What a clearing agent does for you
Customs clearance is the stage where most delays and surprise charges happen. A clearing agent classifies your goods under the right HS code, declares them in ICUMS, obtains any permits, arranges the duty payment, attends examination, and collects the release so the goods can leave the port.
In Ghana, declarations are lodged by licensed customs brokers on behalf of importers. A good customs clearing agent does more than submit forms. We check that the invoice, packing list and bill of lading agree, spot valuation or classification problems before customs does, and deal with the terminal and the shipping line so the container is actually released, not just cleared on paper. If you also need the freight booked, see our freight forwarder in Ghana service.
Why importers use us
- Pre-arrival declarations. We start before the vessel arrives, not after.
- Free-time clocks. Every container we handle has its port storage and shipping line free days tracked, and you are warned before charges start.
- One invoice. Duty, port charges and our fee on one clear invoice, with duty shown at cost.
- Live updates. Status by WhatsApp or SMS, and a tracking page you can share with your team.
- Beyond the port. Haulage to anywhere in Ghana, warehousing in Tema, and transit to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
How Tema port clearing works, step by step
- Documents. You send the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and your TIN or Ghana Card number, ideally while the ship is still at sea.
- Classification. We assign the correct HS code to each item, which sets the duty rate and any permit requirement.
- Declaration. We lodge the customs declaration in ICUMS and apply for any permits from agencies such as the FDA or GSA.
- Assessment and duty. Customs assesses the duty and taxes. You pay GRA, or we pay on your behalf against a deposit.
- Selectivity and examination. The system decides whether the container is released on documents, scanned, or physically examined. We attend examinations and answer officers' queries.
- Release. Once customs releases the goods, we settle terminal handling and shipping line charges and collect the delivery order.
- Gate-out and delivery. The container leaves the terminal on a truck to your premises, and we return the empty box to the shipping line.
The full sequence, from documents to gate-out, is explained in how customs clearance works at Tema.
Documents for customs clearing in Ghana
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- Commercial invoice showing true values, currency and Incoterm
- Packing list with weights and package counts
- Importer's TIN or Ghana Card number
- Permits or certificates for regulated goods, for example FDA for food, cosmetics and medicines
- Certificate of origin where a preferential rate is claimed
Use the import documents checklist to prepare, and read how to import goods into Ghana if you are new to importing.
What clearing costs are made of
A clearing bill at Tema has several parts, and only one of them is the agent's fee.
- Duty and taxes. Import duty plus levies and VAT, calculated on the customs value. Usually the largest item. Estimate it with the import duty calculator or the vehicle duty calculator, and see Ghana import duty explained.
- Terminal charges. Handling and, after the free period, storage at the port terminal.
- Shipping line local charges. Delivery order, documentation and container fees, plus demurrage if the box stays too long.
- Examination costs. Unstuffing and restuffing if the container is physically examined.
- Agency fee and haulage. Our fee and the truck to your premises.
Most of these are outside the agent's control, but delay is not. The faster the clearance, the lower the storage and demurrage. Our container shipping cost guide explains the freight side, and the demurrage and storage guide shows how the port and shipping line clocks work.
We show duty at cost and list third-party charges separately from our fee, so you can see what was paid to GRA, the terminal and the shipping line, and what is ours. That transparency is the easiest way to compare customs clearing agents in Ghana fairly.
Common delays at Tema and how to avoid them
- Invoice and description problems. Vague descriptions or values well below customs' data trigger queries. Ask suppliers for detailed, accurate invoices.
- Permits applied for too late. Regulated goods cannot be released without approval. We apply as soon as we have the documents.
- Documents that do not match. Different weights, counts or consignee names on the bill of lading and invoice lead to amendments. Check them before the ship sails.
- Duty funds not ready. The terminal clock keeps running while money moves. Plan the payment before arrival.
- Unpaid shipping line charges. Some offers from suppliers leave local charges unpaid. Clarify your Incoterm when you buy.
Start with a clearing agent in Tema
Send us the bill of lading and supplier invoice, even if the shipment was booked by another forwarder. We review the documents, tell you what permits or corrections are needed, estimate the duty and quote the clearance and delivery. Use the quote form or contact us. We also clear air cargo at Accra airport and sea cargo at Takoradi port.
Questions
How long does clearance at Tema take?
With complete documents and no permit issues, many shipments clear within a few working days of discharge. Physical examination, missing permits or valuation queries add time, which is why we prepare everything before arrival.
Can you clear goods I shipped with another forwarder?
Yes. Send us the bill of lading and the supplier invoice and we will take over from arrival.
Do you pay the duty for me?
We can, against a duty deposit invoice, so the goods are not held while funds move. Or you can pay GRA directly and send us the receipt.
What does a clearing agent in Tema need from me?
The bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, your TIN or Ghana Card number, and any permits or certificates your goods require. The earlier we receive them, the sooner clearance can start.
What is the difference between a clearing agent and a freight forwarder?
A clearing agent handles customs formalities and release in Ghana. A freight forwarder arranges the transport from origin. Clearing and forwarding agents in Ghana, like us, do both so one team is responsible from the supplier to your door.
Do you clear at Accra airport and the land borders too?
Yes. Besides Tema port, we clear air cargo at Accra International Airport, sea cargo at Takoradi, and goods at land borders including Aflao, Elubo, Paga and Hamile.
Talk to our operations desk.
Send your documents or cargo details and we will reply with a full quote: freight, clearance and delivery on one page.