How to Import from China to Ghana in 2026: GRA, Tema Port and Clearing Agents

If you are working out how to import from China to Ghana, there is one new rule you should know before anything else: the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) says its EASYPASS pre-shipment verification of conformity became mandatory for applicable imports from 1 July 2026. That adds a step before your supplier ships. After that, the process runs through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division and its ICUMS clearing system, usually with a customs agent filing on your behalf. This guide walks through each stage, what to prepare, and where first-time importers lose money.

What you need before you order

The GRA's import procedures page lists the documents to have ready when goods arrive: the original bill of lading or waybill, an attested invoice, a packing list, an Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the Ministry of Trade, a GRA Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or GhanaCard PIN, and permits from relevant regulators depending on the product, such as the Food and Drugs Authority or the Ghana Standards Authority. Sort out your TIN and decide which clearing agent you will use before you pay a supplier, because the agent will tell you what your specific product needs.

GSA EASYPASS: pre-shipment verification of conformity

The GSA's verification of conformity notice says goods are checked in the exporting country against Ghanaian or international standards, and a successful check produces a secured EASYPASS Certificate that speeds up customs clearance. The notice lists the product groups covered, which include chemicals, plastics and rubber, textiles, base metals, machinery and electrical equipment, optical and measuring instruments, miscellaneous manufactured goods and most used products. Some used items such as undergarments, mattresses and sanitary ware are listed as prohibited.

In practice you or your supplier apply through the GSA EASYPASS portal, supply invoice and goods details plus any existing test reports, choose one of three routes (A for any good, B for goods already registered with the GSA, C for goods already licensed), and make the goods available for inspection before shipment. If the results are satisfactory the certificate is issued, otherwise a Non-Conformity Report is produced. The page we reviewed did not list fees or exemptions, so ask the GSA directly at the contact listed on its notice, and check whether your product is covered before ordering.

Finding a Chinese supplier and paying safely

Screen suppliers before you talk price. Ask for the business licence and verify it independently, confirm the company name on the contract matches the account you will pay, and order samples first. Be wary of a supplier who changes the price after you pay a deposit, or whose sample is much better than what arrives. Pay through a platform that holds funds in escrow where you can, and keep every term in writing: specification, price, delivery date and refund terms.

It is worth comparing the import route with simply buying within Africa. Our guides to red flags when sourcing online and calculating true landed cost help you decide whether the saving survives freight, duty and clearing. Many Ghanaian traders also compare local supply; our directory of wholesale suppliers in Accra is a good starting point.

Shipping from China to Tema: sea vs air

Most importers book sea freight to Tema Port, and freight forwarders also commonly mention Takoradi as an alternative. Sea freight suits bulky goods and larger volumes, either as a full container or shared container, and costs less per kilogram. Air freight is quicker and suits samples and high-value, lightweight goods. Ask forwarders for current quotes because rates move with season and capacity. Agree an Incoterm in writing; our guide to Incoterms explains who pays for what under FOB and CIF.

Clearing goods with GRA and ICUMS

Ghana clears cargo through the Integrated Customs Management System, known as ICUMS or UNIPASS, run by the GRA Customs Division. The GRA's procedure page describes the flow as follows:

• Declaration: your clearing agent submits the declaration through ICUMS with the supporting documents, before or after arrival.
• Assessment: the system processes classification, valuation and approval.
• Payment: the agent pays duties and taxes at a participating bank using the tax bill ICUMS generates.
• Verification and checks: an examining officer is assigned. Red means a physical examination, yellow means a digital scan, and green means release at the gate with an automatic scan on exit.
• Release: cleared goods go to the exit gate for a security check against the waybill.

An ICUMS company account is requested with your company TIN. Your agent will usually already have access, but if you plan to clear for yourself as a self-declarant, you need to register your company on the ICUMS stakeholder portal.

Duty, VAT and levies in Ghana

Import duty follows the ECOWAS common external tariff and is assessed on the CIF value. A 2025 US government guide lists bands from 0% to 35% by type of goods, and notes that VAT and other charges are assessed on CIF plus duty. Ghana changed its VAT system for 2026: the VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151) came into effect on 1 January 2026, and the 1% COVID-19 levy has not been charged since that date. The same 2025 guide also listed other levies and fees, such as the ECOWAS and African Union levies and a destination inspection fee. Because these have changed recently and vary by HS code, do not budget from a blog table. Ask your clearing agent for a written duty estimate from the GRA tariff before you pay your supplier, and confirm with the GRA Customs Division.

Choosing a customs agent in Ghana

The GRA says goods are cleared with the help of a customs agent. Pick one who is licensed, handles cargo like yours, and quotes in writing. Ask what their quote includes: agency fee, port and terminal charges, haulage and duty. Be careful of agents who can only give a single lump sum, or who offer to under-declare your goods; wrong valuation causes disputes and delays. A good agent will check your HS code before the declaration is lodged, because a wrong code can change the duty and trigger inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licensed clearing agent in Ghana? The GRA states that goods are cleared with the help of a customs agent. Confirm your own situation with the Customs Division.

What is EASYPASS and is it compulsory? It is the GSA's pre-shipment verification of conformity. The GSA says it is mandatory for applicable imports from 1 July 2026, so ask whether your goods are covered.

What is the difference between ICUMS and UNIPASS? They refer to the same Ghana customs system, which went live at Tema Port in 2020.

How do I avoid port delays at Tema? File the declaration early, keep documents consistent, and pay duties promptly. Rules and rates change, so confirm with the GRA or a licensed agent.

Getting started

If importing feels like too much for a first order, open a free Comilmart account and request quotes from suppliers in the B2B catalog. You can order samples, chat with sellers, and use buyer protection, where payments are held until delivery is confirmed. The verified supplier directory is also a quick way to see who is already selling in the region.