Importing a vehicle to Ghana through Tema Port can unlock access to a vibrant automotive market in West Africa—but success requires a clear roadmap. From securing your shipping rate (just $1,600 from New York to Tema through West Coast Shipping) to navigating Ghana’s customs clearance and documentation, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes while speeding your import journey.
At West Coast Shipping, we simplify each stage of the process, leveraging our experience with African imports and our robust Ghana import services to deliver your car safely, on time, and with maximum peace of mind.
Before shipping, confirm that your intended vehicle meets Ghana’s import regulations:
Age Limitations: Ghana restricts used car imports to vehicles 10 years old or newer.
Left-Hand Drive Requirement: Only left-hand drive vehicles may be imported.
Emission Standards: Vehicles must comply with international standards; avoid models flagged for excessive emissions or safety recalls.
Full Ownership Documentation: Original title, bill of sale, and proof of ownership are required for customs.
For classic and specialty vehicles, different rules may apply; schedule a consultation through our Ghana import page for personalized advice.
West Coast Shipping offers a leading rate of $1,600 from New York to Tema Port for standard vehicles. This all-inclusive sea freight cost covers:
Ocean transport (containerized or RoRo, depending on vehicle and preference)
Loading and securement at origin
Standard documentation (bill of lading, export paperwork)
Professional handling at U.S. and Ghanaian ports
For larger, high-value, or specialty cargo, request a custom quote via our shipping calculator.
Your car must comply with all U.S. export regulations before departure:
Title Verification: Provide the original, clear title with no outstanding liens.
Bill of Sale: Match your buyer/seller and vehicle information.
Export Filing (AES): West Coast Shipping files all necessary Automated Export System (AES) data and provides you with an Internal Transaction Number (ITN).
Vehicle Inspection: Document your car’s condition with thorough photographs before it leaves the U.S.
Explore our Ship Classic Car Overseas: Key Documentation for detailed guidance.
Once loaded in New York, your vehicle will sail directly to Tema Port, Ghana’s busiest and most secure seaport. Transits typically take 17–25 days. During this time:
You’ll receive regular updates via our shipment tracking portal.
Your vehicle is protected by robust loading and securing protocols.
Customs documents are digitally prepared for arrival.
Upon arrival, customs clearance is the most critical (and sometimes most delayed) phase for vehicle imports in Ghana. Being well-prepared is essential:
Primary Documents for Tema Port Customs:
Original title and bill of lading
Bill of sale/invoice
Importer’s ID and tax identification number (TIN)
EPA emission certificate (if required)
International driver’s license (recommended for immediate registration)
Key Customs Fees and Taxes:
Import Duty: Based on vehicle value (typically 5–35%)
VAT/NHIL/GETFund: Standardized government levies, about 17.5%
Processing Fees: Charged by port authorities
Environmental Levy: Applies to vehicles exceeding certain age or emission thresholds
Customs clearance takes 2–5 working days with all documents in order. Delays occur if paperwork is missing, or if officials need to inspect or verify values.
Get more detail on customs paperwork and Ghana port protocols on our dedicated Ghana import page.
After customs clearance, you may either collect your car directly from Tema Port or arrange for delivery from port to your final destination within Ghana:
Onward Transport: Arrange secure road haulage; our Ghana partners handle inland moves nationwide.
Vehicle Registration: Complete at DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority) offices—proof of customs clearance and local TIN is required.
Insurance (Third-Party Liability): Mandatory for road use; policies are typically available at port or local offices.
For step-by-step local registration help, visit our driving abroad guide.
From New York to Tema Port, typical turnaround including customs is 3–5 weeks with all documents in order.
Ghanaian customs generally permit modest quantities of personal items if declared; however, valuable or prohibited goods are subject to seizure.
Rules and rates differ—visit the Ghana page or consult with our specialists for guidance.
West Coast Shipping streamlines every step of U.S.-to-Ghana car shipping:
Proven $1,600 shipping rate from New York to Tema
AES filing, documentation, and pre-export checks included
Transparent tracking from U.S. departure through Ghanaian customs
Direct communication with Tema Port agents for hands-on clearance
Local support for port delivery, onward transport, and registration
For bulk dealers, we offer bulk import clearance solutions and regular consolidation programs for multi-car loads.
Ready to import your car or fleet to Ghana quickly and cost-effectively? Use our shipping calculator below to get an instant quote at the guaranteed $1,600 New York–Tema rate, and tap into West Coast Shipping’s step-by-step expertise to ensure a seamless delivery from the U.S. straight to your street in Ghana.