Shipping from Dubai to GhanaShipping from Dubai to Ghana, by sea and air.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to Ghana for businesses. We ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to Tema and Takoradi, and fly air cargo from DXB to Kotoka International Airport in Accra. We prepare export papers and check what the Ghanaian importer needs on ICUMS and from the Ghana Standards Authority and Food and Drugs Authority.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to Ghana at a glance
Most cargo to Ghana lands at Tema, near Accra. Air cargo flies into Kotoka International for urgent goods.
- Flight time
- About 8 h DXB to Accra
- Sea
- Jebel Ali to Tema, often via a hub
- Customs
- Ghana Revenue Authority
- System
- ICUMS
Airports and seaports in Ghana we ship to
Tema handles most containers. Takoradi suits the Western Region and its mining and energy projects.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | ACC | Accra, Ghana's main air gateway | |
| Seaport | GHTEM | Ghana's main container port, east of Accra | |
| Seaport | GHTKD | Western port, often for mining and oil cargo |
Air, sea to Ghana
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Tema or Takoradi | Several weeks, often transshipped | Building materials, machinery, stock |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to Tema | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
| DXB to ACC | About 1 to 3 days, plus clearance | Phones, parts, urgent goods |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to Ghana
- Emirates SkyCargo
We confirm current sailings and the transshipment hub for each booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in Ghana: what the importer needs
Ghanaian importers clear goods through the Ghana Revenue Authority on ICUMS, using a licensed customs broker.
| Item | In Ghana |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division |
| Declaration | Import declaration on ICUMS, the Integrated Customs Management System |
| Importer registration | Ghana Card or TIN registration, with a licensed broker |
| Duty and tax | ECOWAS Common External Tariff duty, plus VAT and national levies |
| Trade agreement | No UAE-Ghana trade agreement in force that we can confirm |
Ghana's levies are set in the national budget and can change; the broker confirms the total.
Approvals to check before booking
Some products need Ghanaian approvals before they can be released at Tema.
- 01
High-risk goods must meet GSA standards and inspection.
- 02
FDA Ghana registration
Food, drugs and cosmetics need Food and Drugs Authority approval.
- 03
Plant and animal products
Agricultural goods need permits and certificates.
- 04
Invoice details must match the declaration filed on ICUMS.
- 05
Used vehicles
Older vehicles face extra charges or restrictions.
- 06
Certificate of origin
Supports the origin declared.
Documents for shipping to Ghana
Send these with your booking. Accurate descriptions help valuation at Tema.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| Certificate of origin | Supports the origin declared |
| For regulated products |
Restricted or banned in Ghana
- Food and drugs without FDA approval
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons without a permit
- Narcotics
- Goods on the prohibited list
Check the GRA prohibited and restricted list for your HS code.
What UAE businesses ship to Ghana
Dubai is a major source of goods for Ghanaian traders, from electronics to building materials.
- 01
Electronics and phones
Phones and appliances, often by air.
- 02
Building materials
Tiles, fittings and supplies by sea.
- 03
Consumer goods
Trading stock in FCL and LCL.
Dubai to Ghana shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneTema receives most container cargo from Jebel Ali. It is Ghana's main port, about 30 km east of Accra, and most sailings arrive after a transshipment hub. Takoradi in the west suits mining and energy projects. Air cargo flies from DXB to Kotoka International in Accra.
- Ask for the hub on your quote.
- LCL is consolidated in Jebel Ali.
ICUMS is Ghana's Integrated Customs Management System. Licensed customs brokers file import declarations on it for the Ghana Revenue Authority, and duty, VAT and levies are assessed through it. The invoice, packing list and declaration must match. Mismatched data is a common cause of delays at Tema.
- We prepare matching Dubai papers.
- The broker files the declaration.
Regulated products need Ghanaian approvals before release. Food, drugs and cosmetics need registration with the Food and Drugs Authority. High-risk goods must meet Ghana Standards Authority standards. Agricultural products need permits. The importer should arrange approvals before the goods leave Dubai.
- Approvals are held by the importer.
- Check the HS code first.
Imports pay ECOWAS tariff duty, VAT and national levies. The duty rate depends on the HS code under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff. VAT and levies are set in Ghana's national budget and can change. The licensed broker calculates the total on ICUMS before release.
- Rates change with the budget.
- Accurate values avoid disputes.