Shipping from China to Ghana is not a difficult process if you know the basic details clearly such as documents, customs requirements and costs. You also need to be aware of some major ports in both countries. So, you will not face any issue in selecting the best pickup and final delivery location.
Continue reading this simple guide because in the next 5 minutes, we are going to show you the easy way to import from China to Ghana.
7 Simple Steps To Ship From China To Ghana
1. Registration as an Importer
To start the import process in Ghana, you must register your business. Register as an individual, LLC, or any other suitable entity. You also need a Tax identification number from the Ghana Revenue Authority. This number is important for clearance from Customs authorities. You should get a registration certificate from the relevant department.
Import Licenses
If a product is listed in Ghana’s FDA (food and drug authority) list, you must obtain a permit to import this product from the FDA. It includes food, cosmetics, and drugs.
For agricultural products import, you should get a license from PPRSD (Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department). Some products are listed in both the departments, so you should get permits from both the authorities.
2. Product Hunting for Import
Ghana is an underdeveloped country that imports all kinds of necessities from China including food, cosmetics, vehicles, heavy machinery, and petroleum products.
You should study the current market and saturation of products you are going to import. You can also discuss with other importers and take suggestions from the chamber of commerce. A winning product will boost your import journey to the sky.
3. Supplier Selection in China
The supplier is the backbone of the import process, you should select a supplier that can provide you high-quality products at cheaper rates. You can find reliable suppliers from the Chinese fairs that are held regularly in big cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
You can also search for reliable suppliers through an online market. There are some big names like Alibaba, Global Source, and Made-in-China, that are there for searching verified suppliers.
4. Define Incoterms with Chinese Suppliers
Incoterms are an international agreement with the suppliers to ship products globally. Some common incoterms are adopted via shipping from China to Ghana. FOB, is the incoterms, where the responsibility transfers from suppliers to the buyer when products are loaded onto the ship.
In EXW, the seller is responsible for manufacturing and packaging the products, and then all the responsibility lies on the buyer. You should choose incoterms wisely for cost-effective and safe imports.
5. Freight Forwarder Selection in China
The freight forwarder is your assistant in the whole process of carrying your products from China to Ghana. The “Bansar” is a helping hand in your import journey to safely transport your products from the factory outlet to the port and then shipping to the final destination. A freight forwarder can also assist you in the documentation phase. A good freight forwarder guarantees timely imports from China to Ghana.
6. Clearance from Chinese Customs
The supplier must submit an export declaration form to clear the products from Chinese Customs authorities. Your supplier must submit the tax information to the authorities. The product information is also necessary to submit. Customs authorities also need commercial invoices and incoterms agreements between the supplier and the buyer.
7. Customs Clearance in Ghana
We have guided in detail about the documents required for clearance from the Customs Authorities of Ghana. We have also described customs duties and tariffs that are applied to imported products.
Import Documents Required
- Bill of Lading: An important document that is a proof of ownership at the port of destination. It is handed over after the goods are loaded onto the ship. In air freight, it is called an airway bill. 3 copies are provided to the stakeholders, and the others are kept for official work.
- Packaging List: This list provides a complete detail about the products, their quantity, color, batch number, and expiry date if required. This list assists the Customs authorities in calculating the duties and taxes.
- Commercial Invoice: This invoice includes the actual cost of the products and the agreement signed between the supplier and the buyer. It is another important document for the clearance of products.
- Certificate of Origin: This certificate is produced by the chamber of commerce of the country of origin. It shows in which country the product is manufactured. Any tax exemptions for a particular country can be given on the basis of this certificate.
- TIN (Tax Identification Number): The TIN provided by the Ghana Revenue Authority is needed for the clearance of goods.
- Special Certificates: The certificates provided by the FDA and PPRSD are needed for the clearance of products from the Customs authorities.
Customs Duties and Tariffs
The VAT (Value added tax) is 15% on the imported products. This is calculated by the CIF value of the imported products. 0-35% Customs duties are applied to the products depending on the HS categories. Zero percent is applied to essential goods. 5% is applied to raw materials. 10% on semi-finished products. 20% on final products. 35% on specific goods.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most economical route from China to Ghana. The Suez Canal plays an important role in the trade of Ghana, as this is the shortest and ideal route to enter this country.
Sea freight rates may be higher in the peak season or during the holidays at the end of the year. You should be aware of the factors that may affect sea freight and transit time from China to Ghana.
You can import all kinds of materials through sea freight including heavy machinery, boilers, construction materials, etc. There are special transportation services, available for importing sensitive items like seafood, and pharmaceuticals.
The reefer containers have all the facilities to maintain temperature throughout the journey. Your incoterms define who will be the responsible person for shipping and insurance charges.
Important Ports in China
- Port of Shenzhen
- Port of Tianjin
- Port of Shanghai
- Port of Guangzhou
- Port of Xiamen
- Port of Ningbo
- Port of Qingdao
Major Seaports in Ghana
- The Tema Port
- The Takoradi Port
Air Freight
It is the most convenient mode to import your products in less time in Ghana (with full protection as well). Although it is a costly method. If you have to bring products in a short time, then this mode of shipping is a perfect option. The cost calculated for the air freight is according to volumetric weight.
There is a difference in gross weight and volumetric weight. There are two types of cargo, one is general cargo and the other is special cargo. You can import temperature-sensitive and fragile items through special cargo.
Main Airlines
Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Cargo, China Airlines, Aerogem Aviation, and Cargolux Airlines offer air freight services to Ghana from China.
Important Airports in China
- Beijing International Airport
- Shanghai International Airport
- Shenzhen International Airport
- Guangzhou International Airport
Top Airports in Ghana
- Takoradi International Airport
- Kotoka International Airport
- Tamale International Airport
- Kumasi International Airport
Express Shipping
It is the fastest way of shipping products from China to Ghana. If you have an emergency to bring products from China for a sample purpose or product launching ceremony, then it is the most convenient method.
The cost of express shipping will be calculated according to volumetric weight. The volumetric weight for express shipping is calculated through the following formula. Height x Width x length / 5000= volumetric weight.
DDP (Door-to-Door Shipping)
This one is actually the most convenient and easy way to bring products from China to Ghana. You can import products to your doorstep just by paying customs duties and product costs in advance. In this mode of shipping, the supplier is the responsible person for the customs clearance and all other legalities. You just have to select a product and ask your supplier to send it to your desired location.
Types of DDP
It can be of the following types.
- Air Freight DDP
- Sea Freight DDP
- Express Freight DDP
Transit Time For Shipping From China To Ghana
This table tells you the approximate delivery time from China to Ghana (depending on the ideal conditions). It can vary due to weather conditions, security issues, peak season holidays, and port congestion.
| Port of Origin | Sea Freight | Air Freight | Express Freight |
| Tianjin | 40-45 days | 5-6 days | 3-4 days |
| Shenzhen | 30-35 days | 4-5 days | 2-3 days |
| Shanghai | 40-45 days | 4-5 days | 2-3 days |
| Ningbo | 39-44 days | 4-5 days | 2-3 days |
| Qingdao | 39-44 days | 5-6 days | 3-4 days |
Estimated Cost of Importing To Ghana From China
The cost given in the table is according to the current international scenario. It may vary because it depends on the international fuel prices and sea routes also.
| Shipping Method | Container Type | Estimated Cost |
| Ocean Freight | LCL | $80 to $120 per cubic meter |
| Ocean Freight | FCL (20-feet) | $3600 to $4000 |
| Ocean Freight | FCL (40-feet) | $4700 to $5000 |
| Air Freight | 1000+ kg parcel | $7 to $9 per kg |
| Express Freight | Emergency parcel | $10 to $12 per kg |
Major Imports From China to Ghana
- Heavy Machinery
- Refined Petroleum products
- Vehicles including cars, bikes, and heavy vehicles like buses.
- Food items including juices, rice, wheat, processed foods, fruits, seafood, etc.
- Chemicals
- Plastic products including household items and general plastic items.
- Textile products
- Iron and steel for construction purposes.
- Electronic products including laptops, ovens, AC, fridges, LEDs, etc.
Prohibited Products
- Flammable products
- Weapons and any products related to defense can not be imported except with the government’s approval.
- Counterfeit items
- Narcotics and related products
- Pornographic material
Conclusion
Our team at Bansarship transports hundreds of cargo shipments every week from China to all destinations and cities of Ghana. We are available for a discussion and explaining you every step from start to end. Let’s talk right now and ship your goods safely from China to Ghana at the most affordable prices.
