Entry Port
Tema Container Port
Customs Authority
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) — Customs Division
HS Codes
8714.10 (motorcycle parts & accessories) +
Transit Time
20–25 days ocean transit (Mumbai to Tema)
Step-by-Step Process
How to Import from India to Ghana
Find a Verified Indian Supplier
Look for an Indian exporter with a valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code), GST registration, and a documented history of shipping to West Africa. Request a proforma invoice and cross-check the exporter on DGFT India's database. CrestMAX is IEC-registered and can provide all verification documents. Confirm part specifications, OEM compatibility, and minimum order quantities before placing your order.
Identify Parts and HS Codes
Confirm the HS codes for your parts before ordering. Most motorcycle spare parts fall under HS 8714.10 or 8714.99. Your supplier should provide HS codes on the commercial invoice — incorrect codes cause GRA examination delays at Tema and potential fines. CrestMAX provides accurate HS codes on all export documentation.
Get a Proforma Invoice and Agree on Incoterms
Request a proforma invoice from your Indian supplier. Decide between FOB Mumbai (you arrange freight from India) or CIF Tema (supplier delivers to Tema, you handle customs). For first-time importers, CIF is simpler. CrestMAX offers both FOB Mumbai and CIF Tema terms. Payment: standard is 30% advance, 70% against B/L copy, or 100% advance T/T for smaller orders.
Arrange Shipping or Confirm with Supplier
If FOB: engage a freight forwarder to book ocean freight from JNPT Mumbai to Tema. If CIF: your supplier handles freight and insurance. Ocean transit Mumbai to Tema is 20–25 days. Shipping lines on this corridor include MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and PIL. You can ship FCL (full container) or LCL (consolidation) depending on volume.
File Pre-Arrival Declaration (PAD)
Your customs agent files the PAD through Ghana's GCNET/UNIPASS system before the vessel arrives at Tema. This must include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and ECOWAS certificate of origin. File at least 48 hours before vessel arrival. Late filing causes examination delays.
Customs Clearance at Tema
Your GRA-licensed customs agent handles examination, duty assessment, and final release at Tema Container Port. Ghana uses destination inspection — GRA may physically inspect a sample of cartons. Duty is assessed on CIF value. Typical clearance time at Tema: 3–7 days for pre-cleared shipments. Budget for terminal handling charges (THC) at Meridian Port Services (MPS).
Documents Checklist
Required Documents for Ghana
Commercial Invoice
From CrestMAX. Must show part names, HS codes, unit prices, total CIF value in USD.
Packing List
Detailed carton-by-carton breakdown of contents, weights and dimensions.
Bill of Lading
Issued by shipping line at Mumbai. Original BL or Telex Release for cargo collection at Tema.
ECOWAS Certificate of Origin (Form A)
Certifies Indian origin. May qualify for reduced duty under ECOWAS ETLS. CrestMAX provides this.
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Filed electronically by your customs agent through Ghana's GCNET/UNIPASS system before arrival.
Pre-Arrival Declaration (PAD)
Filed online before vessel arrival at Tema. Your customs agent handles this.
HS Codes
8714.10 (motorcycle parts & accessories) / 8714.99 (other cycle/moped parts) / 8708 (motor vehicle parts — for 3-wheelers above 50cc)
Import Duty Structure
Ghana uses a composite duty structure: 20% import duty + 12.5% VAT + 2.5% NHIL + 1% GETFund + 0.75% EDAIF levy, all calculated on CIF value. ECOWAS Certificate of Origin from India may qualify for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) — confirm with your customs agent.
Port Tips
Tema Container Port — What to Know
Tema Container Port (operated by Meridian Port Services, MPS) is Ghana's main import gateway. MPS has relatively efficient processing compared to Apapa. File your PAD early and ensure all documents are consistent (part names, quantities, HS codes, and values must match across invoice, packing list, and BL). Accra-based customs agents are generally faster than Tema-based agents for electronic filing.
FAQ
Importing Spare Parts to Ghana — Questions
What is the import duty on motorcycle spare parts in Ghana?
Ghana applies 20% import duty + 12.5% VAT + 2.5% NHIL + 1% GETFund + 0.75% EDAIF on CIF value for most auto spare parts. Total effective tax rate is typically 35–40% of CIF value. An ECOWAS certificate of origin from India may qualify for ETLS duty reduction — confirm with your customs agent.
Can I import spare parts from India CIF to Tema?
Yes — CrestMAX offers CIF Tema terms. We arrange ocean freight and marine insurance from Mumbai to Tema Container Port. You handle Ghana customs clearance with your local agent.
How long does shipping from India to Ghana take?
Ocean transit from Mumbai to Tema is 20–25 days. Add 3–7 days for customs clearance at Tema. Total door-to-door: approximately 4 weeks.
Do I need a pre-arrival declaration for Ghana?
Yes — your customs agent must file a Pre-Arrival Declaration (PAD) through GCNET/UNIPASS before the vessel arrives at Tema. File at least 48 hours before arrival to avoid delays.
Does an ECOWAS certificate of origin reduce my duty in Ghana?
Potentially yes — under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), goods of ECOWAS origin may attract reduced or zero duty. India is not an ECOWAS member, but a Form A certificate of origin from India may qualify for other GSP reductions. Confirm the applicable rate with your customs agent before shipment.
Also Read
Ready to Source from India?
CrestMAX handles the India side — you handle Ghanacustoms. Send us your parts list and we'll respond within 24 hours.
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