Diaspora guide
Shipping to Ghana from Germany and the UK
Barrels, boxes or a whole household: sea vs air freight, packing, banned items and what to expect at Ghana customs.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Barrels at Christmas, boxes for family, or a whole household when you move back: sending goods home is part of life for Ghanaians in Germany, the UK and across Europe. This guide explains your options, how to pack and what to expect at Ghana customs, so your shipment arrives without surprises.
Sea freight or air freight?
| Sea freight | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Barrels, boxes, furniture, a whole household | Urgent, small or valuable items, documents |
| Speed | Several weeks door to door | Days rather than weeks |
| Cost | Much cheaper per kilo; often a fixed price per barrel or box | Priced by weight, so heavy items get expensive |
| Arrives at | Tema port (sometimes Takoradi) | Kotoka International Airport, Accra |
Most families use a consolidator: a shipping company that collects barrels and boxes from many customers, fills a container and handles the paperwork at both ends. If you are moving your whole household, ask for a quote for your own container or for space in a shared one.
Choosing a shipping company
- Door to door or depot? Ask whether the price includes collection at your address in Germany or the UK and delivery to the recipient's door, or only to a warehouse in Accra or Tema.
- Ask where they deliver. Delivery to Kumasi, Tamale or smaller towns can cost extra.
- Get an itemised written quote. It should show freight, clearing, delivery and any duty they collect, so there are no extra charges on arrival.
- Check insurance. Find out what is covered if a barrel is damaged or goes missing, and keep photos of what you packed.
- Book early for Christmas. Many shippers set a last booking date weeks before Christmas. Ask for it in good time.
- Ask other Ghanaians. Recommendations from your church or community are often the best guide. You can also browse shipping companies in the GhanaChild directory.
Packing and your packing list
- Write a full packing list for every barrel or box: each item, quantity, and whether it is new or used. Customs works from this list.
- Electronics: note the brand, model, serial number and condition of each device.
- Keep receipts for new items, because new goods are assessed for duty.
- Food: a reasonable amount for one family is usually accepted; large quantities may be treated as goods for sale.
- Medicines for personal use should be in their labelled packaging.
- Label everything with the recipient's full name and a Ghanaian phone number, and keep your own copy of the list.
Items you can't or shouldn't send
Some goods are prohibited and can be seized; others are restricted and need a licence or permit. Industry guidance lists, among others:
- Prohibited: used or second-hand mattresses; used refrigerators and freezers (and refrigerant gases); dangerous weapons; obscene material; contaminated food.
- Restricted (permit needed): arms and ammunition, explosives, mercury, and certain spirits.
- Cars and spare parts follow separate rules, including age limits and penalties for older vehicles. Check them with GRA before you buy a car to ship.
Your shipping company should give you its own list of items it won't accept (for example batteries, aerosols or liquids). Ask for it before you pack.
Customs in Ghana: duty and paperwork
- Everything must be declared, even if no duty is due.
- A licensed clearing agent is required by law to clear goods at the ports. Most consolidators include clearing in their price. If yours does not, choose a licensed agent and get a written quote.
- Duty is based on value. Customs assesses goods on their CIF value (cost, insurance and freight). New items and anything in commercial quantities are taxed; used personal belongings normally are not.
- Original documents are required. Typically: passport (and Ghana Card for citizens), bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air), the packing list, and invoices for new items.
- Gifts for family in barrels are normally cleared by your shipper on your behalf. Some include any duty in the barrel price, others charge it separately, so ask before you send.
Moving back home for good
If you are relocating to Ghana, GRA allows returning residents to bring “removal articles intended for personal use” free of duty, if you:
- are a Ghanaian citizen over 18, and
- have lived outside Ghana for a continuous period of at least twelve months before returning.
This exemption does not cover motor vehicles, spare parts, building materials or goods in commercial quantities. You will need your passport showing your return, your Ghana Card, a detailed packing list and the original bill of lading. Extra copies of the same item (a second TV, for example) may still be taxed. Our guide to getting your Ghana Card from abroad helps if you don't have one yet.
Shipping companies in the GhanaChild directory
These Ghanaian shipping businesses have agreed to be listed in our directory:
- Sam's Logistics UK (London): door-to-door air and sea freight from the UK to Ghana, barrels and boxes, removals and store pick-ups.
Run a shipping business to Ghana? List it free in the directory so Ghanaians in your city can find you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay duty on a barrel sent to my family in Ghana?
Used personal items in normal quantities are usually not the problem; new items and goods in commercial quantities are taxed on their value. Some shippers include clearing and duty in the barrel price, so ask for an all-inclusive quote.
How long does shipping from Germany or the UK to Ghana take?
Sea freight usually takes several weeks door to door, depending on how often your shipper sends containers. Air freight takes days rather than weeks but costs much more per kilo.
Can I bring my household goods duty-free when I move back to Ghana?
Yes, if you are a Ghanaian citizen over 18 who has lived abroad for at least twelve continuous months. Removal articles for personal use are exempt; vehicles, spare parts, building materials and commercial quantities are not.
Do I need a clearing agent?
Yes. Ghana Revenue Authority says clearance at the ports requires a licensed clearing agent by law. Most consolidators include this in their price.
What can't I send to Ghana?
Used mattresses, used refrigerators and freezers, weapons and contaminated food are among the prohibited items. Arms, explosives, mercury and some spirits need permits. Check your shipper's own list too.
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