How To Check Car Duty In Ghana
What is car duty in Ghana? Car duty in Ghana refers to the combined import taxes and levies, including the Import Duty (a percentage of the vehicle’s CIF value), Exim Levy, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other charges like the GET FUND Levy and Special Import Levy, that must be paid to the Ghana Revenue Authority to import a vehicle into the country. The specific rates for these charges, especially the Import Duty, depend on factors such as the vehicle’s cylinder capacity and age.
What are the requirements to check a car duty in Ghana?
To check a car’s duty status, you will need the following information:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Chassis Number:
This is the most critical piece of information. The VIN is a unique 17-digit code that identifies the vehicle. It is used in the ICUMS database to track the vehicle’s importation and duty payment status.
Car Import Documents
Bill of Lading (BL) – issued by the shipping company.
Invoice/Receipt – proof of purchase showing cost of the car.
Packing List – details of shipment.
Export Certificate (from country of origin, if available).
Customs Information
HS Code (Harmonized System Code) for vehicles – used by Customs to classify the car.
Customs Valuation – determines the car’s dutiable value.
Importer Information
Tax Identification Number (TIN) – required for all importers in Ghana.
Ghana Card (now linked to TIN).
Importer’s name, address, and contact details.
How To Check Car Duty In Ghana?
Use the ICUMS Vehicle Search Portal:
The system will then display the vehicle’s details and, most importantly, its duty payment status.
The GRA has an online platform specifically for checking the status of vehicles. You can access it via a public portal like https://vehicle.icums.gov.gh/.
Once on the site, you will be prompted to enter the vehicle’s VIN or chassis number.
Contact the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Directly:
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can contact the Customs Division of the GRA. They have dedicated officers who can help you verify a vehicle’s duty status using the VIN.
Hire a Reputable Clearing Agent:
If you are in the process of importing a vehicle or want a thorough check, a licensed and reputable clearing agent can perform this check for you. They have direct access to the ICUMS system and can provide a detailed report on the vehicle’s status and the duty paid.
The result of the check
The result of your check will indicate whether the vehicle is “Uncustomed” (duty not paid) or “Customed” (duty paid). A positive result will confirm that the vehicle has been legally cleared from the port.
What the Check Will Show
The result of your check will indicate whether the vehicle is “Uncustomed” (duty not paid) or “Customed” (duty paid). A positive result will confirm that the vehicle has been legally cleared from the port.
Risks of Buying a Vehicle with Unpaid Duty
It is extremely risky to purchase a vehicle that has not been properly cleared. The GRA and the police conduct regular checks for uncustomed vehicles, and if caught, you could face severe penalties, including:
Vehicle Seizure:
The vehicle can be seized and impounded by the state.
Financial Penalties:
You will be required to pay the full duty amount, along with significant fines and penalties.
Forfeiture: In some cases, the vehicle may be forfeited to the state.
What are the points to consider before buying a used imported car in Ghana?
Verify All Legal Documents
This is the most critical step to avoid buying a stolen or uncustomed vehicle.
Customs Clearance and Duty Payment:
A car that has not been legally cleared from the port is considered uncustomed, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) can seize it.
Request to see the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) papers or the relevant documents from the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to independently verify the duty payment status on the GRA’s ICUMS portal. This is the most reliable method.
Vehicle History:
The Chassis Number (VIN) can also be used to check the vehicle’s history, especially for cars imported from the U.S.
A VIN check can reveal if the car has been involved in major accidents, declared a total loss by an insurance company, or has a salvaged title.
Ownership and Registration Documents:
Confirm that the seller is the rightful owner of the vehicle.
Verify the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC), ensuring the VIN and engine numbers on the document match those on the car itself.
Ensure all documents are authentic and not forged.
Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
Do not rely solely on the seller’s word. A thorough inspection is essential to uncover any hidden mechanical issues.
Hire a Reputable Mechanic:
Take the car to a trusted, independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. They can check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other key mechanical components for potential problems.
Check for Accident Damage:
A visual inspection can reveal signs of a past accident, such as inconsistent paint jobs, mismatched panel gaps, or rust.
Verify Mileage:
Be wary of odometer “clocking,” a common practice where the mileage is tampered with to make the car seem newer. A vehicle history report can help confirm the mileage.
Test Drive the Car:
This is your opportunity to check how the car performs. Listen for unusual noises, feel the responsiveness of the steering and brakes, and check that all electrical components (lights, windows, A/C) are working properly.
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