The short answer
To clear most imports in Ghana you need a bill of lading or airway bill, a commercial invoice, a packing list and the importer's TIN or Ghana Card number. Regulated goods also need permits, such as FDA for food and drugs, GSA for regulated products and EPA for chemicals, ideally obtained before the goods arrive.
Core documents for every import
- Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air): the original, or confirmation of an express or telex release
- Commercial invoice: seller, buyer, precise description, quantity, unit price, currency and Incoterm
- Packing list: matching the invoice line for line, with weights and package counts
- Importer identification: TIN for companies, Ghana Card number for individuals
- Certificate of origin: required to claim ECOWAS or AfCFTA preferential rates
- Insurance certificate: where insurance forms part of the declared CIF value
Extra documents by product
| Goods | What is usually needed |
|---|---|
| Food, drinks, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices | FDA registration or import permit |
| Electrical goods, building materials and other regulated products | Ghana Standards Authority conformity requirements |
| Chemicals, pesticides, ozone-depleting substances | EPA permit |
| Plants, seeds and animal products | Phytosanitary or veterinary certificate and import permit |
| Vehicles | Title or registration document, purchase invoice, VIN details |
| Goods under exemption | Exemption approval letter or Free Zone licence |
Five mistakes that hold cargo at the terminal
- Invoice and packing list quantities do not match.
- The description is too vague to classify: "spare parts", "accessories", "general goods".
- The consignee on the B/L differs from the importer on the declaration.
- Permits are applied for after the goods arrive.
- The declared value is far below reference values, triggering a valuation query.
When to send your documents
As soon as the supplier ships. A clearing agent can check them during the voyage and lodge on ICUMS the day the manifest is available.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clear goods without an invoice?
A declaration needs a value. Without a genuine invoice, Customs sets the value itself, which is usually slower and higher.
Do individuals need a TIN?
Individuals use their Ghana Card number as their TIN.
Do I need the original bill of lading?
You need the original, or confirmation that the shipping line has issued an express or telex release.
