International convention and customs procedures of Ghana

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

International Economic Cooperation

Member of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Member of African Union (AU)

Member of WTO

Member of Commonwealth of Nations

Non Tariff Barriers

Animal imports require a permit from the Veterinary Head Office. Arms and ammunition legally entering the country require a permit from the Ministry of the interior. Poultry products entering from certain high-risk countries require a permit from Ministries of Trade and Agriculture. Live plants and products require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Rough and uncut diamonds need a licence from the Ministry of Finance.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Customs duty is levied on goods imported into Ghana, at varying rates up to 20%. Special concessionary rates are available to members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Excise duty based on the ex-factory price is levied on certain products. The rates are as follows:

Beer, other than domestic beer and “cider beer”: 10%-47.5%
Tobacco products (cigarettes and cigars): 150%
Water, including mineral water and distilled water: 17.5%
Malt drinks: 7.5%- 17.5%
Spirits (other than for use solely in laboratories or in the compounding of drugs): 10%-25%
Plastic and plastic products: 10%
Cider beer: 17.5%

Customs Classification

Ghana is a member of the World Customs Organisation and complies with the harmonised customs system.

Import Procedures

The following documents are required for goods entering Ghana:

Bill of lading;
Certificate of origin;
Commercial invoice;
Customs Packing list;
Insurance bond;
Import declaration; and
Technical standard/health certificate

The clearance and shipping of goods are processed through a single-window portal called GC-Net. Additional procedures apply to rice, medicine, auto spare vehicle and vegetable oil imports.

Importing Samples

Goods that are considered "high risk" by Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) cannot be imported until their samples have been tested to the applicable standard and found to have satisfied the requirement. These goods include:

Food Products
Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Medical Devises
Alcoholic and nonalcoholic products
Chemicals and Allied Products
Petroleum Products
Electrical Appliances
Electrical products: e.g. bulbs, switches, sockets, Cables, etc
Electrical cables
Electronic products
Building Materials
African Textile Prints
Used Goods: e.g. Secondhand clothing
Pyrotechnic products
Motor Vehicle Batteries
Vehicle Spare Parts
Industrial machinery
Arms and Ammunitions
Machetes and Cutlass
LPG cylinders and accessories
Toys