Your Guide to Ghana Import Procedures

Are you thinking of starting to import goods into Ghana? Below is an outline of the Ghana import procedures that you need to follow.

Before you start to import, however, it is important to note that Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is strict on the procedures to be followed, and requires that every importer uses a registered Customs Agent.

Customs Agents are individuals or companies who have been given a license or permit to operate as mediators between the GRA Customs Division, and importers and exporters. They facilitate the effective movement of goods and trade between Ghana and other countries. Customs agents also ensure that all the proper procedures are followed.

Requirements

The following are the documents required as part of Ghana import procedures. These documents are required before any goods can be cleared in Ghana.

• Original Waybill or Bill of Lading
• Attested Invoice
• Packing List
• Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the Ministry of Trade
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from GRA or GhanaCard PIN
• Required permits from any of the regulatory agencies, depending on the type of goods being imported

Ghana Import Procedures

1. First, the clearing agent will submit a declaration in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) frontend. It must include all the above requirements before and after the arrival of the goods.
2. Next, the ICUMS will process the declaration in the stages below:
3. Classification
4. Valuation
5. Approval
6. Once the declaration is successfully processed through the ICUMS, a tax bill will be generated, indicating the duties and taxes to be paid at the participating banks. The amount of duty to be paid depends on the cost of goods, type of goods, and rates specified for these goods.
7. Next, verify the declaration and select the examination officers through ICUMS.
8. After this, the tax bill received from the bank is presented to the examination, scanning, or releasing officer at the exit gate. The exit gate depends on the risk levels of the goods as indicated by these color codes.
9. Red – mandatory physical examination
10. Yellow – digital scan
11. Green – released at the gate by scanned automatically on the way out of the port
12. Note that goods that were to be physically examined but were already scanned are examined upon discharge.
13. Finally, take the released goods to the next exit gate for a final security check. The waybill will also be checked at this point.

With this short guide on Ghana Import Procedures, you should be confident enough to organize your next set of imports!