Shipping to Ghana: Customs, transit time and import costs
From Germany to Accra and Tema: How to properly prepare business shipments
Ghana is one of the economically important markets in West Africa and is of particular interest to German companies in terms of machinery, technology, vehicle parts and industrial equipment.
- Shipping from Germany to Ghana
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Compare carriers and shipping costs
- International shipment tracking
- Use EU customs preferences
- Consider ICUMS customs clearance
- Plan for VAT rules applicable in 2026
- Solutions for regular B2B shipments
10.000+
Shipments / Month
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< 2 seconds
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Up to 80%
günstiger
Ghana rewards meticulous shipping preparation
For a smooth import process, the value of the goods, their origin, product description, and the correct [information/documentation] should be provided. Customs tariff number or HS code be determined before booking.
Especially with products of European origin, it is also worth checking for possible customs preferences.
REX applies to goods originating in the EU
For EU-originating products, preferential treatment over Ghana is proven by a declaration of origin. For values up to €6.000, this can generally be issued by any exporter. For higher values, an exporter registered in the REX system is required.
ICUMS is part of the import processing system.
Ghana processes customs declarations electronically via the Integrated Customs Management System, or ICUMS for short. This system handles, among other things, product classification, customs value, permits, and tax calculation.
Check product standards before shipping
For various food products, electrical appliances, used goods, vehicle parts and other so-called high-risk goods, conformity tests or additional approvals may be required.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Ghana: Who organizes the import?
For business shipments to Ghana, it should be determined who is responsible for local import before collection.
For DAP The seller organizes transport to the agreed destination. The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance, customs duties, VAT, and other costs.
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations.
DDP should be thoroughly examined in Ghana beforehand.
The following items are required for customs clearance, among others:
- on account
- Packing List
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
- Import Declaration Form
- Ghanaian tax or identification number of the importer
- Product approvals (if applicable)
The customs declaration is then processed via ICUMS.
You can find more information about the delivery terms at DAP and DDP for international shipping.
What are the customs duties in Ghana?
Ghana uses the common external tariff of the West African ECOWAS states.
The system consists of five main stages:
- 0% for certain basic social goods
- 5% for basic materials, certain raw materials and capital goods
- 10% for intermediate and semi-finished products
- 20% for numerous finished and consumer goods
- 35% for certain specially protected product groups
The applicable rate is determined by the specific customs tariff number.
Additional import duties may apply depending on the product.
Ghana, for example, levies additional regional or national fees and charges besides the actual import duty.
Therefore, one should not simply calculate for a specific product using an average customs duty rate.
We explain the correct classification below. HS code and customs tariff number.
What is the VAT rate for imports into Ghana?
Since 1 January 2026 A reformed VAT system is in place in Ghana.
The actual VAT rate remains:
15% VAT
The following will also be collected:
- 2,5% National Health Insurance Levy, NHIL
- 2,5% Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy, GETFund
This means that the combined load on the corresponding design basis is generally 20 percent.
The previous COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, however, has been abolished.
Therefore, the distinction is important:
VAT rate: 15%
VAT + NHIL + GETFund: effective 20%
This structure should be taken into account for DDP calculations.
EU-Ghana agreement: Take advantage of customs benefits with REX
Ghana and the European Union have their own Economic Partnership Agreement.
The so-called Interim Economic Partnership Agreement has been in effect since December 2016.
For goods with preferential EU origin, the agreement may allow reduced import duties or complete duty-free access.
For exports from the EU to Ghana, the origin is determined via a Declaration of origin proven.
The following applies:
- Up to €6.000 originating products: Declaration of origin possible by any exporter.
- Products of origin valued at over €6.000: Declaration of origin by a REX-registered exporter
An EUR.1 certificate is not the intended regular proof for this preferential scheme.
Particularly important:
Goods do not automatically receive EU preferential origin just because they are shipped from Germany.
For example, if a device manufactured entirely in China is merely shipped from a German warehouse, this does not create a European preferential origin.
Sending a package to Ghana: What companies should clarify before pickup
With more than 35 million inhabitants, Ghana is one of the larger markets in West Africa.
The capital city Accra and the neighboring port city Tema form the country's most important economic and logistics center.
Ghana is also interesting for German companies because trade relations have recently grown.
In 2025, German goods exports to Ghana amounted to approximately 372 million euros.
What documents do I need for Ghana?
Various documents are required for a normal commercial import.
This includes in particular:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
- Import Declaration Form
- Importer identification data
- Import permits may be required.
- Proof of origin, if applicable
The Ghana Revenue Authority processes this information electronically via ICUMS.
A commercial invoice should be used for a regular sale of goods.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other non-commercial goods movements, a pro forma invoice may be useful depending on the transaction.
You can find out more at Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice.
What is ICUMS?
ICUMS stands for Integrated Customs Management System.
The electronic system consolidates Ghanaian import processing on a central platform.
This includes, among other things:
- Customs declarations
- Product classifications
- Customs valuations
- Documents
- taxes and expenses
- Risk assessments
processed.
After the data has been submitted, the shipment is assigned to different control routes depending on the risk profile.
This can range from a relatively quick release to scanning or physical inspection.
EasyPASS and conformity assessment
Not all goods can be imported solely with a commercial invoice and HS code.
The Ghana Standards Authority controls various so-called High Risk Goods.
This could include, for example:
- Electrical devices
- Food products
- certain used goods
- Construction materials
- car parts
- Toys
- gas cylinders
- certain chemical products
For affected products, proof of conformity may be useful or necessary even before export.
The EasyPASS program allows eligible products to be inspected before shipment. Upon successful inspection, a Certificate of Conformity is issued.
For goods that fall under relevant Ghanaian product regulations, this question should definitely be clarified before collection.
How long does it take to send a package to Ghana?
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 8 to 14 working days.
Express shipping is significantly faster.
DHL Express Worldwide currently quotes approximately [number] for key destinations in Ghana 3 business days.
The durations given are for guidance only.
Customs checks, missing documents, or a destination outside the Accra/Tema region may delay delivery.
Address and product description in English
English is an official language in Ghana.
DHL therefore also calls English as a permitted language for the customs declaration.
A description should be as specific as possible.
Instead of:
“Machine Parts”
better:
“Aluminum drive housing for industrial packaging machine”
This makes it much easier to identify the material, function, and product type.
Compare shipping costs to Ghana
The shipping price depends on the specific shipment.
The following are particularly relevant:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- destination
- Shipping speed
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Businesses can compare available shipping options.
These mistakes make importing to Ghana unnecessarily complicated.
Fast international transit times are of little use if the goods then get stuck in the customs process due to missing documents.
Typical problems include:
- general product description
- incorrect customs tariff number
- incomplete commercial invoice
- Missing REX certificate for preferential goods over 6.000 euros
- EU origin incorrectly assumed
- missing product approvals
- EasyPASS or conformity assessment not taken into account
- incomplete data from the importer
Especially with food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances and used products, import eligibility should be checked before shipping.
Ghana also prohibits or restricts various products. These include, for example, certain pharmaceuticals, specific used hygiene products, used LPG bottles, hazardous waste, and other regulated goods.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Ghana?
Trade in goods between Germany and Ghana has grown significantly recently.
In 2025, Germany exported goods worth approximately EUR 372 million to Ghana. Compared to 2024, this represented an increase of almost 24 percent.
The following product groups are of particular interest to German companies:
- Machinery and equipment
- Machine spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Tools
- car parts
- Measurement and testing technology
- Medical Technology
- Solar and energy technology
- industrielle Bedarf
Although Ghana has a growing industrial sector, it continues to import numerous investment, intermediate, and consumer goods.
You can find more international shipping destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Ghana
When is express shipping to Ghana worthwhile?
In Ghana, the difference between Standard and Express is significant.
For less time-critical business goods, a traditional parcel service may be sufficient.
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of 8 to 14 working days.
For urgently needed spare parts, technical components or production materials, a Express shipping to Ghana be useful.
For major destinations, DHL Express currently delivers within approximately three working days.
For multiple heavy packages or larger goods, additionally... Pallet shipping and individual freight solutions are possible.
You can find all the options at international shipping methods.
Tema, Accra and Takoradi: How do goods get to Ghana?
Accra International Airport is an important access point for parcel and express shipments.
Larger quantities of goods reach Ghana predominantly by sea.
Two ports play a particularly important role in this:
- Topic on
- Takoradi
Tema is the country's largest port and is located about 30 kilometers from Accra.
The Ghanaian port authority states that around 85 percent of foreign trade is handled through the ports of Tema and Takoradi.
Tema is an important location for:
- Container traffic
- RoRo traffic
- General cargo
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Transit traffic to West Africa
For larger machines, systems, or extensive deliveries, a individual freight solution be useful.
What are the import costs in Ghana?
Import costs do not consist of just a single customs duty.
Depending on the goods, the following may occur, among other things:
- 0 to 35% import duty
- 15% VAT
- 2,5% NHIL
- 2,5% GET Fund Levy
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- additional customs and clearance charges
- ICUMS or clearing costs
The VAT system has been reformed since January 2026.
VAT, NHIL and GETFund are now calculated on the same basis. This generally results in a combined tax rate of 20 percent for normally taxable sales.
However, the exact import amount depends on the customs tariff number, the value of the goods, their origin, and any applicable exemptions.
General information can be found in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to Ghana cost?
A uniform national price would be of little significance.
A small express parcel to Accra requires a different calculation than a large shipment of goods to Kumasi or Takoradi.
The decisive factors are:
- Weight
- Volumetric weight
- Package dimensions
- Destination address
- Shipping service
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Customs duties, VAT and other Ghanaian import fees may also apply.
Current shipping options can be viewed via the Shipping cost calculator be compared.
Online trade to Ghana: Consider import costs before checkout
Ghana is a growing market for online retailers. However, shipping costs are not comparable to tax-free small orders within the EU.
Depending on the product, several costs can arise during cross-border sales:
- Import duty
- VAT
- NHIL
- GETFund Levy
- Carrier and handling fees
For DAP The buyer generally bears these import costs.
This may result in the recipient having to pay additional amounts before or during delivery.
In case of a possible DDP solution In contrast, the dealer covers the agreed import costs.
Therefore, a realistic landed cost calculation is particularly useful for a transparent checkout process.
You can find more information about the delivery terms at DAP and DDP.
Ghana offers a genuine customs advantage to goods originating in the EU.
Ghana differs significantly from several other West African states on this point.
The country's own Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union has been in use since 2016.
This allows EU-origin products to benefit from reduced customs duties upon import.
Proof is provided via a declaration of origin:
- up to 6.000 euros per exporter
- over 6.000 euros through a REX-registered exporter
For regular exporters, this can mean a significant cost advantage.
The preferential origin should be clearly recorded in the merchandise management system or ERP.
Denn:
Shipments from Germany do not automatically imply origin from Germany or the EU.
This difference is precisely what determines whether Ghana's customs preference can actually be used.
Which carrier is suitable for Ghana?
Ghana has several international express, courier and freight connections.
Which carrier makes sense depends on the specific shipment.
The following should be compared:
- Shipping price
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Weight limits
- Package dimensions
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Target region
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of 8 to 14 working days.
DHL Express Worldwide currently reaches major destinations within approximately three working days.
Paket International allows companies to compare available carriers and shipping services for their specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Ghana?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Ghana. Since Ghana is not part of the EU, complete customs information is required.
How long does it take to send a package to Ghana?
DHL Parcel currently estimates a delivery time of 8 to 14 business days. DHL Express Worldwide requires approximately three business days for major destinations.
What is the value added tax in Ghana?
The standard VAT rate is 15 percent. In addition, 2,5 percent each is levied on NHIL and GETFund Levy. Since January 2026, this has resulted in a combined tax burden of 20 percent on the same tax base.
What are the customs duties in Ghana?
Ghana uses the ECOWAS Common External Tariff with tariff levels of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 35 percent. The specific tariff rate depends on the goods and their tariff code.
Is there a free trade agreement between Ghana and the EU?
Yes. Ghana and the EU have been applying an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement since 2016. This allows goods with preferential EU origin to receive lower tariffs or be duty-free.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Ghana?
For preferential treatment under the EU-Ghana agreement, a declaration of origin is generally required. An EUR.1 certificate is not the standard proof of preferential origin for this procedure.
When do I need a REX number for Ghana?
For consignments of EU-originating products valued at more than €6.000, the declaration of origin must generally be issued by an exporter registered in the EU-REX system. For consignments valued up to €6.000, any exporter can issue the required declaration.
What is ICUMS in Ghana?
ICUMS is the Integrated Customs Management System. This electronic single-window system processes customs declarations, documents, goods classification, customs valuation, and tax payments.
What documents do I need for Ghana?
Typically, a commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill or bill of lading, import declaration form, and importer identification details are required. Depending on the goods, additional permits or certificates may be necessary.
What is EasyPASS Ghana?
EasyPASS is a conformity program for certain regulated goods. It allows for verification of compliance with Ghanaian requirements before shipment. Upon successful verification, a Certificate of Conformity is issued.
Can I ship DDP to Ghana?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) may be possible depending on the carrier, type of goods, and import situation. Before booking, the importer, local customs clearance, taxes, and any necessary product approvals should be clarified.
In which language should I fill out the customs declaration?
DHL specifies English as an acceptable language for the customs declaration to Ghana. The address should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
