Shipping to and from Ghana

Limark in Ghana

Connecting Ghana across Africa and beyond

Providing you with expert navigation of Ghana’s trade lanes, connecting commodities to markets across Africa and beyond.

As a leading Ghanaian shipping provider, we leverage our extensive network and deep local knowledge to ensure seamless cargo movement. Our expertise spans the export of key Ghanaian commodities, like cocoa, gold, timber, and manufactured goods, to destinations across Africa and beyond.

We recognize Ghana’s position as a vital import hub, facilitating the flow of raw materials, machinery, and consumer goods from around the world. Limark Ghana ensures reliable on-forwarding of these imports throughout the country for seamless integration into the Ghanaian market.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Ghana requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Counterfeit goods and pirated copyrighted materials
Pornographic and immoral materials
Materials promoting racism or religious insults
Hazardous and toxic waste
Used undergarments and clothing
Refined petroleum products require a special permit

Restricted imports requiring Permits/approvals

Meat and poultry products (from Veterinary Services)
Plant seeds, grains, and produce (from Plant Protection & Regulatory Services)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives (from National Security agencies)
Communication equipment (from National Communications Authority)
Some food/beverage items may require approval from the Food & Drugs Authority

Relevant agencies

Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Food and Drugs Authority
Environmental Protection Agency
National Security Council
National Communications Authority

Demurrage and detention

Free time for import containers

Tema port: 7 calendar days free
Takoradi port: 5 working days free
Airport Cargo: 3 calendar days free

Demurrage charges (after free time)

20′ Containers: $30-40 per day
40′ Containers: $50-70 per day
Reefer Containers: $70-100 per day

Detention charges (per day for late container return)

20′ Dry: $20-30/day
40′ Dry: $30-50/day
20′ Reefer: $50-70/day
40′ Reefer: $70-100/day

Long-term storage

Outside terminals, rates $100-200/20′, $150-300/40′ per month

Calculation methods

Free time calculated from container discharge
Charges accrue per calendar day until removal
Merchants can apply for a waiver in exceptional cases

Required import documentation

The following documents are required for all commercial imports to Ghana:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Transport Document (Bill of Lading/Airway Bill)
Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Additional documents required based on the product

Certificate of Origin
Import Permit/License (for restricted items)
Inspection Certificates (for some products)

Other special certificates like

Phytosanitary Certificate (plants/agriculture)
Sanitary/Health Certificate (animal products)
Free Sale Certificate (food/pharma)
Radiation Certificate (some products)
Certificate of Conformity/Analysis (manufactured goods)

Commercial invoice requirements

Names and addresses of buyer/seller
Detailed description of goods (commercial names, grades, quantities)
Unit prices and total invoice amount
Incoterms and payment details
Currency used
Signed/stamped by the issuing company

Packing List requirements

Detailed list of contents in each package
Package identifiers (box, crate numbers)
Descriptions, quantities, weights, measurements

Transport docs like Bill of Lading must show:

Sender, Receiver, Notify Party details
Port of loading and discharge
Cargo description (total packages, gross weight)
Container numbers

Import licenses and permits

Obtaining an import license

Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN) with Registrar General’s Dept.
Register with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as an importer
Submit application with required documents to GRA
General Import License issued (valid 6-12 months, renewable)

Additional permits are required for regulated products:

Food/Beverage Imports

Apply to Food and Drugs Authority with samples, test reports, ingredients
FDA evaluates and issues permit if approved (valid 3 years)

Pharmaceutical/Drug imports

Obtain Certificate of Registration for product from FDA
Apply for Import Permit listing approved quantities/shipments

Agrochemical/Seed Imports

Submit samples to Plant Protection & Regulatory Services Directorate
Permit issued after evaluation and registration of product (valid 2 years)

Arms/Ammunition imports

Approval required from National Security agencies
End user certificates, licenses, import details required

Permit fees vary from $50 – $1,000+ based on product type and values.

Renewal requires updating documents/registrations.

Customs clearance procedures

The customs clearance process is as follows

Submit all required documents to Customs at least 48 hours before cargo arrival
- Commercial invoice, packing list, import declaration form
- Any special certificates/permits for regulated goods
Pay all applicable duties, taxes, and fees to Customs in advance
- Import duties (rates from 0% – 35% based on product)
- Value Added Tax of 17.5%
- ECOWAS Trade Levy of 0.5%
- EDIF of 0.5%
- Inspection fees (1% CIF value), etc.
Physical inspection/examination by Customs officers
- Scanning of containers
- Possible sampling/testing of goods
If all requirements are met, Customs issues a Gate Pass for removal
Applicable terminal handling charges paid to the port/terminal
For restricted items, import permits must be approved before clearance

Port/Terminal operations

Sea ports

Tema port

Largest, 4 container terminals (Meridian, Tema, MPS, GRINDROD)
Documentation cut-off 48 hours prior to arrival
Free storage for 7 days, then charges apply
Primarily handles containers, some breakbulk

Takoradi port

2nd largest port primarily exports bulk cargo (cocoa, minerals)
Documentation cut-off 72 hours prior
Free time 5 working days
Limited container handling capabilities

Air cargo

Kotoka International Airport (Accra)

Dedicated air cargo terminal
Cut-off 4 hours prior to arrival
Free storage period of 3 calendar days
Cold storage and dangerous goods acceptance

Additional points

All ports have full container yards, scanning, weighbridges
Working hours 8 AM – 5 PM weekdays, shorter Saturdays
Late gate charges apply after business hours
Availability of port handling equipment/labor should be confirmed
Third-party off-dock storage options available near terminals

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring export Licenses

Cocoa beans and cocoa products
Cashew nuts, shea nuts, other edible nuts
Timber and wood products
Precious minerals – gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite
Wild fauna and flora species covered under CITES
Industrial chemicals and ozone-depleting substances
Petroleum products including crude oil, refined fuels
Ferrous waste, scrap metal, aluminum scrap

Prohibited exports (per Customs Act)

Logs and lumber from natural forests
Unprocessed mineral ores and concentrates
Archaeological/cultural artifacts and antiquities
Toxic and hazardous waste
Illegal narcotics and psychotropic substances

Restricted products requiring permits

Arms, ammunition and explosives
Radioactive materials
Meat, dairy, and animal products may need health certificates

Relevant authorities

Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division
Ghana Export Promotion Authority
Forestry Commission (wood/timber permits)
Minerals Commission (mineral export approval)
Environmental Protection Agency
Narcotics Control Board

Customs and documentation

Required documents
Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Transport Document (Bill of Lading/Airway Bill)
Export Declaration Form (from Customs)
Export Permit/License (restricted products)
Certificate of Origin
Inspection Certificates (as required)
Special Certificates (phytosanitary, fumigation, CITES permits, etc.)

Commercial Invoices must show

Full product description, HS codes, quantities
Transaction values and currency
Terms of sale/Incoterms
Seller/Exporter and Buyer/Consignee details
Packing List shows packaging details like markings, weights, and measurements.

Export declaration process

Obtain Tax Identification Number and register as Exporter
Submit export declaration with documents to Customs a minimum of 48 hours before shipment
Pay any duties, taxes, fees levied on the export
Goods go through Customs examination – scanning, inspection, weighing
If compliant, Customs issues an Export Exit Note allowing the removal

Special certificates are critical for regulated products like:

Certificate of Origin showing country of origin/manufacture
Phytosanitary/Health Certs for plant, agriculture, and animal products
CITES Permits for endangered species
Fumigation/Treatment Certs for some agriculture exports
EUR1 Movement Certificate for exports to the EU

Terminal/Port operations

Tema port

Ghana’s largest port, 4 main container terminals
Handles approx. 70% of Ghana’s exports
Documentation cut-off at least 48 hours prior to loading
Free container storage usually 5-7 days before charges

Takoradi port

Primarily for bulk cargo like cocoa beans, manganese, bauxite
More limited container handling capabilities
Kotoka International Airport (Accra)
The main airport for air freight exports
Cut-off time 4 hours prior to departure
Cold storage and dangerous goods acceptance

All ports have designated cargo handling areas, scanning equipment, container yards, and storage facilities. Normal operating hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Cargo Handling and Fees

Return of empty containers

Most shipping lines allow 10-14 calendar days free time
If late, detention charges around $30/20′ and $50-80/40′ per day
Possibility to extend the return period for a fee

Export duties and taxes

Export duties are removed on most products except 20% on high-value woods like air-dried billon
0.5% ECOWAS Trade Levy
0.5% EDIF processing fee
0.4% EXIM levy on non-traditional exports
12.5% VAT exemption for exports with proper documentation

Terminal handling charges

$75-150 per container for export handling
Additional charges for stuffing, weighing, scanning
Special handling fees for reefer containers or ODC cargoes

Security deposits or bonds required by some shipping lines, refundable after equipment return.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Ghana

Navigating Ghana’s complex trade regulations can be a challenge. Non-compliance often leads to costly delays and penalties. Simplify your Ghanaian trade operations with Limark Forwarding. Our extensive expertise in cross-border logistics ensures seamless, compliant cargo movements from origin to the final destination.

We understand that reliable, predictable shipping is the backbone of your success. With a proven track record of on-time deliveries in Ghana, Limark guarantees peace of mind. Our dedicated team manages every step – from customs clearance to inland transportation – with precision. Contact us today and experience the Limark difference in Ghanaian trade.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Ghana. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.