Guide to Sending Parcels to Ghana

Ghana was once known as the Gold Coast of Africa. Occupied for centuries by many European powers, Britain eventually gained control of this valuable land.

So, while English is the official language of Ghana, the country remains home to a diverse collection of 10 significant ethnicities and languages.

Today's Ghana continues to be rich in resources (including Lake Volta, the world's largest water reservoir), but it also has a buoyant economy and a rapidly increasing population. The result is that e-commerce is predicted to grow at 13% per annum from 2021 till 2025.

Information for this page was taken from the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghanaian Customs and Excise Act.

IconShipping Rates

Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Ghana through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Ghana. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

find the cheapest way to ship to Ghana from Canada
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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Ghana


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Ghana before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Ghana is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Mar 31, 2024
8:49 am
Sekondi, SE, GH
Delivered
Mar 30, 2024
7:18 am
Tamale, TA, GH
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
9:03 pm
Kumasi, KU, GH
International Clearance
Mar 29, 2024
8:14 am
Accra, AC, GH
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 28, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Shipping Documents Only to GhanaDocuments Only

Ghana allows the following items to enter the country as document shipments from Canada. (Note: Any item that is destined for resale does qualify as a document.)

  • Annual reports
  • Bids and proposals
  • Blueprints and drawings
  • Cash letters
  • Computer print-outs
  • Credit cards
  • Diplomas
  • Examination papers
  • Intercompany mail
  • Negotiable bonds and drafts
  • Passports
  • Price lists
  • Seismic data
  • Sepia drawings
  • Traveller's cheques
  • Visa applications

Certain items, as shown in the table below, may enter Ghana as a document shipment if they abide by the stated restriction.

Document Type Restriction
Forms Providing they are blank
Photographs A maximum of 2 and only if they are to be included in a business report
Publications Only if they are for use within a company and are not to be sold

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts to GhanaShipping Gifts

A gift shipped to Ghana from Canada will incur duty and taxes regardless of its value

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Ghana will be taxable and dutiable. There are no threshold values below which no duty or taxes are incurred.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

A business in Canada cannot ship a gift to a business in Ghana without duty and taxes being charged.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

A gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in Ghana will be liable to duty and taxes no matter its value.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Multiple Gifts in One Shipment

A parcel containing multiple gifts should have each gift wrapped and labelled separately.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping personal effects/belongings to GhanaShipping Personal Effects

Canadian citizens who have lived in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous months may ship their personal effects to Ghana exempt from duty and taxes.

The exemption applies to the individual and his or her family.

Moving Temporarily

Students

For students moving temporarily to Ghana, there is no information at this time regarding the rules governing the shipment of their personal effects.

Non-Students

Canadian citizens may ship their personal effects to Ghana exempt from taxes and duty providing they have lived in Canada for at least 12 continuous months.

The exemption will cover the household and personal items of the individual and his or her family.

Moving Permanently

Citizens of Ghana who are returning to the country to live permanently may import their personal effects tax free if they have lived in Canada for 12 or more continuous months.

Items that are entitled to a tax free entry to Ghana include:

  • Household appliances
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Furniture and decorations
  • Provisions of foodstuffs in quantities suitable to the household size
  • Tools and equipment required to practice a trade or profession

NOTE:

  • Firearms and ammunition are not permitted in shipments of personal effects.
  • For Ghanians who die outside of Ghana, their personal effects may be shipped to Ghana exempt from duty and taxes with the appropriate paperwork.
Personal Effects Checklist
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided

Sources:
https://gra.gov.gh/customs/passengers-obligations-at-customs/
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to GhanaFood, Chocolate, Candies

There is little information available at this time regarding the rules governing shipments of foodstuffs to Ghana from Canada.

You May Ship

  • Condensed and evaporated milk in clearly marked containers

Do Not Ship

  • Honey
  • Perishable foodstuffs
  • Dried fruit
  • Meat and meat by-products
  • Coffee beans
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
  • Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
  • Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
  • You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
  • Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments

Sources:
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGIntDestDetails-e.asp?table=tblCountry&txtLetter=GH

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to GhanaSamples

Commercial samples are shipped to promote products and solicit sales.

Samples shipped to Ghana from Canada are exempt from duty charges providing they are to be displayed only, and are not for sale.

Commercial Sample Checklist
  • A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
  • The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample

Sources:
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Promotional material to GhanaAdvertising Material

Advertising material may be shipped to Ghana from Canada exempt from duty. This includes equipment, goods, and exhibits destined for a trade fair or similar event.

Advertising material may also include printed items such as:

  • Posters
  • Drawings
  • Engravings and etchings

NOTE:
Any item that is sold or transferred whilst in Ghana will incur full duty charges.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided

Sources:
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Have your goods warranty repaired in GhanaRepairs

Equipment that has been shipped to Canada for repair may re-enter Ghana duty-free providing the repairs were done under warranty for no charge.

Items Under Warranty

If a piece of equipment is shipped to Canada for a warranty repair, it may be returned to Ghana without incurring duty. The only condition is that the repairs were done without charge.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

Items no longer under warranty that is shipped to Canada will incur duty charges when it re-enters Ghana.

Sending Product for Repair to Ghana

There is no information at this time regarding equipment shipped to Ghana from Canada for repair.

Returning Repaired Product to Ghana

When equipment is repaired in Canada at no charge and under warranty, it will be exempt from duty upon returning to Ghana.

Repair Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Ghana or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to GhanaTemporary Imports

Goods imported temporarily into Ghana from Canada will be exempt from duty providing:

  • The items are not prohibited from importation
  • They are returned to Canada within 3 months of their entry; and
  • A refundable deposit or security in the amount of the duty owed is supplied

NOTE:
The time period may be extended beyond the 3-month limit with the authorisation from the appropriate officials if it can be shown that the goods are the legal property of an individual who is on a temporary visit to Ghana.

ATA Carnets

At this time, Ghana does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports.

Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/gh/gh007en.pdf
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within GhanaPermanent/Sold Goods

Shipments of sold goods to Ghana - whether for private use or to be sold on the open market - will incur duty and taxes regardless of their value. There are no threshold values below which a shipment is duty or tax free.

Occasional Shipper

Even if you only occasionally ship sold goods to Ghana from Canada, all shipments will incur duty and taxes regardless of their value.

Regular Shipper

If you regularly ship goods to be sold in Ghana, we recommend that you consult a licenced Ghanaian shipping broker.

Sources:
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Kofi Annan
PMB CT 210
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana

Phone: +233 (0)302 718 200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Ghana. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Ghana, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:

  • The exporter, importer and transport company
  • Date of issue
  • Number of freight invoice
  • Type and number of packages
  • Contents of each package
  • Marks and numbers
  • Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package

Prohibited & Restricted Imports

Goods that are prohibited from entering Ghana may not enter the country. Restricted goods, on the other hand, are allowed entry but may have quantity limits or other rules attached to them.

Prohibited Items

  • Any material with pornographic or obscene content
  • Weapons - flick knives, knuckle dusters, etc.
  • Material considered to be scandalous or libellous
  • Coins and notes of any country that are counterfeit
  • Air conditioners

Restricted Goods

  • Medications
  • Tobacco products
  • Handcuffs
  • Machines that duplicate keys
  • Games of chance including gambling machines
  • Animal traps and nets
  • Containers that discharge damaging chemicals, for e.g. mace

Sources:
https://gra.gov.gh/import-prohibitions-and-restrictions/
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGIntDestDetails-e.asp?table=tblCountry&txtLetter=GH

Duty & Taxes

Duty and taxes owed on imports to Ghana are calculated using the CIF value of a shipment. The CIF value is calculated as the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight charges.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient

Thresholds

Ghana does have a duty or tax threshold (or de minimis) for imports. This means, regardless of a shipment's value, it will incur duty and taxes.


Currency Ghanaian Cedi GH₵ or GHS
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) N/A
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT) 12.5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports

Excise Taxes

The following imported products incur excise taxes: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, bottled water, carbonated beverages, and textiles. Details may be found by clicking here.

Other Taxes

Imported goods will be charged two other taxes: National Health Insurance Levy (NIHL) and a Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy (GETFL). Each is a 2.5% tax.


  • Candy35%
  • Chocolate35%
  • Spirits and Wines0% - 25%
  • Tobacco175%
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles20%
  • Computers & Laptops5%
  • Tablets5%
  • Mobiles10%
  • Cameras20%
  • Accessories for Electronics5%
  • Coats20%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
  • Jewellery20%
  • Shirts & Pants20%
  • Home Appliances5% - 20%
  • Toys20%
  • Sports Equipment20%

Sources:
https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/CUSTOMS%20AND%20EXCISE%20(DUTIES%20AND%20OTHER%20TAXES)%20ACT,%201995%20(ACT%20502).pdf
https://ghanatrade.org/ghana-import-duty/
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/ghana/corporate/other-taxes
https://www.macmap.org/

IconGhana Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to Ghana

Can I ship to Ghana?

Shipping to Ghana from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Ghana by getting a quote now.


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How much is it to send a parcel to Ghana?

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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Ghana?

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