Import rules, taxes and what happens next
Plain answers about bringing a vehicle into Ghana — the rules, the taxes that make up duty, and the steps after you pay.
Ghana's vehicle import rules
Who can import a vehicle into Ghana?+
Any individual or business can import a vehicle. You will need a clearing agent or the ability to work through the Ghana Revenue Authority's ICUMS system at the port, plus the vehicle's documents: the bill of lading, the original title or registration from the country of export, and the purchase invoice.
Is there an age limit on imported vehicles?+
Yes. Ghana applies an overage penalty on vehicles older than 10 years from their year of manufacture. The older the vehicle beyond that point, the higher the penalty charged on top of the normal duty. Very old vehicles can attract a substantial penalty, so always check the manufacture year before buying abroad.
Are right-hand drive vehicles allowed?+
No. Ghana drives on the right, and right-hand drive vehicles are generally not permitted for normal road use. Buy left-hand drive vehicles for import.
What documents do I need before the car ships?+
At minimum: the purchase invoice or receipt, the original title/logbook from the exporting country, the bill of lading from the shipping line, and your identification (Ghana Card or passport). Your clearing agent will also need an Import Declaration Form filed through ICUMS.
The taxes that make up duty
What charges make up the total duty?+
Import duty on a used vehicle is not one tax. It is a combination calculated on the vehicle's assessed value: import duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), the Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy (GETFund Levy), the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, and the ECOWAS and AU levies where applicable, plus any overage penalty. Processing and examination fees at the port are separate.
How does Customs decide the value of my car?+
Ghana Customs uses its own assessed value for the vehicle's make, model and year — not necessarily the price you paid. This is why the duty on two similar cars can differ, and why the price on your invoice does not by itself determine the duty.
How can I check the duty before I buy?+
Use the official GRA ICUMS Used Vehicle Duty Calculator. Enter the vehicle's details there to see the current assessment. Our Check Car Duty page links you straight to it.
Are the figures on Car Deals an official assessment?+
No. Car Deals does not calculate or quote duty. Only the Ghana Revenue Authority's ICUMS system and Ghana Customs produce an official assessment. Any figure you see elsewhere is an estimate, not a binding amount.
After the duty is paid
What happens once I pay the duty?+
Customs examines the vehicle against the declared details, then issues a release. Your clearing agent completes the port processes — terminal handling, shipping line release and any scanning or examination — and the vehicle leaves the port.
Is the car road-legal after clearing?+
Not yet. After clearing you must register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), pay the registration fees, and obtain Ghana number plates and a roadworthy certificate before driving it on public roads.
How long does clearing take?+
It varies with the port's workload, how complete your documents are, and whether Customs selects the vehicle for physical examination. Complete, accurate documents filed early are the single biggest factor in a fast clearance.
What if I disagree with the assessed value?+
Raise it with Ghana Customs through your clearing agent. Customs has a valuation review process; keep your purchase invoice and any supporting evidence of the vehicle's condition and price.
Staying safe
How do I avoid duty scams?+
Never pay duty to an individual's personal Mobile Money or bank account. Duty is paid through official GRA channels, and you should receive official receipts. Be careful of anyone promising a 'special rate' far below the ICUMS assessment — under-declaration is an offence that can lead to seizure of the vehicle.
Does Car Deals clear vehicles or handle duty payments?+
No. Car Deals is a marketplace. We connect you to sellers, link you to the official duty calculator, and pass your questions to our team through the duty assistance form. We never collect duty, shipping or clearing fees.
Official Customs assessment
Final duty is determined by Ghana Customs. Car Deals does not issue Customs assessments, collect import duty or guarantee the calculator’s results.
Rules and rates can change. Always confirm the current position with the Ghana Revenue Authority or a licensed clearing agent before you buy.