Shipping from China to Ghana
Shipping Services from China to Ghana
with ShangHai Freight Forwarding
Shanghai provides comprehensive and reliable shipping services from China to Ghana, including sea freight, air freight, door-to-door shipping, and more. Their expertise in handling complex shipments and ensuring smooth customs clearance with required certificates like CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) and COC (Certificate of Conformity) guarantees a hassle-free process for businesses importing goods to Ghana.
1. Shipping Services
ShangHai Freight Forwarding provides a full range of shipping options that cater to both businesses and individuals. Whether you’re shipping large quantities or smaller packages, ShangHai has tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
Sea Freight
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Reliable Ocean Freight Services: Competitive sea freight from various Chinese ports to key ports in Ghana such as Tema and Takoradi, handling general merchandise, chemicals, and branded products.
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Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: Strong contracts with major carriers like COSCO, CMA, ONE, MSK, and MSC, ensuring competitive FCL rates for large shipments.
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Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping: Available for smaller shipments to Ghanaian cities including Tema, Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Air Freight
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Competitive Air Freight Rates: Using Blocked Space Agreements (BSA) with airlines to provide cost-effective shipping from Chinese airports to Ghana.
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Air Freight Services: Fast and efficient solutions for urgent shipments.
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Main International Airports in Ghana: Kotoka International Airport (Accra), Kumasi International Airport, and Takoradi Airport.
Door-to-Door Shipping
Safe and Efficient: Shanghai offers door-to-door shipping services from China to Ghana, handling everything from pickup to final delivery, including tax processing in Ghana for a smooth experience.
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Pickup & Delivery: ShangHai arranges pickup from any location in China and delivers directly to your warehouse or office in Ghana.
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Full Service: This service includes customs clearance, loading supervision, and safe delivery to the final destination.
2. Shipping Options
Full Container Load (FCL)
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For large shipments, FCL is the best choice. You rent an entire container, ensuring greater security, faster delivery, and cost-effectiveness for large volumes.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
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For smaller shipments, LCL allows you to share container space with other shipments, reducing costs. While LCL may take a bit longer due to consolidation, it is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
3. Additional Services Provided
ShangHai provides a variety of additional services to meet specific industry needs:
Warehousing Services
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We offer up to 28 days of free storage in China, giving you flexibility in managing your shipments without the pressure of tight deadlines.
Cargo Insurance
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Protect your goods during transit with our cargo insurance options to cover any potential risks.
Loading Supervision
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Our experts oversee the loading process to ensure that all cargo is packed securely, minimizing the risk of damage during transport.
Customs Clearance
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We ensure smooth customs clearance, with a fast turnaround time of just one day. Our team handles all necessary paperwork, including bills of lading, certificates of origin, and packing lists.
Competitive Shipping Rates
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Thanks to our strong relationships with carriers, we secure low, competitive rates to help reduce your shipping costs.
4. Shipping Routes and Transit Times
Transit Times to Tema Port
- Shanghai to Tema: 35 days
- Shenzhen to Tema: 29 days
- Ningbo to Tema: 33 days
- Qingdao to Tema: 36 days
- Tianjin to Tema: 37 days
- Xiamen to Tema: 39 days
5. Key Ports and Airports in Ghana
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Takoradi Harbor
- Located in western Ghana, it handles around 20% of Ghana’s imports, particularly goods related to timber, cocoa processing, shipbuilding, and oil.
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Tema Harbor
- Situated in the southeast, Tema Harbor processes 80% of the country’s imports, including petroleum, cement, food items, and iron and steel.
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International Airports
- Kotoka International Airport (Accra): The largest airport in Ghana, handling the majority of international air cargo.
- Kumasi International Airport: The second busiest airport, located in the Ashanti region.
- Takoradi Airport: An important airport located in the industrial region of Sekondi-Takoradi.
6. Importing Goods to Ghana – Customs Procedures
Customs clearance in Ghana requires specific documentation and the payment of various duties and taxes:
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Required Documents: Unique Consignment Reference (UCR), Certificate of Conformity, Tax Identification Number (TIN), Commercial Invoice, and Bill of Lading.
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Import Duties: Ranges from 5% to 10% depending on the nature of the goods.
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VAT: 12.5% for finished pharmaceutical products.
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Excise Duty: Applied to certain products like tobacco and alcohol.
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ECOWAS Levy: 0.5% for goods imported outside the ECOWAS region.
7. Prohibited and Restricted Goods to Ghana
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Prohibited Goods
- Narcotic drugs
- Counterfeit goods
- Dangerous weapons
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Restricted Goods
- Gold coins
- Communication equipment
- Certain foods and agricultural products (require permits)
8. Shipping Costs – Factors to Consider
Main Factors
- Port of Destination: The distance between the port of departure and destination impacts the cost.
- Fuel Price Fluctuations: Changes in fuel prices can lead to variations in shipping rates.
- Terminal Fees: Charges for docking at ports vary depending on the port used.
- Season of Shipment: Off-peak seasons generally offer lower shipping rates.
- Currency Exchange: Fluctuations in currency can affect the final shipping cost.
9. Shipping Methods from China to Ghana
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FCL (Full Container Load)
- Best for large shipments, as it is faster and more secure than LCL.
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LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Suitable for smaller shipments, though it may involve delays or risks of damage due to shared container space.
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Roll-on Roll-off Shipping (RORO)
- Ideal for shipping wheeled vehicles and equipment.
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Express Shipping
- Fast but costly, best for urgent small shipments.
10. Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs
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Compare Freight Forwarders: Shop around for the most competitive rates from reliable forwarders.
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Consolidate Cargo: Grouping multiple shipments together can lower costs.
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Use Standard Packaging: Standard packaging reduces the weight and cost of shipping.
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Cost Pass-through: Include shipping costs in the selling price of goods.
11. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Import to Ghana?
- Ghana offers substantial returns on imports, with up to 30% profit on the total cost of goods.
- The country’s growing market and diverse economy provide excellent opportunities for importers.
2. What Goods Require Special Permits?
- Weapons and ammunition require special permits.
- Certain controlled products require authorization from Ghana’s authorities.
3. How Long Does Shipping Take?
- Air Freight: Typically faster, with a shipping time of about 5-7 days.
- Sea Freight: May take up to one month or more depending on the route and port of departure.
4. Can Shipping Times Be Delayed?
- Yes, shipping times may vary due to weather conditions, port congestion, or delays in customs clearance.
Transit times can vary depending on the port of origin and shipping method.
Conclusion
Why Trust ShangHai Freight Forwarding?
Shipping from China to Ghana can be a smooth process with the right planning and the right freight forwarder. Shanghai offers a comprehensive range of services, from competitive air and sea freight options to reliable door-to-door shipping, ensuring that businesses can meet their deadlines and delivery requirements. By understanding the customs procedures, shipping methods, and cost factors, you can make informed decisions that will help streamline your import process to Ghana.
Let ShangHai Freight Forwarding streamline your shipping experience. Request a quote today for seamless, reliable, and cost-effective shipping!