Ghana’s classic car scene is coming into its own, even as the country’s complex customs rules and duty structure make collector imports a significant investment. For enthusiasts, dealers, and long-term collectors, successfully importing a classic car means mastering shipping, legal documentation, and valuation from the dock all the way to DVLA registration.
Classic vehicles appeal to affluent Ghanaians, international returnees, and expats who recognize the value of automotive heritage and uniqueness. There’s growing interest in American muscle cars, historic Mercedes, and Japanese icons, but high import costs mean most buyers approach with care and long-term commitment.
A key value used by Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for calculating duties and age penalties is CIF: Cost + Insurance + Freight. This is the total value the vehicle represents by the time it lands at Tema port and is the base for further taxes, penalties, and VAT. (Even if you decline optional coverage, “insurance” is still part of the formula for valuation purposes.)
Common broker guidelines indicate 50%, 70%, or even 100% “penalties” for older classics, but GRA does not codify these in law. Final charges depend on how your car is valued in ICUMS and on GRA’s own review—always treat these as high-probability guides, not promises.
Figures for 10+ year-old vehicles are illustrative; your broker can confirm what’s likely based on recent cases.
Actual duty on engines over 3.0L is typically 20%; 10% for smaller engines.
Shipping via consolidated container remains the best choice. As of 2025, New York to Tema is $1,650 per car in 27 days, including high-end loading, tie-downs, and safe transit by WCS. Full details on Ghana shipping process here.
Container shipping is essential for classic and collector cars, providing security, protection, and the option to include valuable spares or restoration parts.
Meet Ghana’s G-CAP standard: Thorough cleaning is key for smooth customs and biosecurity clearance.
Perfect documentation: Collect and submit:
Title or state-compliant bill of sale
Appraisal and value support
Heritage and restoration evidence
Restoration tip: Providing detailed before-and-after restoration photos can help customs reach the proper valuation and also smooth the later DVLA registration and inspection process.
An accurate, up-to-date scenario using common Ghana broker guidelines—“real world” numbers may differ due to G-CAP, customs assessment, and the uncertainty of non-published penalty bands and variable fees like NHIL.
Purchase: $45,000
Shipping: $1,650 (NY-Tema, 27 days)
Inspection/prep: $800
Age-related penalty (~50%, non-codified and may vary): $23,325
Duty (20%, >3.0L): $13,650
VAT (approx. 12.5%): $10,481
NHIL & fees (approximate): $2,850 (subject to fee band changes)
Total landed: ~$97,181 (as a practical upper-middle example; cars with higher appraisals, different documentation, or other engine sizes may see higher or lower totals)
Always confirm your scenario with a Ghana customs specialist and treat all penalty rates as reference—as GRA uses internal, non-published tables and retains discretion.
DVLA technical inspection: Restoration evidence, before/after photos, and documented repairs accelerate approval
Parts supply: Expect to import most restoration and maintenance materials—plan for longer lead times
Community: Build relationships with local classic clubs and mechanics supporting collector ownership in Ghana
For most, duty and import costs exceed the car’s CIF value. Successful imports are typically passion or heritage-driven projects. Proceed with clear guidance, full documentation, and reasonable expectations on total import cost.
From secure shipping to customs and registration, WCS is Ghana’s leader for containerized classic car solutions. See the full process and rates here.
Ready to crunch the numbers and see if your classic dream is viable? Request a full quote—container, documentation, and customs guidance—so you can plan for every cost and step.