Moving overseas is a thrilling experience, but it also demands extensive preparation, paperwork, and research! If you are considering or planning a move to Ghana, read on for detailed customs information and helpful tips on the necessary documents and enforced regulations for importing goods into the country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Ghana, there are
many important documents required to enter the country and establish permanent residency. When planning your international move, it is a good idea to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you with the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Ghana, you will need :
- Passport and Entry Visa
- Bill of Lading (original)
- Comprehensive inventory (typed in English, with values, and dated and signed by customer)
- Packing list (typed)
- Letter 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 on arrival)
- Invoices (for all new items and appliances)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Ghana permanently, you may import both used personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and used household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) duty free if:
- You have lived abroad at least one year and have not been to Ghana during that year
- The goods have been in your possession for at least six months
- All goods are for personal use and not for resale
- The goods arrive within 12 months of your arrival
- All shipments are subject to inspection
- You are not required to be present for customs clearance (unless importing a pet or vehicle)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Ghana, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs
- Pornography and obscene materials/literature
- Raw coffee, beads of inflammable celluloid and mercuric medicated soaps
- Foreign soil
- Counterfeit currency and products
- Used refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Ghanaian customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Tobacco (foreign cigarettes require advance permission)
- Alcohol (require separate inventory with make, percentage of proof and volume, limited to 10 bottles, and subject to duty and VAT of 15 percent)
- Food products
- Medication (proof of prescription required)
- Electronics and appliances (limited one each per household duty-free)
- Computers (subject to duties)
- Hunting rifles and ammunitions (require proof of ownership, import permit, license from the Ministry of the Interior and a Police Withdrawal permit)
- New items and appliances (subject to tax and duties, must have invoices/receipts, separate inventory list)
- Diamonds (rough or uncut diamonds must be under license of the Ministry of Mines and Energy)
- Films (must be intended only for viewing on private premises)
- Gambling machines (permit required from Ministry of the Interior)
- Plants and plant products (permit required from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture)
- Firearms and explosives (permit required from Ministry of the Interior)
- Nets and animal traps
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle to Ghana, you'll need the help of experienced international vehicle shippers with sufficient knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations. In Ghana, taxation on vehicles is determined by engine and seating capacity, as well as by age of the vehicle and purpose.
To import your vehicle into Ghana, it must meet these conditions:
- Vehicles may be imported duty free if used for commercial purposes--otherwise, the vehicle must be disposed of or exported after a period of one year after importation
- Vehicles over 10 years old require a graduated duty and penalty (according to year of manufacture).
- Right hand vehicles are prohibited
- Shipper's presence is required at customs
The following documents are required to import your vehicle to Ghana:
- Certificate of Title and Registration
- Customs Form C. 12/SAD
- Purchase Invoice & Insurance Policy - original,
- OBL - state chassis & engine numbers, CC size, brand and model
- International Driver's License
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo to successfully cross Ghanaian borders with your pet, the requirements are:
- Certificate of vaccination
- Health certificate from licensed veterinarian in country of origin
- Import permit
- Pets are subject to possible quarantine
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex venture, which is why it is crucial to hire trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any overseas moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can properly aid you in the complicated customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable and experienced international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to safely transport your belongings to Ghana.
HELPFUL LINKS