Importing a vehicle into Ghana

VEHICLE IMPORTAION & CLEARING

Importing a vehicle involves the process of purchasing, shipping, and clearing the vehicle once it arrives in the country. When purchasing and shipping a vehicle, all relevant documentation must be kept properly to ensure a smooth clearance process. The documents required for clearing imported goods in Ghana one must be in possession of before or at the time the imported vehicle arrives at the ports of Ghana to facilitate the clearing process are:

Industry.

Ghana (Non-Citizen’s) card pin (if you have any).

Ghana Customs Division.

Submit declaration in Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) front end by the clearing agent which must include all the above requirements before or after the arrival of the goods. The duty likely to be paid on an imported vehicle can be checked in ICUMS using the Chassis number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Model, Year and Make. The ICUMS will process the declaration in the following stages:

Pay duties and taxes at the participating banks if the declaration is successfully processed through the ICUMS using the tax bill generated. This is done by the Clearing Agent and the duty to be paid is dependent on the cost of the vehicle, and rates specified for the vehicle. The clearing agent will calculate the applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees based on the vehicle's value, age, and other factors. The importer or agent must pay these fees at the designated customs office. The vehicle will undergo inspection by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The DVLA will verify the vehicle's roadworthiness, check the chassis and engine numbers, and confirm compliance with local standards and regulations. After the inspection, the customs officer will issue a Customs Release Order (CRO) if the vehicle meets all requirements. The CRO allows the vehicle to proceed to the designated vehicle examination bay for further inspection. The importer may need to pay additional charges, such as handling and storage fees, to the port authorities or terminal operators. Once the vehicle passes the examination and all fees are paid, the importer can obtain the vehicle registration and license plate from the DVLA. Vehicle Duty Calculation The first purchase price, which is the manufacturer’s price at the time the car was manufactured is needed for Vehicle Duty Calculation. It will attract an extra 50% depreciation after which it will come down to Free on Board (FOB). The current exchange rate is then applied before the freight and insurance are considered. Primary charges: These are the varied charges that form the sum of tax liability to vehicle importers for different types of vehicles. Third Party Charges. These include:

it is in the terminal.

Dispensation for Right - Hand Steering Vehicles: Per Customs laws, right- hand steering vehicles are not allowed into the country but there is a policy dispensation allowing for some consideration upon importer application, a Page2 right only the Minister of Trade reserves. After all processes have been followed through at the port, Customs ensures Right-hand steering vehicles are dismantled, awaiting subsequent Left-hand refit before they can fully ply our roads. Restricted Vehicles: These are vehicles which are only imported by specialized institutions be it government or private: Armored Vehicles – Ghana Armed Forces, Ambulances – Hospitals or Government of Ghana, Hearses – Funeral homes, Fire tankers/trucks – Ghana National Fire Service. Please Note: It is vital for vehicle importers to make the needed enquiries with relevant parties before they carry on any importation of vehicle(s) to prevent difficulties in meeting all the clearing requirements at the ports of Ghana. Once a consignee has the Title and Bill of Lading of the vehicle, they can pay duty before it arrives at the port. No one is exempted from payment of duties except the President of the Republic of Ghana, state institutions, and diplomatic missions. In cases where a vehicle must be sold by any of the aforementioned to an individual or private company, duties have to be paid before the change of ownership is made. Note: It is important to consult with a licensed customs clearing agent and stay updated with the latest regulations and procedures from the Ghana Customs Division for accurate and specific guidance on clearing your vehicle at a port in Ghana.

• Original waybill or Bill of Lading
• Attested invoice
• Packing list
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) from Ghana’s Ministry of Trade &
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from Ghana Customs Division or
• Customs classification and valuation report (CCVR) obtained from the
• Insurance certificat.
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Import and Excise duty payment receipt.
• Classification
• Valuation
• Approval
• Local shipping line charges paid to the carrier.
• Terminal handling charges
• Safe bond terminal handling charges (optional) rent for the car whilst
• Trade number plate (GH₵154 (subject to change))
• Clearing Agent charges

EXTERNAL LINKS

(ICUMS)

External Links (QR codes vers L3)

• Vehicle Importation Custom Agent to Ghana Shippers Integrated Customs
• with GRA assist you Authority Management System