Updated 8 December 2015
Copyright © 2015 Atlas International
Importing Personal Property Into
Ghana
HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Customs Regulations:
Client is not required to be present during Customs clearance unless they are clearing a pet or vehicle. All
shipments are subject to inspection.
Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free so long as they have been in the owner��s
possessions for at least six months and are for the continued use of the owner and not for resale.
Household goods must arrive within 12 months of the customer.
Notify Destination Agent at least 20 days (15 days for diplomat status shipments) of arrival into Ghana.
Beginning 1, March 2015 All Bill of Ladings for shipments bound to Ghanaian seaports, including transit
cargo must have an Advance Shipment Information (ASHI) number. Antaser Afrique will issue and
validate the ASHI numbers. Cargo not covered by an ASHI number will not be cleared at Ghana Customs
and will be levied a fine of up to 50% of the gross weight.
Required Documents:
✓ Passport – original, with Entry Visa
✓ Bill of Lading/AWB – rated original, ASHI# must be noted, Express Release not allowed
✓ Advanced Shipment Information (ASHI) # - Obtained from Antaser Afrique website: to apply
must have a BL, Commercial/Freight invoice, Export Customs Declaration & Pack List
✓ Comprehensive Inventory List - in English, typed, state values, dated and signed by customer
✓ Pack List – typed, state either ��new�� or ��used��
✓ Letter of Transfer or Letter of Employment- obtained from Employer
✓ Work Permit – issued by Ministry of Labor
✓ Certificate of First Settlement – issued by Immigration Department
✓ Ghana Customs Form C.12
✓ Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration – filled out at the airport upon arrival.
Diplomat Status:
Foreign diplomats are granted duty and tax free entry. Diplomat��s presence is not required for the
clearance process. Destination Agent must be advised of the shipment 15 days before arrival to obtain
diplomatic clearance documents. Application for the Diplomatic Franchise must be made by the
appropriate Embassy to Ghana Foreign office who than notifies relevant authorities with in the Ghana
Customs Department.
Required Documents:
✓ Diplomatic Franchise
✓ Passport copy
✓ Comprehensive Inventory List in English- state values, dated and signed by diplomat
✓ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill – must state ��Diplomatic Clearance��
Updated 8 December 2015
Copyright © 2015 Atlas International
RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS
✓ Items less than six months old: subject to duties and VAT, mark outside of wrapping for easy
identification, must have receipts
o List separately from other goods- identifying price, date & location of purchase
o Need purchase invoice/commercial invoice
o Customs Form C. 12/SAD
✓ Excessive amounts of food
✓ Medications – require a prescription aside from first aid type supplies
✓ Electrical items/appliances – one each per household is duty-free, duplicate items subject to taxes
and duty. New Electrical items/appliances are subject to taxes and duty, must have receipts
✓ Computers and correlating equipment – subject to duties
✓ Hunting rifles and ammunitions- Require proof of ownership, Import Permit, License from
Ministry of the Interior and Police Withdrawal Permit to be obtained before being allowed
importation. These requirements are strictly enforced
✓ Alcoholic Beverages- require separate inventory stating name, percentage of proof and volume.
Max 10 bottles, subject to VAT of 15%. Excess of limit will incur duty; load near container door
PROHIBITED ITEMS
✓ Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
✓ Cigarettes, tobacco and cigars without warning notice
✓ Firearms, explosives, all manner of dangerous weapons i.e. knives, knuckle dusters, swords etc
✓ Pornography, obscene materials and literature, seditious literature
✓ Raw coffee, beads of inflammable celluloid & mercuric medicated soaps
✓ Foreign soil, toxic waste, contaminated goods
✓ Counterfeit currency and products
✓ Used refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners regardless of client status
IMPORTATION OF PETS
Pets are subject to a quarantine period with a licensed kennel. Import permits will not be issued until
quarantine arrangements have been made. It is advised to check with the Department of Agriculture and
the Customs Department before importing exotic or endangered animals.
Required Documents:
✓ Certificate of Vaccination
✓ Health Certificate
IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES
Vehicles up to 10 years old pay normal rate of duty and taxes. Vehicles over 10 years old pay a graduated
duty and taxes: 10-12yrs – +5% / 12-157yrs +20% / over 15yrs - +50% Plus CIF FOB based on year.
Right hand vehicles are prohibited.
Required Documents:
✓ Certificate of Title and Registration - original
✓ Customs Form C. 12/SAD
✓ Purchase Invoice & Insurance Policy – original,
✓ OBL – state chassis & engine numbers, CC size, brand and model
Updated 8 December 2015
Copyright © 2015 Atlas International
✓ International Driver��s License
NOTE:
Entry & Exit Requirements: A visa and evidence of a yellow fever vaccination are required.
Safety & Security: US citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, to
stay current with the latest safety and security announcements dispersed by the Embassy in your area.
Your enrollment can also help the Department of State reach your family and friends in case of
emergency.
Crime: Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching and various scams are the most common crimes. Armed robbery
is on the rise particularly in expatriate residential and shopping areas. Be vigilant in crowded areas,
beaches and ATM��s. Pay close attention to those around you or following you. Be wary of any unsolicited
offer of assistance, guided tours or other services that seem too good to be true. Avoid credit card use as
much as possible.
Road Safety: Foreign nationals should travel with documents proving status such as a passport or visa as
travelers are routinely stopped and searched at police check points. In congested areas pedestrians are
known to intentionally bump vehicles pretending to be hit and attempt to extort money from the
occupants. Armed robbers also deliberately cause a minor traffic accident with the intent to rob occupants.
It is unwise to travel after dark.
Currency: Those arriving or departing Ghana with more than $5000.00 in cash are required to declare the
amount at the border. Ghanaian currency must be either spent or exchanged upon departing or it will be
confiscated. Ghana has strict regulations on the temporary importation of gold, diamonds and other natural
resources.
Health: Bring an adequate supply of over the counter medicines, required medications, copies of
physician��s prescriptions and a list of generic names of the medications. Tuberculosis is an increasing
serious health concern.
Fumigation of Wood Packing Materials: At this time Ghana does not require the ISPM 15 requirement for wood
packing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
AGS Worldwide Movers: Accra, Ghana
Antaser Afrique: www.antaser.com
Department of State - http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1124.html
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
USDA: www.aphis.usda.gov
Embassy of Ghana http://www.ghanaembassy.org/
International Association of Movers
The information presented herein his based on customs data available at the time of printing and is frequently subject
to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the owner or importer of the household goods to comply with the
current customs restrictions, regulations, and duties of the country to which the goods are imported. We strongly advise
Updated 8 December 2015
Copyright © 2015 Atlas International
customers to contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country for the most current information on customs
regulations, restrictions and duties for importing household goods, personal effects and vehicles.