Importing FMCG products into Ghana: practical guide
This guide is for Ghanaian wholesalers and distributors buying a container of fast-moving consumer goods from Whitworth, a trading house based in Brussels. It describes the practical steps between the order in Antwerp and the release of the goods from the port of Tema, the country's main gateway.
Before you order
Before placing an order, make sure your company is registered as an importer in Ghana and that the food products concerned are registered with the FDA. Then send us your list of references, the volumes and your preference between a 20 or 40 foot container. We draw up a proforma invoice with prices, the palletisation plan, the estimated fill rate and the chosen Incoterm. Your bank and your broker can then prepare financing and the declaration even before loading in Antwerp.
Required documents
Customs clearance in Ghana is largely paperless: documents must be available early, as clean electronic copies.
Commercial invoice
Values in euros, precise description of each product and tariff codes if you already know them.
Packing list
Number of cartons, weights and volumes per pallet, for the declaration and any physical examination at Tema.
Bill of lading (B/L)
Original or telex release depending on the payment agreement; it governs delivery of the container.
Certificate of origin
It certifies the European origin of the goods and accompanies the customs declaration.
Health certificates and FDA
For food, health certificates depending on the products, and registration with the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana.
Incoterms offered
Two options are offered: FOB Antwerp, if you already work with a trusted forwarder and carrier, or CIF Tema, where we book freight and insurance to the Ghanaian port. First-time importers often choose CIF so they have a single contact until arrival.
Sea transit from Antwerp
Allow generally two to four weeks at sea between Antwerp and Tema, depending on the service chosen and the number of West African port calls. Tema is a modern container port, but clearance time depends on the quality of the file and any inspection.
Customs clearance and delivery
When the vessel berths at Tema, your broker enters the declaration in the Ghanaian customs electronic system. Depending on the risk profile, the container is released directly or goes through an examination. After payment of duties and taxes, it is delivered by truck to Accra, Kumasi or elsewhere in the country. A complete file from departure in Antwerp is the best way to shorten this time and limit storage charges at the port.
Tariff zone and duties
Ghana is a member of ECOWAS and applies its common external tariff to goods imported from Europe. National taxes and levies are added. The exact amounts for your references are to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs (Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority).
Currency and payment methods
The local currency is the cedi (GHS), whose exchange rate can fluctuate significantly. Our invoices are in euros and settled by bank transfer or by documentary letter of credit issued by a Ghanaian bank. Fixing the budget in euros from the proforma stage limits unpleasant surprises.
Points to watch
English labelling
Product name, ingredients, net weight and importer details legible on each unit.
Shelf life
The Ghanaian market is reluctant to accept short dates: favour recent batches.
Chilled products
Book a reefer container and check the power supply available at the Tema terminal.
Prior registration
A product not registered with the FDA can be held at the port.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also deliver to Takoradi?
Tema remains our reference port, but Takoradi can be considered depending on sailings and your distribution area.
How many brands per container?
Several brands can be grouped in the same container, within the limits of fill rate and pallets.
Who clears the goods?
Your licensed customs broker in Ghana, using the documents we send you.
Which duties and taxes apply?
It depends on the products: to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Do you accept letters of credit?
Yes, provided the terms are compatible with our loading schedule in Antwerp.
Prepare your next container for Tema: send your list, we confirm prices, fill rate and Incoterm.