Beyond Autos — Dubai, UAE
Export Toyota Land Cruiser LC79 to Ghana
Ghana imports vehicles under the Harmonized System classification and applies a complex duty structure. Trade.gov notes that Ghana follows the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET), which imposes five tariff bands. Passenger vehicles typically fall into the consumer goods or protected goods categories, attracting duty rates of 20% or 35% depending on the specific classification. The import duty is assessed on the Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) value.
On top of the import duty, Ghana applies a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), calculated on the sum of the CIF value plus the duty. Beyond these standard charges, Ghana collects numerous other duties and charges—including excise, environmental tax, ECOWAS levy, African Union levy, National Health Insurance Levy, sanitation levy, and energy sector levies—which can add approximately 12% to the CIF value. Processing fees, destination inspection fees, and ICUMS charges also apply. The cumulative effect often exceeds 23% when all charges are combined.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority oversees collection and clearance. Brand-new vehicles from Dubai will require standard port documentation: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and chassis/VIN certificate. Pre-shipment inspection may be required, and buyers should verify current inspection protocols with Ghanaian customs. Left-hand-drive vehicles are standard for Ghana's market.
Due to the proliferation of levies and the variation in tariff classification by engine size and fuel type, the final cost to the importer can vary significantly. Verify with the destination's customs authority before shipping—duty rates vary by engine size, fuel type, and buyer category.
Importing a Toyota Land Cruiser LC79 Diesel Pickup into Ghana involves several duty and tax components. Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid delays at Tema Port or Takoradi.
Ghana applies import duty, VAT (Value Added Tax), and excise tax on imported vehicles. The duty structure is calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of your Land Cruiser—meaning the purchase price, freight cost, and insurance all factor into the taxable base.
The exact duty rate depends on the vehicle's engine displacement, fuel type (diesel in this case), vehicle class (pickup), and whether you are importing as an individual, business, or fleet operator. Diesel-powered commercial pickups typically attract a different rate than petrol equivalents, and Ghana's tariff schedule distinguishes between light commercial and heavy-duty classifications.
VAT is applied after duty is calculated, and an excise tax may apply depending on engine size and emissions standards. Collectively, these can range significantly—your final landed cost will be 20–40% higher than the FOB (Free on Board) price from Jafza, though the precise percentage varies. We recommend confirming the current tariff rates with Ghana's Customs Division before shipment, as rates are adjusted periodically.
You will need a complete document package at Tema Port. This includes: the original bill of lading from our shipping partner, a commercial invoice detailing the vehicle specification and purchase price, a packing list, the original export certificate issued in the UAE, and the chassis certificate (VIN documentation). Ghana's customs authority may also request the vehicle's engine emissions certificate and proof of roadworthiness inspection from your shipper.
Once your vessel discharges at Tema Port or Takoradi, standard customs clearance typically takes 5–10 working days, provided all documents are complete and legible. If any paperwork is missing or queries arise during inspection, clearance can extend to 2–3 weeks. We recommend engaging a licensed clearing agent in Ghana to handle documentation and liaise with customs, which speeds the process and reduces risk of administrative hold-ups.
FOB Jebel Ali
FOB Jebel Ali
FOB Jebel Ali
FOB Jebel Ali