HomePortsPort of Tema

    Shipping Cars to Port of Tema, Tema

    Ghana · UN/LOCODE GHTEM

    The Port of Tema, just east of Accra, is Ghana's largest port and the country's primary vehicle-import gateway, operated by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority alongside the Meridian Port Services container terminal. It is well known among UK shippers for its established used-vehicle trade, particularly for right-hand drive cars serving Ghana's growing private and commercial vehicle market.. See our shipping to Ghana guide or request a quote.

    Services

    RORO, Container (FCL & shared)

    Transit Time

    16–22 days from Southampton or Tilbury via West Africa RORO/container rotations

    UK Ports

    Southampton, Tilbury

    Region

    Africa

    Overview

    The Port of Tema, just east of Accra, is Ghana's largest port and the country's primary vehicle-import gateway, operated by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority alongside the Meridian Port Services container terminal. It is well known among UK shippers for its established used-vehicle trade, particularly for right-hand drive cars serving Ghana's growing private and commercial vehicle market.

    Terminal & Vessel Facilities

    Tema has dedicated RORO berths and container yards, with Meridian Port Services (MPS) operating an expanded, semi-automated container terminal alongside the older multipurpose port facilities used mainly for RORO and breakbulk vehicle cargo.

    Typical Transit Time from the UK

    16–22 days from Southampton or Tilbury via West Africa RORO/container rotations.

    UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.

    Customs & Clearance Notes

    Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division) applies import duty, VAT and the ECOWAS levy, with additional taxes tied to vehicle age via the Environmental and Overage Vehicle levies — vehicles over 10 years old attract a higher overage penalty. A Bill of Lading, invoice and Ghana Customs classification (via the ICUMS system) must be filed before arrival.

    Collection & Storage

    Free storage at Tema is typically 4–7 days before demurrage begins. We recommend pre-clearing your ICUMS customs classification and confirming the applicable overage vehicle levy before the vessel departs the UK, since duty disputes are the most common cause of delay at Tema.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there a penalty for shipping an older car to Ghana?
    Yes, Ghana applies an overage vehicle levy on cars older than 10 years, in addition to standard import duty, VAT and the ECOWAS levy, so older vehicles can face significantly higher total import costs.
    What is the ICUMS system referenced for Ghana customs?
    ICUMS (Integrated Customs Management System) is Ghana's electronic customs platform used to classify and pre-clear import declarations, including vehicle shipments, before the vessel arrives at Tema.
    How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Tema?
    Typically 16 to 22 days depending on the specific West Africa RORO or container rotation used by the carrier.
    Can I ship a right-hand drive car to Ghana without issue?
    Yes, Ghana drives on the right but continues to permit registration of imported right-hand drive vehicles, and UK cars remain a popular and well-established source for the Ghanaian used-car market.

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