Ghana doesn't strictly ban old cars from being imported — it just makes them progressively more expensive. The system is designed to encourage newer, cleaner vehicles into the country.
The age brackets
- Under 10 years old at import: standard duty rates
- 10–15 years old: over-age penalty applies (can add 5–50% depending on category)
- Over 15 years old: significantly higher penalty
How age is calculated
Age is measured from the year of manufacture to the year the car enters Ghana — not when you bought it.
Practical implications
If a car is 9 years old at the time you bid, plan your shipping carefully — landing it after it ticks into year 10 can move it into the penalty bracket. We watch this for clients every week.
