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.

Does Ghana allow right-hand-drive Japanese cars?

Yes. Ghana accepts both right- and left-hand-drive vehicles, which means the full range of Japanese domestic-market stock — predominantly right-hand drive — is available to Ghanaian buyers without restriction.

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. Together with the purchase price and shipping, we quote the full landed cost before you commit — no surprises at Tema.

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, and our team handles all clearing there on your behalf.

How long does shipping from Japan to Ghana take?

Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Tema typically takes several weeks. We give you the exact sailing schedule and container tracking once the vehicle is booked, then manage customs clearance on arrival.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Ghana

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

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 country accepts both right- and left-hand-drive vehicles, which means the full breadth of Japanese auction stock is available to Ghanaian buyers. 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. Because the exact levy stack depends on engine size, fuel type and the vehicle's age, we run a full cost breakdown before you commit. Our licensed team sources the car at Japanese USS auction, arranges pre-shipment inspection and handles clearing at Tema, so you receive a single landed-cost number.

Main ports: Tema
Import age rule: Used vehicles over 10 years attract overage penalty; age affects valuation and penalties.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: 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.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Ghana

Choose a Ghana-ready car
Tell us your budget, preferred body type and whether you need right- or left-hand drive. Ghana accepts both, so we can shortlist cars across the full Japanese domestic market. We flag any vehicle likely to trigger the overage penalty before you commit.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team locates the car, reads its auction sheet and grade, and confirms real condition — including mileage, bodywork score and mechanical notes — before anyone spends a cent.
Pre-shipment inspection
Ghana customs requires evidence of vehicle condition before clearance. We arrange a pre-shipment inspection in Japan and keep the certificate with the export documents.
Ocean shipping to Tema
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of Tema, Ghana's main vehicle entry point. We send you the sailing schedule and container tracking.
Duty and clearing at Tema
On arrival our team works with the GRA/ICUMS valuation process, pays the import duty, VAT and levies, and clears the vehicle through the port — including any overage assessment if the car is older than 10 years.
Inland delivery to your city
Once cleared, the car is transported from Tema to Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Tamale or wherever you are. We quote the delivery cost upfront.

Import duties & taxes in Ghana explained

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. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Ghana

Toyota Corolla Axio
A practical family sedan with a frugal engine, strong parts availability in Accra and excellent resale — a safe and sensible choice for most Ghanaian buyers.
See prices
Honda Fit
A compact, fuel-efficient hatchback with petrol and hybrid options, ideal for navigating Accra traffic while keeping running costs low.
See prices
Toyota Probox
The go-to workhorse for traders and small fleets — tough, cheap to run and holds its value well on Ghana's mix of paved and unpaved roads.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished budget hatchback with a stylish cabin for its price bracket and a small engine that keeps the duty bill manageable.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, economical and easy to service, with a low acquisition cost and strong demand on the Ghanaian used-car market when buyers are ready to sell.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Ghana

Tema — You are at the port, so local delivery for a sedan adds only about $100.
Accra — Delivery from Tema to Accra adds roughly $120 for a sedan.
Cape Coast — Delivery from Tema to Cape Coast adds roughly $180 for a sedan.
Kumasi — Delivery from Tema to Kumasi adds roughly $210 for a sedan.
Takoradi — Delivery from Tema to Takoradi adds roughly $210 for a sedan.
Tamale — Delivery from Tema to Tamale adds roughly $320 for a sedan.

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.
Does Ghana allow right-hand-drive Japanese cars?: Yes. Ghana accepts both right- and left-hand-drive vehicles, which means the full range of Japanese domestic-market stock — predominantly right-hand drive — is available to Ghanaian buyers without restriction.
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. Together with the purchase price and shipping, we quote the full landed cost before you commit — no surprises at Tema.
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, and our team handles all clearing there on your behalf.
How long does shipping from Japan to Ghana take?: Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Tema typically takes several weeks. We give you the exact sailing schedule and container tracking once the vehicle is booked, then manage customs clearance on arrival.