Ghana flag Ghana: Buying and Selling

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
 

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

 
For Further Information
GRA
Ghana Trade Portal
Business Portal for Africa

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Latest Update: March 2024

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