From Auction to Accra: Steps to Import Used Cars from the USA and Canada to Ghana
Introduction
Car auctions in the USA and Canada are a goldmine for Ghanaian importers looking for affordable vehicles. From sleek sedans to sturdy SUVs, you can snag a deal that’s hard to find locally. But the journey from placing a bid to driving your car in Accra isn’t a straight road—it’s filled with steps like bidding, shipping, and clearing customs. One wrong move can cost you time and money. This guide breaks down the process into clear steps, so you can import your dream car without stress. Whether it’s a Toyota RAV4 or a Ford Escape, we’ll walk you through how to go from auction to Accra in 6-10 weeks.
Car auctions are popular in Ghana because they offer vehicles at lower prices than local dealers. With platforms like Copart and IAAI, you can bid from anywhere. But success requires planning. This article will show you how to choose a car, bid smartly, ship it to Tema Port, clear customs, and get it road-ready. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.
Understanding Auctions
Car auctions are where vehicles—used, salvaged, or even nearly new—are sold to the highest bidder. In the USA and Canada, auctions like Copart, IAAI, and Manheim are the biggest players. Copart and IAAI focus on salvage and used cars, while Manheim deals mostly with dealers but sometimes opens to international buyers. Auctions can be live (in-person) or online, with online being easier for Ghanaians. You browse cars, check their condition, and bid from your phone or laptop.
Getting Access: To bid, you need to register as an international buyer. For Copart, go to their website, fill out your details, and upload a passport or ID. IAAI works similarly but may ask for a business license if you’re importing multiple cars. Manheim is trickier—access often requires a dealer account or a broker. Registration is free, but you’ll need a refundable deposit, usually $500, to start bidding.
Costs to Know: Auctions aren’t just about the car’s price. Buyer fees range from 5-10% of the winning bid. For example, a $10,000 car might have an $800 fee. There’s also a transaction fee ($100-$200) and, for online bids, an internet fee (around $50). If you use a broker, add their commission—typically $300-$500. Always check the auction’s fee table before bidding.
Example: Let’s say you’re eyeing a 2016 Ford Escape on Copart. It’s listed at $8,000, with “normal wear” and a clean title. You register, pay a $500 deposit, and bid up to $8,500. You win, but with fees ($700) and taxes ($200), your total is $9,400. That’s step one done.
Caption: A Copart auction page showing a 2016 Ford Escape ready for bidding.
Choosing and Bidding
Picking the right car at auction is like fishing—you need patience and precision. Start with research. Decide on a model that’s popular in Ghana, like a 2016 Honda CR-V or Toyota Camry, because parts are easier to find. Check the car’s condition report—does it say “light damage” or “runs and drives”? For a CR-V with 80,000 miles, you might pay $10,000, but if it’s damaged, estimate repairs (maybe $2,000). Use sites like RepairPal for cost ideas.
Filtering Smart: Auction sites have tools to narrow your search. On Copart, filter by model, year, and title status. Ghana customs prefers “clean” titles or “certificate of title”—avoid “salvage” titles, as they’re harder to register. IAAI’s “Vehicle History” tab shows past accidents, so you know what you’re buying.
Bidding Strategy: Set a max bid that includes fees and shipping. For example, if your budget is $12,000, and shipping costs $1,500 with $800 in fees, don’t bid over $9,700. Proxy bidding auto-raises your offer to beat others, but don’t get emotional. Kofi, an importer, lost $2,000 overbidding on a RAV4 because he ignored his limit. Use Copart’s auction calculator to estimate the total cost.
Winning the Bid: If you win, you’ve got 48 hours to pay the full amount—car price plus fees—via bank transfer or wire. Delay, and you could lose the car and your deposit. Once paid, secure the title (proof of ownership) and bill of sale. These documents are your ticket to the next step: shipping.
Arranging Shipping
Once you’ve won your car, it’s time to ship it to Ghana. You can book shipping through the auction (Copart partners with companies like MSC) or use a third-party like Maersk or Sallaum Lines. The main port in Ghana is Tema, and shipping takes 4-6 weeks from the USA or Canada.
Shipping Options: There are two ways to ship: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container. RoRo is cheaper—about $1,200 for a sedan—because cars are driven onto a ship. Containers cost more ($2,500 for a 40-foot one) but protect your car better and let you ship two cars together. For high-value cars like a 2018 BMW, containers are safer.
Documents Needed: Shipping requires the car’s title, bill of sale, and export forms like the U.S. AES filing. Your shipping company or auction can help prepare these. Double-check that the VIN (car’s ID number) matches all papers to avoid delays.
Real Story: Ama, an importer in Kumasi, bought two 2017 Hyundai Elantras at IAAI for $18,000 total. She chose a 40-foot container ($2,600) to ship both to Tema. The cars arrived in five weeks, and splitting the container cost saved her $1,000 compared to RoRo. Her shipper handled the export forms, so she focused on customs prep.
Caption: Cars loaded onto a RoRo ship, headed for Tema Port.
Navigating Ghana Customs
Clearing your car at Tema Port is where patience is tested. Ghana’s customs process is strict, and mistakes can lead to delays or extra costs. Start by hiring a clearing agent—they know the system and can save you time. Expect the process to take 5-10 days if all goes smoothly.
Documents Required: Submit the car’s title, bill of sale, shipping invoice, and a customs declaration form (available at the port). Your agent will file these with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Make sure your car’s details—model, year, VIN—match every document.
Customs Fees: Duties are based on the car’s CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). For a $10,000 car with $1,500 shipping and $200 insurance, the CIF is $11,700. Duties range from 35-50% of CIF, so expect $4,095-$5,850. Older cars (over 10 years) face extra penalties—up to 20% more. Use this formula: Duty = CIF × (Import Duty + VAT + NHIL + GETFund). Your agent can confirm the exact rate.
Avoiding Delays: Tema Port charges $10/day for storage after a free period (usually 7 days). Late paperwork or unpaid duties can rack up fees. One importer, Kwame, paid $200 extra because his title was delayed. A good agent pushes things faster—ask for references before hiring.
Post-Arrival Steps
Your car’s in Ghana—now what? First, inspect it at the port. Check for damage from shipping, like scratches or dents, and match the VIN to your papers. If something’s off, report it to the shipper immediately.
Registration: Take the car to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). You’ll need the customs clearance certificate, ID, and proof of insurance. The car must pass a roadworthy test—check brakes, lights, and tires beforehand. Registration costs around GHS 500-1,000, depending on the car’s type.
Maintenance: Budget for fixes, especially if you bought a “light damage” car. A 2016 Ford Escape might need $500 for new tires or a battery. Get a trusted mechanic to inspect it before driving. Regular servicing keeps it running smoothly in Ghana’s heat and dust.
Conclusion
Importing a used car from a U.S. or Canadian auction to Ghana is a journey, but it’s worth it for the savings. From picking a 2016 Honda CR-V at Copart to clearing it at Tema Port, each step—bidding, shipping, customs, and registration—needs care. With research and a good agent, you can avoid pitfalls like overbidding or customs delays. The timeline? About 6-10 weeks from auction to Accra. Now that you know the path, why not try your first bid? Visit Copart or IAAI, set your budget, and bring your dream car home.
Timeline Overview:
- Week 1-2: Register, bid, and win.
- Week 3: Pay and arrange shipping.
- Week 4-8: Ship to Tema Port.
- Week 9-10: Clear customs, register.
