Shipping from China to Ghana
Bilateral trade between China and Ghana has grown steadily in recent years, with more and more products shipping from China to Ghana, meeting the local market’s demand for a variety of commodities such as electronic products, building materials, machinery and equipment, and textiles. As one of the major economies in West Africa, Ghana not only has commercial centers in major cities such as Accra and Tema, but also has key ports and airports, making the distribution of goods more efficient and convenient.
Choosing the right mode of transportation is crucial for Ghanaian importers. Transportation from China to Ghana is mainly achieved through Sea Freight and Air Freight. Sea Freight is suitable for bulk goods and provides large-capacity transportation at a lower cost; Air Freight is suitable for small quantities or time-sensitive goods, which greatly shortens the transportation time. Arranging freight plans in advance, especially ensuring the accuracy of customs clearance documents, can help avoid delays and additional costs.
Ubest Shipping provides a variety of logistics solutions from China to Ghana. Whether you choose sea or air transportation, our professional team will provide you with full support, including document preparation, route selection, customs clearance assistance and other services to ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination safely and on time.
What can we do when shipping from China to Ghana?
Sea freight FCL from China to Ghana
- Shipping from China to Accra and Tema in Ghana
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Ghana
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to Ghana
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Ghana
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to air freight from China to Iraq
Express delivery service from China to Ghana
- Express delivery from China to any city in Ghana
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to Ghana
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to Ghana
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in Ghana
- Including Ghana customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Ghana
- Provide one-stop service from China to Ghana warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to Ghana
With the increasing trade ties between China and Ghana, the demand for shipping goods from China to Ghana has gradually increased. Whether it is electronic products, textiles, mechanical equipment or household goods, Ghanaian importers are looking for efficient and economical logistics solutions to meet the needs of the local market.
In order to successfully ship goods from China to Ghana, it is essential to understand the different shipping options and customs clearance requirements. The entire process includes aspects such as the choice of transportation method, document preparation, tax payment and cargo tracking to ensure that the goods are delivered to customers smoothly and on time.
There are many links in the process of shipping goods from China to Ghana, and understanding these links will help you complete the transportation smoothly.
Shipping methods from China to Ghana:
- Air freight: This is the fastest option and is ideal for time-sensitive situations. It is particularly suitable for items that need to be delivered quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. Although it is more expensive than other methods, it is chosen for its speed and reliability.
- Ocean freight: If you are not in a hurry, but need to ship a large amount of goods, ocean freight is an affordable option. Ocean freight is slower, but it can handle large quantities of goods, so it is the first choice for bulk transportation. Delays may occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean shipping is a reliable and affordable method of shipping.
- Express: For shipments that are urgent and not too bulky, express is a fast and secure method of shipping. It is faster than ocean shipping and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you are sending an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
- Door-to-Door (DDP) Service: This is the least-hassle option. The shipping company takes care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but it may cost slightly more.
Sea Freight from China to Ghana
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for shipping goods from China to Ghana, especially for bulky and heavy goods. Major Chinese ports, such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, have close shipping links with Ghana’s major ports of Tema and Accra. Sea freight usually takes about 25 to 40 days, depending on the route arrangement, port handling and the type of goods. When choosing sea freight, importers can choose FCL or LCL services according to the volume of goods.
Full container load (FCL) is suitable for large-volume cargo transportation, where goods are loaded separately for greater security; while less than container load (LCL) provides an economical option for small-volume goods, sharing a container with other shippers. Whether choosing FCL or LCL, Ubest Shipping can provide customers with detailed packing suggestions, freight tracking, and unloading arrangements to ensure that customers are aware of the status of their goods in real time. Our team also provides customers with customs clearance assistance at the port of destination to ensure that goods enter the Ghanaian market smoothly.
What types of sea freight from China to Ghana
The types of sea freight from China to Ghana mainly include the following modes of transportation, suitable for different types of goods and transportation needs:
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL means that a container belongs to only one owner and is not shared with other owners’ goods. It is suitable for the transportation of large quantities of goods, heavy equipment or high-value goods, providing higher security and stability. Customers can choose 20-foot or 40-foot containers, of which 40-foot containers have a larger capacity and are suitable for heavier and large goods. The advantage of FCL is that the goods do not need to be shared with others, reducing the risk of mid-way handling and being more efficient when unloading at the destination port.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL is suitable for small quantities or less than a full container of goods. Customers can share the cost of using a container with other owners, thereby reducing transportation costs. This method is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or customers who transport small-volume, high-frequency goods. LCL is a relatively low-cost shipping method, but it needs to be shipped in a container with other goods, and customs clearance and unloading may take a little longer. LCL is an affordable option, but you need to ensure that the goods are well packaged and labeled to avoid confusion with other goods.
Bulk Cargo Shipping
Bulk cargo shipping is suitable for large quantities of raw materials or goods that cannot be loaded in containers, such as bulk commodities such as ore, coal, grain and liquids. Such goods are usually transported by dedicated bulk carriers, and the goods are loaded directly into the ship’s hold instead of containers. Bulk cargo shipping is more efficient and suitable for industrial customers and wholesalers with large demands, but it usually requires advance planning of shipping time and destination port arrangements.
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro)
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) is mainly used to transport vehicles, large machinery and equipment or other large goods with wheels. These goods can be driven in and out by RORO ships, which is suitable for automobile manufacturers and machinery and equipment companies. Ro-Ro transportation is more efficient when loading and unloading because the goods can be loaded on the ship without lifting equipment. This is a fast and efficient mode of transportation for customers who need to transport cars, engineering equipment or other wheeled transport vehicles.
Special Cargo Shipping
For goods that require special environments, such as frozen foods, medicines, chemicals, etc., customers can choose refrigerated containers (Reefer Container) or other customized containers. Special cargo shipping ensures that the goods maintain constant temperature, humidity or protective measures during transportation to meet the needs of special commodities. This type of transportation is more expensive, but it can provide the best transportation conditions for the goods.
The above types of sea transportation meet the needs of different types of customers from China to Ghana, whether it is low-cost transportation of bulk commodities, economical options for small quantities of goods, or security guarantees for special items.
Major ports in Ghana
Tema Port: Located in the Greater Accra Region, Tema Port is the largest and busiest port in Ghana. The port handles most of the country’s container traffic and has well-developed modern facilities.
Takoradi Port: Located in the Western Region, Takoradi Port is primarily used for bulk cargoes, but also handles containerized cargoes. It is an important gateway for Ghana’s mining industry.
Air Freight from China to Ghana
For goods that need to be delivered quickly, air freight from China to Ghana is an ideal choice. The main routes take off from Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou in China and fly to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, and the entire journey takes only 3 to 7 days, making air freight the preferred mode of transportation for time-sensitive goods. Although air freight is more expensive, it is the best solution for electronic products, medical equipment, time-sensitive goods or small quantities of goods.
The air freight process includes steps such as sorting, packaging, document preparation and customs clearance of goods. Ubest Shipping provides professional support at every link to ensure that the goods are transported smoothly. Our team assists customers in preparing the necessary air freight documents, such as air waybills, commercial invoices and other customs documents, to ensure fast and convenient customs clearance. With our air freight services, customers can enjoy efficient and transparent cargo tracking and accurate delivery times to achieve their logistics needs in the best way.
Ghana's major international airports
Kotoka International Airport (ACC): Located in Accra, it is Ghana’s largest and busiest airport. It is a major hub for international cargo, offering modern facilities and extensive connections.
Kumasi International Airport (KMS): Located in Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city, this airport handles domestic and limited international cargo, providing more options for air freight.
Shipping costs from China to Ghana (updated November 2024)
How much does it cost to ship from China to Ghana?
Depending on whether you choose air or sea freight, the shipping costs can vary greatly. Air freight costs usually range from $5 to $10 per kilogram, while sea freight costs start from $2,500 to $3,800 for a 20-foot container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LCL | $60 – $150 per cubic meter |
| FCL (20-foot container) | $2,500 to $3,800 |
| FCL (40-foot container) | $3,250 to $4,800 |
| Express Shipping (50kg) | $15 per kilogram |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $5 to $10 per kilogram |
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Ghana
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Ghana) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tema Port | $2550-$3500 | $3500-$4500 |
| Shenzhen | Tema Port | $2200-$3300 | $3450-$4350 |
| Qingdao | Tema Port | $2650-$3650 | $3350-$4550 |
| Ningbo | Tema Port | $2500-$3500 | $3250-$4550 |
| Guangzhou | Tema Port | $2750-$3850 | $3450-$4600 |
| Tainjin | Tema Port | $3000-$3500 | $3500-$4800 |
How long does it take to ship from China to Ghana?
Shipping time from China to Ghana varies depending on the method used. Ocean freight has an estimated shipping time of 30 to 45 days. In contrast, air freight is much faster, usually arriving within 3 to 7 days.
| Shipping Method | Shipping Time From China to Ghana |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL & LCL) | 30-45 days |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days |
| Express Shipping | 2-5 days |
| Door to Door Shipping | 40–50 days |
Shipping time from China to Ghana by sea
The shipping time for containers from Chinese ports to Ghanaian ports by sea is 30 to 50 days.
| Origin City | Destination Port | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mombasa Port | 29-36 (FCL), 30-46 (LCL) |
| Ningbo | Mombasa Port | 28-35 (FCL), 38-45 (LCL) |
| Shenzhen | Mombasa Port | 32-38 (FCL), 34-45 (LCL) |
| Guangzhou | Mombasa Port | 32-38 (FCL), 35-45 (LCL) |
| Qingdao | Mombasa Port | 34-41 (FCL), 38-48 (LCL) |
| Tianjin | Mombasa Port | 34-41 (FCL), 38-50 (LCL) |
| Dalian | Mombasa Port | 37-44 (FCL), 37-49 (LCL) |
| Xiamen | Mombasa Port | 34-41 (FCL), 36-50 (LCL) |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Ghana
Door to Door service is a comprehensive shipping solution that simplifies logistics by handling the entire journey of your goods from the supplier’s location in China to the final destination in Ghana. This all-inclusive service covers all aspects of the shipping process, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance and final door-to-door delivery.
Door to Door service typically includes:
- Pickup: Collecting goods from the supplier or manufacturer in China.
- Transportation: Coordinating inland transportation within China and then coordinating international transportation (air or sea) to Ghana.
- Customs Clearance: Processing all necessary customs documents and formalities at the departure and destination points.
- Delivery: Transporting goods from the port or airport in Ghana to the consignee’s address.
When choosing a door to door service, businesses can choose between DDU and DDP terms:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes and any additional customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. This option provides a worry-free experience for buyers.
Customs clearance of goods imported from China to Ghana
- Commercial Invoice This document is provided by the shipper and details the description, quantity, value, country of origin of the goods, and information about the buyer and seller. The invoice is used to determine duties and taxes.
- Packing List The packing list lists the specific contents of each package or container, including the dimensions, weight, packaging method and quantity of the goods. It helps customs verify the details of the goods.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) A bill of lading is used for ocean shipments and an airway bill is used for air shipments. It is a legal document for the transportation of goods, proving that the goods have been loaded on a ship or air shipment and providing detailed transportation information and destination information.
- Certificate of Origin (COO) This certificate proves the country of origin of the production or manufacturing of the goods. It can affect the application of tariffs, especially if tariff reductions may be obtained under free trade agreements.
- Import License Some special types of goods may require an import license to legally enter Ghana, such as medicines, chemicals or certain foods. Importers should check the requirements for the goods in advance.
- Insurance Certificate If the goods are insured during transportation, the insurance certificate is used to prove that the goods have been insured and to specify the insurance coverage.
- Customs Declaration Form The document that the importer or customs clearance agent needs to submit, listing all the detailed information related to the goods, such as quantity, value, taxes, etc., for customs to assess and calculate tariffs.
- Product Certification Documents Some products may require additional certification documents, such as health certificates, quality certifications or certificates of compliance with international standards, especially for goods such as food, medicines, chemicals, etc.
Import Taxes and Duties in Ghana
Import taxes and duties can significantly affect your total shipping costs. Ghana imposes a standard VAT of 12.5% on most imported goods, and duties range from 0% to 35% depending on the product category.
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 12.5% |
| Customs Duties | 0% to 35% depending on product category |
| Other Fees | Varies (e.g., processing fees) |