MTN Logo

Shipping Route🇬🇭 Ghana

Shipping Vehicles & Machinery from Germany to Ghana

Your complete guide to exporting cars, trucks, and equipment from Germany to Tema — transit times, duties, overage penalties, and required documents.

Cargo ship at sea

Route Overview

Germany → Ghana

Direct shipping from Hamburg and Antwerp to Ghana. Below you'll find everything you need to plan your shipment — ports, transit times, costs, and documentation.

Tema — Port of Tema

Primary vehicle and container gateway. Handles RoRo, containerized cargo, and general freight. Ghana's busiest port.

Takoradi — Port of Takoradi

Secondary industrial gateway, used for general cargo and some machinery flows.

Transit Times

How Long Does Shipping Take?

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

16–20 days from Antwerp, 20–29 days from Hamburg

Container (FCL)

17–29 days from Antwerp, 25–35 days from Hamburg

Shipping Methods

How to Ship to Ghana

01

RoRo — common for cars, SUVs, trucks, and wheeled machinery via Tema

02

Container (20'/40' FCL) — for higher-value vehicles, parts, and consolidated goods

03

Flatrack — for heavy machinery and oversized equipment

Common Carriers on This Route

GrimaldiMaerskMSCCMA CGM

Vehicle Age Restrictions

Age Limits for Ghana

Ghana uses an overage penalty system rather than a hard ban. Vehicles over 10 years incur escalating CIF-based penalties: ~5% for 10–12 years, rising to 50%+ for 15–20 years. Agricultural tractors (HS 8701) are exempt from overage penalties.

Import Duties & Taxes

What Does It Cost to Import?

Multi-layer duty stack including import duty, levies, and VAT on a duty-inclusive base.

Import duty: ~20% of CIF for most vehicle headings

NHIL (National Health Insurance Levy): 2.5%

GETFund Levy: 2.5%

VAT: 15% (computed on duty-inclusive base)

Overage penalty: additional CIF-based charge for vehicles over 10 years

All customs declarations in Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Rates are indicative — always request a current quote for accurate landed costs.

Required Documentation

Documents You'll Need

1.

Bill of Lading (original)

2.

Commercial invoice with vehicle particulars

3.

Vehicle registration / title document

4.

Export certificate from Germany

5.

G-CAP (Ghana Conformity Assessment Programme) compliance where applicable

Key Regulations

What You Should Know

Right-hand drive vehicles are generally prohibited

Vehicles must be operational and compliant with emissions standards

Correct documentation critical — CIF valuation, age, and condition determine tax base and overage penalties

Pre-shipment conformity checks may apply under G-CAP

Looking for a vehicle in Germany?

We source, verify, and ship vehicles from Germany to Ghana. From finding the right car to handling export and documentation — we manage the entire process.

Start Your Vehicle Search
Logistics and shipping

Other Routes

Explore More Destinations