How to Import Used Trucks from China to Ghana — 2026 Complete Guide
If you are looking to import used trucks from China to Ghana, you are in the right place. I have been exporting trucks to Ghana for years, and I want to share what I have learned — the good, the bad, and what to watch out for.
1. Why Ghana Needs Chinese Used Trucks
Ghana is the largest gold producer in Africa. In 2025, small-scale miners actually exported more gold than the big companies for the first time — 103 tons versus 96.6 tons. That is a lot of mining, and mining means trucks. Lots of them.
Ghana is also rewriting its mining law for the first time in 20 years. They removed VAT on mineral exploration to attract new investment. New mines mean even more demand for heavy trucks.
Here is the thing about Ghana roads — they are tough. Mining areas are almost all dirt roads. Dry season? Dust everywhere. Rainy season? Mud ponds. European trucks are built for smooth highways. Chinese trucks (HOWO, Shacman) are built for this. High chassis, strong leaf springs, good off-road performance. They just work better here.
Another reason: Chinese trucks are cheap to maintain. You can find HOWO parts in Accra, Kumasi, anywhere. Local mechanics know how to fix them. A new HOWO 371 costs around $43,000. A used one after 5 years? $14,000 to $21,000. That is less than half price.
2. Which Trucks Work Best in Ghana
After years of shipping to Ghana, here is what sells and works well:
- Dump trucks (6×4, 8×4) — for mining and construction sites. The HOWO 6×4 carries 31-40 tons per trip. The 8×4 version is even more.
- Tractor trucks (4×2, 6×4) — for hauling containers from Tema port to Kumasi, Tamale, and the north.
- Cargo trucks — box trucks and flatbeds for logistics around Accra.
For the best value, I recommend 2019 to 2022 models. They are old enough to be affordable but new enough to have years of life left.
Our current used dump trucks in stock include HOWO, Shacman, and FAW models with real photos and mileage.
3. How to Find a Supplier You Can Trust
This is where most buyers make mistakes.
Here is what I tell every Ghana buyer:
- Ask for a live video call. Not photos — a video call where you see the actual truck. We do this for every customer. If a supplier refuses, walk away.
- Check that the documents match the truck. VIN, registration, and year model. Some sellers swap papers between trucks.
- Get shipping costs upfront. CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) is standard. Make sure you know what is included.
- Ask about the export paperwork. You need a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, and a Vehicle Title. Without these, your truck sits at Tema port.
- Beware of prices that are too good. If a HOWO 6×4 is offered at $8,000, something is wrong. Either the truck has issues, or the paperwork will be a problem.
We offer video inspection for every truck before you pay anything. You see the engine start, check the tires, and hear it run. No surprises.
4. Shipping from China to Ghana
Shipping is simpler than most people think.
- Main port: Tema (primary). Takoradi is also available.
- Methods: RORO (roll-on/roll-off) is best for 1-3 trucks. A container is safer for single units.
- Transit time: 25-35 days from Tianjin to Tema.
- Shipping cost: $3,500 to $7,500, depending on truck size and method.
We handle all the shipping arrangements and provide tracking so you know exactly when your truck arrives.
5. Customs Clearance in Ghana
Clearing customs at Tema port is straightforward if you have the right documents. Here is what you need:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Vehicle Title / Registration
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Import duties: Expect 45% to 55% of the CIF value for used trucks. Yes, it sounds high, but even after duty, a used truck is still much cheaper than buying new locally.
You will need a registered clearing agent at the Tema port. We can share contacts if you need one. Do not try to clear it yourself — the ICUMS system (Ghana customs digital platform) requires an agent.
6. Cost Breakdown: New vs Used in Ghana
Let me give you a real example. A HOWO 371 6×4 dump truck:
| Item | New Truck | Used (2020 model) |
|---|---|---|
| Truck price (FOB) | $43,000 | $14,000 – $21,000 |
| Shipping to Tema | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Import duty (~50%) | $24,000 | $9,500 – $13,000 |
| Total landed cost | $72,000 | $28,500 – $39,000 |
You save roughly $30,000 to $40,000 by going used. That is real money.
7. Common Mistakes Ghana Buyers Make
I have seen these mistakes again and again:
- Incomplete documents. Missing one paper can mean weeks of port detention fees at Tema.
- Wrong truck for Ghana roads. A highway truck will break down in the mining areas within months.
- Paying without inspection. Never send full payment without seeing the actual truck.
- Underestimating total tax. Customs duty + shipping + insurance adds up. Plan for it up front.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from China to Ghana take?
30 to 45 days from port to port. Usually around 35 days.
Can I import a used truck older than 10 years?
No. Ghana normally requires vehicles to be 10 years old or newer from the manufacturing year.
Do I need a license to import trucks into Ghana?
For personal import, no special license is needed. But you must use a registered clearing agent and the ICUMS system.
How much customs duty do I pay?
Roughly 45% to 55% of the CIF value. It varies slightly depending on the truck type and age.
Can I see the truck before I pay?
Yes — and you should. We do live WhatsApp video calls so you can see the exact truck, hear the engine, and check everything.
What documents will I receive?
Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and Vehicle Title. Everything you need for Ghana customs.
9. Ready to Import?
If you are thinking about importing trucks to Ghana, just reach out. I can show you our current stock, arrange a video call, and give you a CIF Tema price within 24 hours. No pressure, no hard sell.
📧 Email: [email protected]
▶️ YouTube — truck walkarounds & inventory updates
🎵 TikTok — real videos of current stock
🌐 Ghana Market Page — pricing & details
🚛 Popular Trucks for Ghana
- HOWO 8×4 Dump Truck (2019) — most popular for Ghana mining, FOB from $14,000
- FAW Jiefang 8×4 Dump Truck (2020) — 550HP, strong choice for heavy loads
- Shacman 8×4 Dump Truck (2021) — 430HP, excellent for Ashanti mining
