The question every importer asks first: what is this car actually going to cost me by the time it's parked at home? Auction prices are a starting line, not a finish line. Here's how the math typically works for vehicles landing in Tema in 2026.
The five line items
- Auction hammer price — what you actually win the car for.
- Auction & broker fees — usually $300–$700 depending on the platform.
- US inland transport — moving the car from the auction yard to the port (typically $300–$900).
- Ocean freight — RoRo or container from a US port to Tema ($1,200–$2,800).
- Ghana duty, port charges and clearing — the biggest swing in your budget.
Example 1: Toyota Corolla (sedan)
A 2018 Corolla S won at $6,500 lands at roughly $13,500–$14,500 — about 2.1× the hammer price. Duty on a 1.8L sedan is moderate; freight and clearing are predictable.
Example 2: Honda CR-V (compact SUV)
A 2019 CR-V at $11,000 typically lands at $20,000–$22,000. Slightly higher freight (taller vehicle), and a small bump in duty due to engine size.
Example 3: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (luxury)
A 2018 C300 won at $13,000 lands closer to $28,000–$31,000. Luxury vehicles attract higher CIF valuations from GRA, and 3.0L+ engines push duty up significantly.
Where people underestimate
Two costs catch first-time importers off guard: GRA's valuation (they may value the vehicle higher than your invoice) and demurrage if you delay clearing. Budget a small buffer (~10%) and clear quickly once the vehicle arrives at Tema.
What this means for you
If you know your target landed cost and work backwards to the auction price, you'll avoid the most common importing trap — winning a great auction and then losing the savings to duty. Talk to us before you bid and we'll quote you the landed cost up front.
Frequently asked
Is the duty calculated on what I paid or what GRA thinks the car is worth?
GRA uses its own valuation tables, not your invoice. For high-end cars, this can be meaningfully higher than the hammer price.
Can I pay duty in cedis?
Yes. Duty is assessed in USD but paid in cedis at the prevailing rate.
