Commonwealth Trade MSME Exporter Portal

馃嚞馃嚟 Ghana 路 Category 6 of 9

Tax information for exporters

May be outdated 路 15 Apr 2026

Exports of goods are generally zero-rated for VAT, most exports carry no export duty, and manufacturing exporters can access reduced corporate tax incentives.

Overview

Ghana's tax system is broadly supportive of exporting. Exported goods are generally zero-rated for Value Added Tax, meaning you charge 0% VAT on the export sale and can reclaim input VAT, which improves your cash flow if you register and file correctly with the Ghana Revenue Authority. Most exports attract no export duty, though a small number of unprocessed commodities can carry specific levies, so confirm your HS code. Ghana also offers tax incentives to encourage value-added, non-traditional exports: companies earning income from non-traditional exports have historically enjoyed a concessionary corporate income tax rate well below the standard rate, and firms operating under the Ghana Free Zones regime get generous corporate-tax holidays. To benefit you must keep clean records, hold a valid TIN, file VAT and income-tax returns on time, and retain export evidence (declarations, bills of lading) to support zero-rating. Tax rules change with each annual Budget, so verify current rates with the GRA before relying on any specific figure.

Key requirements

  1. 1

    VAT zero-rating on exports

    Goods exported from Ghana are generally zero-rated; keep export documentation to support the 0% rate and reclaim input VAT.

  2. 2

    Valid TIN and tax filing

    Maintain a valid Taxpayer Identification Number and file VAT and income-tax returns on time to stay compliant and claim benefits.

  3. 3

    Non-traditional export incentive

    Income from non-traditional exports has attracted a concessionary corporate income tax rate; confirm the current rate with GRA.

  4. 4

    Free Zones incentives

    Firms registered under the Ghana Free Zones regime access corporate-tax holidays and duty relief on inputs for export production.

  5. 5

    No export duty on most goods

    Most exports carry no export duty, but confirm whether your specific commodity is subject to a levy before pricing.

Documents you will need

  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  • VAT registration certificate
  • Export declarations and bills of lading (proof of export for zero-rating)
  • Filed VAT and corporate income tax returns
  • Free Zones licence (if applicable)
  • Audited financial statements