Shipping from the USA to Ghana has become more accessible, streamlined, and cost-effective than ever before. Whether you are a Business Trader looking for new opportunities or an individual shipping goods home, this comprehensive guide is tailored to help you understand the entire process.
The Easyship platform makes shipping seamless. See our guide.
This article is an outcome of accumulated desk research we have conducted following numerous appeals from followers. Whether you are a Business Trader looking for new opportunities or a Freight Forwarder keen to learn, we hope this read will be worthwhile for your time too.
The demand for American goods in Ghana is strong and growing. Electronics, clothing, beauty products, auto parts, machinery, and even food items are frequently shipped from the USA to Ghana. Many individuals regularly send items to friends and family back home.
You’ve done everything: from making the decision to move to Ghana, to laying the groundwork to make it happen. You have also secured housing, connected with the right people and planned out how to make your transition smoother. Now, the next step is shipping your belongings to Ghana, making your way across the Atlantic seas.
Read also: Freight Shipping to Nigeria
Whether you’re bringing everything with you or just the necessary stuff, it’s crucial to understand the logistics of shipping to Africa. From selecting the right shipping company to ensuring your belongings are packed securely, there are dos and don’ts that can make or break your big move.
The following guide will help you navigate this process, avoid common mistakes, and give you peace of mind. Following these steps will help you make a successful move to Ghana. Let’s get straight into it.
By understanding the shipping process, you’ll realize it has its pros and cons, which is dependent on your specific needs.
Understanding the Shipping Process
The first thing to know when shipping your belongings to Ghana is that there are a few key options to consider.
Here’s a rundown of the options at your disposal:
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Container Shipping
Container shipping is the most popular choice for people moving large amounts of personal items or even furniture. If you’re shipping a full household or large items like a car, this is the route you’ll likely want to take. There are two types of container shipping: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL).
- FCL: You rent the entire container, which is ideal if you have a lot of items.
- LCL: You share the container with others, which is more cost-effective but might require more time.
Air Freight
Air freight is a great option for a smaller move. It is quicker, and the process is much simpler. While air freight is faster than sea shipping, it’s also more expensive. It’s ideal for valuable items or items you need immediately upon arrival in Ghana.
Door-to-Door Shipping
Many shipping companies offer door-to-door services, where they handle everything from picking up your belongings at your current location to delivering them directly to your new home in Ghana. This option provides the ultimate convenience, though it may come with higher fees.
Choosing the Right Shipping Company
Finding a reliable shipping company is one of the most important steps in the process of shipping your belongings to Ghana. You’ll want a company that has experience with shipments to Ghana, understands the country’s customs procedures, and can guide you through the paperwork.
When researching shipping companies, look for:
Read also: Shipping container costs
- Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from people who have shipped to Ghana recently. If they’ve had a good experience, chances are you will too.
- Customs Knowledge: Shipping to Ghana involves specific customs regulations. The best companies will be familiar with these and can help you navigate them.
- Insurance: While most reputable companies will offer insurance, it’s crucial to confirm this to protect your belongings during transit.
Some well-known shipping companies that serve Ghana include Sifax, DHL, and Maersk, but there are also local companies that specialize in shipments to West Africa, so be sure to shop around.
Customs Requirements and Duties
Once your belongings arrive in Ghana, they’ll go through customs clearance. This process can take a few days, depending on the size of the shipment and the efficiency of the customs officers. Ghana calculates using the CIF method, which means the import duty and taxes are calculated based on the value of the imported goods as well as shipping costs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Invoice and Ownership Documents: Be prepared to show proof that the items belong to you. For valuable goods, you may need to provide receipts or bills of sale.
- Customs Declaration: A detailed inventory of all the items in your shipment will be required. Be as specific as possible to avoid delays.
- Customs Duties: Depending on the value and type of goods you’re bringing, you may be required to pay customs duties. Items like used personal goods are often exempt, but new items or high-value goods may attract fees.
- Returning Residents: If you’re a returning Ghanaian, you may qualify for exemptions or reduced duties under the Returning Residents’ Program. This is something to check with your shipping company or Ghanaian customs before you start the process.
Ghana has a de minimis value on duty & TAX. The standard VAT rate in Ghana is 12.5%. Important information is that the customs declaration is the responsibility of each customer.
The Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) is Ghana’s agency that handles the export and import procedures and regulations.
Currently, instead of asking exporters to declare the cargo and its value, as was the case with CTN, Ghana customs officers use a predetermined list with values as Benchmark for the declared value of cargo.
Tax & duties are calculated on the price of the products and shipping costs.
Tax Threshold: 5 USD
Duty Threshold: 5 USD
Tax (VAT/GST): 15%
Tax Shorts: An overview of the customs bonded warehouse regime in Ghana
Import Duty Product Categories
Shipment items in an order will have relevant duties charged at this rate
| Mobiles | 20% |
| Tablets | 20% |
| Computers | 20% |
| Cameras | 20% |
| Accessories | 20% |
| Accessories (Battery) | 20% |
| Health & Beauty | 20% |
| Fashion | 20% |
| Watches | 20% |
| Jewelry | 6% |
| Pets Accessories | 12% |
| Dry Food & Supplements | 14% |
| Home Appliances | 20% |
| Home Decor | 20% |
| Toys | 20% |
| Sports | 20% |
| Luggage | 20% |
| Audio Video | 20% |
| Documents | 0% |
| Gaming | 6% |
| Books & Collectibles | 1% |
Packing Your Belongings
When shipping your belongings to Ghana, packing is just as important as choosing the right shipping method. Here are a few packing tips to ensure your items make it safely to their destination:
- Label Everything: Make sure every box is clearly labeled with its contents and your contact information.
- Protect Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items like glassware or electronics in plenty of bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
- Create an Inventory List: Having a detailed list of all your items will help with both customs clearance and insurance claims, should anything go wrong.
Pro Tip: If you’re shipping a car, make sure to check whether Ghana requires a vehicle inspection upon arrival. Also, be prepared for any additional paperwork regarding vehicle duties.
Shipping Documentation to Ghana requires a lot of documentation, which can be confusing and time consuming. Easyship generates this paperwork for you automatically based on your shipment's information, making the whole process easy.
Shipping internationally requires a lot of documentation, which can be confusing and time consuming. Easyship generates this paperwork for you automatically based on your shipment's information, making the whole process easy.
Battery Statement, Commercial Invoice, Tax Documents & Shipping labels.
Budgeting for Shipping to Ghana
One of the most important things to consider when shipping your belongings to Ghana is your budget. Shipping costs can vary depending on the size of your shipment, the method you choose, and the company you work with. Here are some common expenses to keep in mind:
- Shipping Fees: Whether you choose sea freight or air freight, there will be a base cost for the shipment itself. Larger shipments will naturally cost more.
- Insurance: You may want to purchase insurance to cover any potential damage or loss during transit. Insurance typically costs between 1% and 3% of the declared value of the goods.
- Customs Fees: As mentioned, customs duties are often a part of shipping to Ghana, and they can vary based on what you’re bringing.
- Delivery Fees: If you opt for door-to-door service, make sure to factor in any extra delivery fees once your belongings reach the country.
It’s a good idea to ask for a full quote upfront from the shipping company, including all possible fees and surcharges, so you’re not caught off guard later.
Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items
Before shipping to Ghana (or any country), it's important to know if there are any special arrangements to make when sending them or even if they are legal at all. Get shipping regulations for Ghana and other countries at Easyship.
Here is a list of prohibited items:
- Alcohol
- Animals
- Chemicals
- Currency
- Drugs
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Fresh Food
- Plants
- Seeds
- Tobacco
The list of restricted items changes frequently, so it's always best to check the official customs page prior to sending your goods.
Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
- Plan Ahead: Shipping your belongings to Ghana can take several weeks, so be sure to start the process early. Waiting until the last minute could result in delays or rushed decisions.
- Stay in Touch with Your Shipping Company: Keep open lines of communication with your shipping company throughout the process. This way, you can stay updated on the status of your shipment and any issues that might arise.
- Use a Trusted Customs Broker: If you’re not familiar with Ghana’s customs procedures, consider using a customs broker to help clear your items more efficiently.
Shipping Options and Costs
Prices for shipping from the US to Ghana are very affordable. For smaller packages, the price starts on dozens of dollars. The estimated postage and delivery time can be calculated using our postage calculator below. The price of the shipping depends mainly on the dimensions of the package, its weight, and the delivery method you choose. We send the packages to Ghana using carriers such as DHL, and FedEx. or U.K. No hidden fees; you only pay for the services you use. The more expensive methods like DHL Worldwide Express, FedEx Priority, and FedEx Economy, are suitable for those that want to enjoy the content of the package as soon as possible.
Shipping Methods
A. Air freight is the fastest way to ship from the USA to Ghana. Pros of air freight include fast delivery-typically within 3 to 7 business days. It's ideal for time-sensitive shipments and offers a safer option for fragile or high-value goods.
B. Sea freight is the go-to option for those shipping larger items, such as furniture, cars, or bulk products. Sea freight is cost-effective for large shipments and has fewer weight restrictions.
Shipping Costs
For example, a small package weighing around 5 pounds shipped via USPS Priority may cost between $60 to $80. A medium-sized box weighing 20 pounds sent via DHL or FedEx could range between $200 and $350.
Shipping Vehicles
Shipping vehicles is a common activity between the USA and Ghana. To import a vehicle, it must generally be less than 10 years old to meet Ghana's eligibility criteria. You’ll need the original vehicle title, a bill of sale, and compliance with EPA and DOT regulations. Vehicle shipping takes about 4 to 6 weeks on average.
Innovation and Digitalization in Shipping
Innovation and digitalization are cornerstones of the shipping and freight industry as well. From autonomous vehicles to drones, to delivery robots, the shipping industry has experienced a drastic change in the past few years. The latest surge in freight demand was only possible because the freight industry embracing technological developments so well.
There are ample cases of technology boosting the maritime shipping industry, but nothing stands out more than the notion of ‘Smart Containers’. The term is used for seaborne freight containers which are equipped with sensors designed to provide real-time tracking of their location and movements. This technology allows shipping lines, customers, government, and security agencies to track the progress of containers anywhere in the world.
The role of technology is as important in the customs management unit as it is in other departments of the supply chain. With this in mind Ghana authorities have developed Integrated Customs Management System called ICUMS. This system has succeeded the Cargo Tracking Note, IDF, CCVR and PAARS systems previously needed to complete any shipment to Ghana.
Once all the documents are received from the Exporter, the Importer needs to approach the customs broker with a license. The ICUMS system calculates how much import duty needs to be paid.
In 2018, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority implemented the Cargo Tracking Note system, urging shippers to submit freight information through the CTN system. The Ghana CTN system is an electronic platform by which pre-arrival cargo information is received in advance. The information is used for planning and the commencement of the pre-clearance process.
Studies conducted by the Authority reveal that shippers paid demurrage over US$75 million in one year. To assist shippers in saving costs and speeding up clearing at the ports, the Authority has initiated the process of deploying the CTN system. In late 2019, Ghana authorities waived the CTN requirement for import shipments. So until further update, you don’t need to apply for a loading certificate.
Implementing ICUMS is triggered by the Standard Authority’s decision to assess whether used cars only through SGS is adequate.
SGS is yet another compulsory document every shipper must have to export into Ghana. Integrated with customs management systems, SGS is designed to support import and export processes. It also facilitates speed up transactions and reduces the costs involved in international trade. A certificate of Conformity is yet another compulsory document that must accompany any shipment to Ghana. This certification also acts as a pre-shipment inspection of goods.
Here is a tip for the exporters. If the goods being exported to Ghana have not been verified with the certificate of conformity, you may present the certificate from the manufacturer. So, you won’t need to bear the additional cost of the inspection while loading the container.
