What you CAN and CANNOT import into Ghana.

Know what you CAN and CANNOT import into Ghana - Import prohibitions / restrictions

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority plays a key role in trade facilitation while maximizing revenue for national development.

At the same time, they take up the preventive responsibility to guard against trade activities that may compromise public safety and security.

Having said that, its imperative that a Ghanaian importer - or other nationals who directly import into Ghana - conform with local trade laws as well as international best practices to create an enabling environment that supports the free flow of goods.

By the way, It doesn’t hurt to know what you can and cannot import into Ghana. This will save you the stress and make the importation process a hassle-free one and in turn make the Customs Division’s work much easier.

There are two major types of prohibitions for import viz: Absolute Import Prohibitions and Conditional Import Prohibitions.

Absolute Import Prohibitions

These are goods which by all trade standards are illegal and are strictly barred from entering the country due largely to the tendency to breach international trade laws, spread diseases, and cause destruction among others. These items include:

·????? Animals and carcasses infected with disease,

·????? Beads composed of inflammable celluloid or other similar substances

·????? Raw coffee imported overland or by inland waterways see Please find attached the Board retreat banner designs for feedback/approval.?more

·????? Contaminated food: Meat, vegetables, and other provisions

·????? Knuckle dusters and life preservers

·????? Base or counterfeit coin/notes of any country

·????? Obscene articles and prints: paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engraving or any other indecent items.

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Conditional Import Prohibitions

These are goods imported strictly requiring licenses, certificates and any other form of approval – from some mandated Authorities – to ensure they are regulated to meet the statutory requirements before entry. Some of these import items are;

?·????? Rough or uncut diamonds.

·????? Gambling machines.

·????? Handcuffs

·????? Mercury

·????? Weapons for discharge of noxious liquids

For information on the specific authorities you SHOULD get approval from when importing goods/items which fall in the Conditional Import category, kindly visit https://gra.gov.gh/customs/import-prohibitions-and-restrictions/