Import guides / Ghana

Importing a car from the US to Ghana

Ghana's customs values the car from its price new, less an allowance for its age, not from what you paid. Duty goes by engine size, with VAT and levies on top.

Shipping from the US

$1,399 to $2,100

At sea

28 to 42 days

Arrives at

Tema

Sails from

Davisville, RI, Newark, NJ and 6 more

Rules to know

• Ghana refuses flood, fire and chassis-damaged cars From 1 Oct 2026 the Ghana Standards Authority enforces GS 4510: flood- or fire-damaged cars, cars with a broken, cracked, bent or twisted chassis or safety cage, and salvaged cars with major damage are refused. Minor, repairable damage may be accepted; 'major' isn't defined, so check heavy damage with your clearing agent.
• Ghana refuses cars more than 15 years old From 1 Oct 2026 the Ghana Standards Authority refuses used vehicles more than 15 years old (notice of 14 Aug 2026, replacing the earlier 10-year limit). A car right at 15 years is a borderline case: check with your clearing agent.
• Ghana's pre-shipment inspection is on hold The Ghana Standards Authority suspended the pre-shipment inspection (Certificate of Conformity) on 5 Oct 2026; a new start date is to be announced. The age and damage rules still apply. Check with your clearing agent before shipping.
• Ghana also refuses right-hand-drive and mph-only cars GS 4510 also refuses cars that were right-hand drive from the factory, cars assembled from parts, and cars without a km/h speedometer. Some US cars show mph only; ask your clearing agent whether a switchable display passes.
• Ghana's salvage-car ban is law but not enforced The Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 bans importing salvaged cars (damaged and without a clean title). The government suspended enforcement in 2020 and no 2026 report says it's back, but it could return: check with your clearing agent.