Ghana
AfricaCapital: Accra 路 Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS)
Ghana is one of West Africa's most stable and open trading economies, exporting gold, cocoa and crude oil alongside a fast-growing basket of processed and agricultural goods. For small and medium exporters, the country offers a single electronic customs window (ICUMS), an active export-promotion agency (GEPA), and preferential access to the ECOWAS regional market and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area, whose Secretariat is hosted in Accra. Government policy actively pushes value-added, non-traditional exports such as cashew, shea, processed cocoa and horticulture.
Key exports
Trade agreements
Trade requirements
Select a category to see the rules, documents and agencies for exporting from Ghana.
- 1. Compliance requirements Every exporter must be a registered business, registered with GEPA, and hold a Taxpayer Identification Number before shipping goods out of Ghana. Verified 路 18 May 2026
- 2. Customs formalities All exports are declared electronically through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), Ghana's single window operated by the GRA Customs Division. Verified 路 2 Jun 2026
- 3. Authorisation and permits Certain goods (minerals, some agricultural commodities, wildlife, cultural items) need a specific export permit or licence in addition to general exporter registration. Verified 路 27 Apr 2026
- 4. Packaging and Labelling Exported goods must meet Ghana Standards Authority marking rules and the destination market's labelling law, with food and cosmetics also meeting FDA labelling requirements. Verified 路 6 May 2026
- 5. HACCP/SPS requirements Food exports need FDA food-safety compliance (often HACCP) and plant/agricultural exports need a phytosanitary certificate from PPRSD before shipment. Verified 路 21 May 2026
- 6. Tax information Exports of goods are generally zero-rated for VAT, most exports carry no export duty, and manufacturing exporters can access reduced corporate tax incentives. May be outdated 路 15 Apr 2026
- 7. Trade agreements Ghana's AfCFTA, ECOWAS, WTO membership and EU/UK EPAs plus AGOA give exporters duty preferences if they meet rules of origin. Verified 路 10 Jun 2026
- 8. Trade finance providers The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) is the lead public export financier, alongside commercial banks offering pre- and post-shipment trade finance. Verified 路 29 May 2026
- 9. Trade promotion agencies The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is the lead body helping exporters find markets, meet standards and access trade fairs and training. Verified 路 12 Jun 2026
Official agencies
The bodies that register exporters, set standards, clear customs and provide finance in Ghana.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) - Customs Division
Customs & revenueNational revenue and customs body operating the ICUMS single window for all import and export clearance.
Visit websiteGhana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM)
Trade financeState-owned export-finance institution providing pre- and post-shipment credit, guarantees and export advisory services.
Visit websiteMinistry of Trade and Industry (MoTI)
MinistrySets national trade policy and negotiates the trade agreements Ghanaian exporters use.
Visit websiteFood and Drugs Authority (FDA)
OtherRegulates the manufacture, import and export of food, drugs, cosmetics and related products.
Visit websitePlant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), MoFA
OtherGhana's National Plant Protection Organization; issues phytosanitary certificates for agricultural exports.
Visit websiteGhana Standards Authority (GSA)
Standards & SPSNational standards, metrology and conformity-assessment body and WTO TBT enquiry point.
Visit websiteGhana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
Trade promotionLead trade-support institution promoting and facilitating Ghana's non-traditional exports.
Visit website