehicles move through customs efficiently once they arrive, and our team can advise on current age limits and duty benchmarks for your specific vehicle before you book. Because Ghanaian import policy is reviewed periodically, getting current, destination-specific advice before purchase — rather than relying on general online guidance — is the best way to avoid unexpected costs or clearance delays.