Tema Port Ghana Steel Import Guide 2026: Duties, Clearing & Logistics

For construction contractors, scaffolding rental companies, and steel distributors purchasing materials from China for projects in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, or Burkina Faso, understanding the import clearing process at Tema Port (CNTGM → GHTMA) is essential to avoiding demurrage charges, customs delays, and costly project interruptions. This guide compiles practical knowledge from our decade of exporting steel to West Africa.

Overview of Tema Port — Ghana’s Primary Import Gateway

Located 25km east of Accra, Tema Port (also written Tema Harbour, IATA/port code GHTMA) is Ghana’s main commercial seaport and the largest in West Africa by container throughput. Operated by Meridian Port Services (MPS) and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), it handles approximately 1 million TEUs per year.

Port Detail	Information
Full Name	Port of Tema, Ghana
UN/LOCODE	GHTMA
Operator	Meridian Port Services (MPS) + GPHA
Location	Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana (5.6167°N, 0.0167°W)
Max Vessel Draft	13.5m (Post-Panamax capable)
Transit Time from Tianjin	22–28 days (direct or Kingston, Jamaica transshipment)
Free Storage Period	7 days from vessel arrival (after which demurrage charges apply)
Customs Authority	Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) — Customs Division

Import Duty & Tax Structure for Steel Products in Ghana (2026)

Ghana applies the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) on most steel imports. Understanding the applicable HS codes and duty rates before ordering prevents unwelcome surprises at customs.

Product Category	HS Code (Chapter 73)	Import Duty	VAT (NHIL+GETFund+VAT)	Total Tax Load
Galvanised Round Pipe (ERW)	7306.30	20%	21.9%	~45%
Galvanised Square / Rect. Tube	7306.61 / 7306.69	20%	21.9%	~45%
Scaffolding Pipe (EN39)	7306.30 / 7306.90	20%	21.9%	~45%
H-Frame / Ringlock Scaffolding	7308.10	20%	21.9%	~45%
Structural Steel Plate (Q355B)	7208.51 / 7208.52	20%	21.9%	~45%
PPGI / Galvalume Coil	7210.49 / 7210.61	20%	21.9%	~45%
Corrugated Roofing Sheet	7210.90	20%	21.9%	~45%

Note: Tax base is CIF Tema value. Some products may qualify for reduced duty under ECOWAS Free Trade agreements if shipped from qualifying origins. Always verify current rates with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at gra.gov.gh or your licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) before shipping.

Required Import Documents for Steel from China to Ghana

Your Licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) in Ghana will prepare the customs entries, but the following documents must be obtained from your Chinese supplier before the shipment departs Tianjin:

#	Document	Purpose	Issued By
1	Bill of Lading (B/L)	Title document — release cargo at port	Shipping Line
2	Commercial Invoice	Customs valuation basis	Supplier (Sino East)
3	Packing List	Itemised weight/dimensions	Supplier (Sino East)
4	Certificate of Origin (Form A)	Duty preference eligibility	CCPIT China / Chamber of Commerce
5	Mill Test Certificate (MTC 3.1)	Material quality verification	Steel Mill / Supplier
6	Phytosanitary / Fumigation (if timber packing)	Biosecurity clearance	CNCA-approved agency
7	Insurance Certificate	Cargo insurance proof	Insurer (CIF terms)
8	Ghana Destination Inspection (PVOC)	Mandatory pre-shipment inspection for HS 73	SGS / Intertek Ghana

⚠️ PVOC (Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity) is mandatory for most steel products exported to Ghana. This inspection must be arranged and completed in China before loading. Failure to comply results in port detention and costly post-arrival testing. We can arrange PVOC inspection through our SGS and Intertek contacts in Tianjin at customer’s cost.

Step-by-Step Clearing Process at Tema Port

1. Pre-arrival notification (3–5 days before vessel arrival): Submit advance shipping information (ASI) to your CHA. CHA pre-lodges customs entry in Ghana’s GCNET system.
2. Vessel arrival & discharge: MPS terminal discharges containers. You receive a Discharge Notification from your shipping agent.
3. Destination Inspection (if not PVOC-cleared): CEPS (Customs Excise and Preventive Service) may assign a destination inspector. This adds 3–7 days.
4. Customs Assessment: GRA customs officer reviews entry, issues Assessment Notice with total duties payable.
5. Duty Payment: Pay duties via GRA approved banks (GCB, Ecobank, Cal Bank). Payment receipt presented to GCNET system.
6. Gate Pass Issuance: After duty payment confirmation, MPS issues a Gate Pass (DO) allowing container removal from terminal.
7. Delivery: Truck collects container from Tema Port and delivers to your site or warehouse. Return empty container within free detention period (usually 7–14 days).

Practical Tips to Avoid Demurrage at Tema Port

• Pre-arrange PVOC before shipment — this is the #1 cause of delays we see with first-time importers.
• Use an experienced CHA familiar with HS 73 steel imports — they know which GCNET codes trigger random inspection flags.
• Request Original B/L by courier immediately after vessel departure — telex release is faster but not always accepted by MPS.
• Monitor vessel ETA via MarineTraffic.com using your B/L vessel name; ensure your CHA is ready 5 days before arrival.
• Budget for demurrage: Tema demurrage is USD 20–50/day per container. A 5-day delay on a 2-container shipment costs USD 200–500 extra.

Container Loading Reference — Steel Products from Tianjin to Tema

Product	Container Type	Approx. Net Weight	Transit Time
Galvanised Pipe DN50–DN100	20GP	22–24 MT	25–28 days
EN39 Scaffolding Tube (6m)	20GP	20–22 MT	25–28 days
H-Frame Scaffolding Set	20GP	22–25 MT	25–28 days
Q355B Steel Plate (10–20mm)	20GP / Flat Rack	24–26 MT	25–28 days
PPGI / Galvalume Coil	20GP	22–24 MT	25–28 days

Tianjin Sino East Steel ships to Tema Port regularly and can provide confirmed sailing schedules, freight rate indications, and complete pre-shipment documentation as part of our CIF Tema service. Contact us for a personalised import plan for your Ghana construction project.