How do you import a car from Japan to Ghana, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Ghana charges an engine-based import duty (5% up to 1500cc, 10% for 1500-2500cc, 20% above 2500cc), plus roughly 6% of CIF in NHIL/GETFund/ECOWAS and other levies, plus 15% VAT on the built-up value. Vehicles over 10 years old also attract a graduated over-age penalty.
Car import duty calculator for Ghana
Ghana prohibits the import of vehicles built with right-hand drive (Customs Act 2015, Act 891), and the Ghana Standards Authority enforces this at Tema. Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive and we do not convert steering, so only the few left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions can be sourced for Ghana.
Ghana is one of West Africa's most active markets for used Japanese cars, and Tema — its deep-water gateway near Accra — handles a steady flow of vehicles from Japan every month. The key rule to know: cars over 10 years old attract an overage penalty on top of standard duty, so a newer vehicle typically clears cheaper and arrives with less paperwork friction. On the cost side, Ghana layers its taxes — roughly 20% import duty, 15% VAT and additional levies of about 6.1% on the imported value — and customs valuation is handled through GRA/ICUMS rather than your purchase price.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Ghana?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- Used vehicles over 10 years attract overage penalty; age affects valuation and penalties.
- Inspection
- GRA/ICUMS customs valuation
- Entry ports
- Tema
How do you import a car from Japan to Ghana, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used vehicles over 10 years attract overage penalty; age affects valuation and penalties. Ghana prohibits the import of vehicles built with right-hand drive (Customs Act 2015, Act 891), and the Ghana Standards Authority enforces this at Tema.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Ghana.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Ghana: GRA/ICUMS customs valuation.
Ship to Tema
Cars from Japan arrive at Tema. Sea transit is about 34–46 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Import duty, NHIL, GETFund, ECOWAS & other levies and VAT; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Ghana's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Ghana charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (engine cc) | 5%–20% by engine size | CIF value |
| NHIL, GETFund, ECOWAS & other levies | 6.1% | CIF value |
| VAT | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty (engine cc)
Rate: 5% up to 1,500 cc; 10% up to 2,500 cc; 20% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
NHIL, GETFund, ECOWAS & other levies
Rate: 6.1%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Ghana applies approximately 20% import duty, 15% VAT and additional levies totalling around 6.1% — all calculated on the customs-assessed value (CIF). Vehicles older than 10 years attract an additional overage penalty, which is why a newer car from Japan often works out cheaper to clear even if its purchase price is a little higher. Ghana's GRA/ICUMS uses its own valuation schedule rather than the invoice amount, so the final tax bill can shift by make, model and year.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Ghana?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tema | RoRo or container | 34–46 | US$2,800 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Ghana?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Ghana?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tema | Tema | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Accra | Tema | US$120 | US$150 | 1 |
| Kumasi | Tema | US$210 | US$260 | 2 |
| Takoradi | Tema | US$210 | US$260 | 2 |
| Tamale | Tema | US$320 | US$400 | 3 |
| Cape Coast | Tema | US$180 | US$220 | 2 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an age limit for importing a car from Japan to Ghana?
- There is no hard ban on older vehicles, but Ghana applies an overage penalty on cars more than 10 years old from their year of manufacture. In 2026 that means vehicles built before 2016 face extra charges at Tema — so a newer Japanese car often works out cheaper once duty is included.
- How much does it cost in total to import a car from Japan to Ghana?
- The tax stack runs approximately 20% import duty, 15% VAT and 6.1% in additional levies on the customs value, plus an overage penalty if the car exceeds 10 years.
- Which port does my car arrive at in Ghana?
- Virtually all Japanese vehicles clear through the Port of Tema, which sits about 25 km east of Accra. It is Ghana's main container and vehicle terminal.
- How long does shipping from Japan to Ghana take?
- Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Tema typically takes several weeks.
Car import duty calculator for Ghana
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.