How to Import a Used Car from China to Ghana — Complete Guide

Ghana has one of West Africa’s most active used vehicle import markets. While vehicles from the US and Japan have traditionally dominated, Chinese-sourced used cars are gaining significant traction — particularly among dealers who need newer, lower-mileage vehicles at competitive prices. Here is the complete process from sourcing to Tema port clearance.

Why Ghana buyers are turning to China

China’s used market is full of 2017–2022 models priced below equivalent US or Japanese imports, with lower mileage thanks to Chinese driving patterns. Ghana drives on the right, so China’s left-hand drive domestic fleet is a natural fit with no registration issues, and the range — sedans, SUVs, minibuses, pickups — is wide.

Ghana import regulations

Age limit: vehicles no older than 10 years from manufacture. Steering: LHD vehicles from China are ideal. Inspection: all imports must pass a DVLA roadworthiness inspection before registration, and clear through customs (CEPS) at Tema port.

Most popular models

Toyota Corolla (consistent top seller), Camry (strong taxi demand), Honda Accord and Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Venza, and Kia Sportage and Sorento.

Indicative FOB pricing

Corolla (2017–2020) $4,500–$6,500; Camry (2017–2019) $6,000–$9,000; Honda Accord (2017–2019) $5,500–$8,000; RAV4 (2017–2019) $8,000–$11,000; Hyundai Tucson (2017–2020) $6,500–$9,500.

Shipping to Tema

RoRo runs $900–$1,300 per unit with 25–35 days transit; container suits multiple or high-value units. Main lines: MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, with some routing via Lomé or Abidjan.

Customs duty

The Ghana Revenue Authority applies, on CIF value: import duty 20%, VAT 15%, NHIL 2.5%, GETFund 2.5%, ECOWAS levy 0.5%, EXIM levy 0.5%, and special import levy 2% — a total effective burden of roughly 40–55% of CIF. Note that the GRA uses its own depreciation tables to set customs value rather than the invoice alone, so verify the expected customs value with your clearing agent before shipment.

Cost breakdown example

Comparable Corollas in Accra retail for roughly $14,000–$20,000, providing solid dealer margin.

Documentation and tips

You will need the original bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, pre-shipment inspection certificate (Ghana requires PVOC inspection in China through a Ghana Standards Authority-approved body), export certificate, insurance certificate, and GRA import declaration. Use a licensed Tema clearing agent, check the GSA approved-inspection list, budget conservatively for duty given depreciation schedules, and verify chassis numbers before purchase.

Autoimport Africa sources LHD sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles suited to Ghana and handles PVOC inspection, documentation, and shipping to Tema. Request a custom quote at autoimport.africa.