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

Ghana's Ministry of Transport enforces a strict rule preventing the registration of salvaged vehicles and imposing environmental penalties on vehicles over 10 years old at the time of import, with a hard ban on vehicles over that threshold for commercial import. This is calculated from the vehicle's year of manufacture, not registration, so a car built in late 2015 and shipped in 2026 would already be over the limit — always check the manufacture date on the V5C carefully before purchase.

Overage vehicles that somehow do get shipped face refusal at customs or extremely punitive penalty rates, so this is the first and most important check for any Ghana-bound shipment we handle.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) doesn't simply use your purchase invoice to calculate duty — it applies its own Home-Delivery Value (HDV) benchmark, based on the vehicle's make, model, age and specification, which can be higher than the price you actually paid. Import duty is charged at 5%, 10% or 20% depending on the vehicle category (with larger and more luxurious vehicles attracting the higher bands), plus a 12.5% VAT, a 2.5% NHIL levy, a 1% COVID-19 levy, and an ECOWAS levy of 0.5%.

An additional environmental excise duty applies on a sliding scale based on engine size and vehicle age, meaning older, larger-engined vehicles can face a substantially higher overall tax burden even before the GRA's benchmark valuation is applied.

Almost all UK vehicle exports to Ghana move through Tema Port near Accra, either by RORO or in shared/sole-use containers, with Southampton and Tilbury being the two most common UK departure points. Transit time is typically 3–4 weeks door-to-port, with container shipments slightly longer than RORO due to consolidation and loading schedules.

RORO costs for a standard saloon typically run from £1,100–£1,600, while a shared 20ft container costs roughly £1,000–£1,500 and a sole-use container £1,700–£2,400, with container shipping generally preferred for higher-value vehicles due to lower theft risk at the port.

Ghana requires pre-shipment or destination inspection through an approved scheme, along with the original V5C or export certificate, commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list for container shipments. On arrival, GRA officials cross-check the VIN against the declared specification and the vehicle's age against the manufacture date, so accuracy in your paperwork prevents costly delays and re-assessment.

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required for the Ghanaian importer or consignee before customs clearance can proceed, so ensure whoever is receiving the vehicle has this registered with the GRA well in advance of arrival.

Beyond duty and levies, budget for port handling charges, terminal storage (which accrues quickly if clearance is delayed, similar to demurrage charges elsewhere), and a licensed clearing agent's fee, typically GHS 1,500–3,000. Combined duty, levies and clearing costs on a mid-size UK saloon often total 60–80% of the GRA-assessed value, so it's essential to get an accurate benchmark estimate before committing to the purchase.

We work with clearing agents at Tema who can provide an indicative GRA valuation and total landed cost estimate before your vehicle leaves the UK, helping avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival.