How importing a car to Ghana works — and what it costs
No surprises: every step, every cost, and who pays it. We give you a written estimate for your car before you commit to anything.
1. Choose the car
Tell us what you want — make, model, year range and budget — or send us an auction listing you like. We check the photos, condition report and title information with you, and tell you honestly if a car isn't worth the risk.
2. We bid for you
We bid on your behalf at Copart or IAAI, up to the maximum you approve. If we are outbid, we look for the next suitable car.
3. Shipping to Tema
Once the car is bought, it is collected from the auction yard, taken to the port and shipped to Tema. We recommend marine insurance on every vehicle and can arrange it.
4. Customs clearing
Import duty, taxes and port charges are set by the Ghana Revenue Authority's Customs Division, based on the vehicle's assessed value and type. A licensed clearing agent handles the process; we connect you with agents we trust.
5. Registration and delivery
The car is registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). Collect it in Kumasi, or choose delivery anywhere in Ghana.
What you pay
| Vehicle price | The winning auction bid or seller's price |
|---|---|
| Auction fees | Charged by Copart or IAAI on each purchase |
| Our service fee | US$150 flat for our brokerage service |
| Inland transport | From the auction yard to the port of departure |
| Ocean shipping | To Tema Port |
| Marine insurance | Recommended for every vehicle |
| Duty, taxes & port charges | Set by Ghana Customs on its valuation of the car; paid by the buyer. Estimate it |
| Clearing agent | Paid by the buyer; we can recommend agents |
| Registration & delivery | DVLA registration; delivery optional |
Which cars can be imported
Current position (updated 8 October 2026): In 2026 the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) announced stricter standards for imported used vehicles, due from 1 October 2026: an age limit, a ban on flood-, fire- and structurally damaged vehicles, and a pre-shipment inspection with a Certificate of Conformity. On 5 October 2026 the GSA suspended the pre-shipment inspection and said a new date would be announced. Other details are still being clarified. Rules can change at short notice, so we check every car against the rules in force on the day, before you bid.
Read Ghana's import rules in 2026 for what this means for auction cars, then try the cost calculator.
Buying auction cars safely
- Auction cars are sold as-is. Read our AS-IS policy before you commit.
- Budget for repairs and reconditioning, especially for cars with damage disclosures.
- Ask us for a vehicle history report (such as Carfax or AutoCheck) where available.
- Only pay into the accounts shown on our official invoice, and call +233 24 495 8517 to confirm them first.