Export Cars to Ghana
UK Car Export ships premium vehicles from the UK to Ghana. We handle Tema port customs clearance, DVLA export documentation and end-to-end freight logistics for Accra and beyond.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Ghana
Ghana has a well-established vehicle import market with Tema Port being the main entry point. Imports are regulated by the Ghana Revenue Authority. Vehicles must comply with roadworthiness standards and age restrictions apply to certain vehicle categories.
UK Car Source handles the entire export process including vehicle sourcing, documentation, sea freight and customs support. RoRo shipping is the most common and cost-effective method to Ghana.
| Driving Side | Right-hand traffic — UK RHD vehicles widely accepted and imported |
| Transit Time | 4–5 weeks (sea freight) |
| Main Port | Tema Port, Accra |
| Currency | Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) |
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 20% of CIF value |
| VAT | 15% (standard rate) |
| NHIL | 2.5% (National Health Insurance Levy) |
| GETFL | 2.5% (Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy) |
| Special Import Levy | 2% |
| ECOWAS Levy | 0.5% |
| Total Effective Rate | Typically 42–50% of CIF value |
| Age Restriction | Maximum 10 years from manufacture |
| Clearance Body | CEPS (Customs Excise and Preventive Service) via ICUMS system |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Tema Port (near Accra) is Ghana's main deep-water port and the primary vehicle import hub, operated by Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). The port has modern facilities including RoRo and container terminals with a dedicated Vehicle Inspection and Clearing Terminal (VICT).
Ghana Customs processes clearance through the ICUMS system — electronic pre-arrival submission is required. Typical clearance takes 7–14 working days. Takoradi Port (secondary) handles some imports for western Ghana. Budget for destination inspection by an approved agency (GIS). A freight forwarding agent with Ghana experience is strongly recommended.
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
16–22 days sea freight to Tema Port
Customs Clearance at Destination
7–14 working days via ICUMS system
Total Estimated Process
6–11 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Local Market Advice
Accra is the primary market. The Ghanaian prestige vehicle market is growing rapidly, driven by the oil and gas sector in Takoradi and remittances from the diaspora. UK-sourced vehicles are respected for quality. 4WDs dominate outside Accra — Accra city traffic is severe and fuel efficiency matters.
Diaspora buyers often source via UK agents when visiting or returning home. Parts availability is best for Toyota; European brands are available through authorised dealers in Accra. White and silver are the preferred colours. The market has a strong preference for automatic transmission — manual gearbox vehicles are harder to sell.
Most Popular Vehicles
Ghana is West Africa's most accessible vehicle import market for UK exporters, thanks to its English-speaking population, stable governance, and relatively transparent customs procedures. The Toyota Land Cruiser is the country's most desirable prestige 4WD — both the 200 Series (luxury) and 70 Series (working) are in demand across different buyer segments. Accra's growing upper-middle class favours the 200 Series in Executive or Sahara trim, while NGOs and agricultural businesses operating outside the capital use the 70 Series and Prado 150. UK-sourced examples with verifiable service histories command a premium over Japanese grey imports.
The Land Rover Defender has a strong following in Ghana, particularly among returnee diaspora from the UK who have brand familiarity. Range Rover Sport is popular among Accra's business elite and is regularly seen in East Legon and Cantonments. Toyota Hilux serves the light commercial segment. Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage have been gaining market share as affordable alternatives for buyers who don't need serious off-road capability. Ghana's 10-year age limit — one of the most lenient in West Africa — makes the UK market particularly appealing, as quality vehicles from 2015–2019 are fully eligible.
| Top Seller | Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series / Prado) |
| Runner Up | Range Rover Sport / Land Rover Defender |
| Prestige Choice | Range Rover Autobiography |
| Budget Pick | Toyota Hilux / Hyundai Tucson |
Common Questions
How does Ghana's ICUMS customs system work at Tema Port?
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) uses the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) for all import declarations at Tema Port — the main vehicle import gateway near Accra. All documents (Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, V5C/title) must be lodged electronically through ICUMS before vessel arrival. GRA assigns a customs examiner who conducts a physical inspection against the declaration. Duty is calculated on the CIF value using Ghana's harmonised tariff schedule. Tema Port has seen significant improvements in processing speed since ICUMS implementation, with clearance typically completed in 7–14 working days.
What vehicles qualify under Ghana's 10-year age limit?
Ghana Revenue Authority enforces a 10-year age limit from year of manufacture. In 2025, vehicles from 2015 qualify; in 2026, from 2016. This is more lenient than most West African neighbours and makes Ghana an attractive destination for well-maintained UK vehicles from the 2015–2019 period. A 2016 Range Rover Sport, 2017 Land Cruiser 200 Series or 2018 Defender (Td5/Puma) are all currently eligible. The 10-year window also makes Ghana suitable for buyers who want premium specification at a lower purchase price than newer models require.
What does import duty look like for a typical UK vehicle into Ghana?
Ghana applies import duty at 20% of CIF value for most used vehicles, plus a 12.5% VAT, a 2.5% NHIL (National Health Insurance Levy), a 1% GETFUND levy, and various handling charges. Total effective tax burden is typically 38–45% of CIF value depending on engine classification. Additionally, GRA requires a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) certificate from an approved inspection body in the UK — we arrange this as part of our standard export service, ensuring your vehicle meets Ghana's roadworthiness requirements before it leaves the UK.
Ready to Export to Ghana?
Contact our specialist export team today. We handle everything from vehicle sourcing through to delivery at your destination.