Question 1

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to all eight markets covered here — Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and Tanzania — with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.

Question 2

Which African market is easiest for importing used cars?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents, diplomats and a few narrow categories, and Ethiopia allows only electric vehicles. Among the open markets, Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years, Morocco at 5, Kenya at 8 (right-hand drive), Ghana and Nigeria at about 10–12 (left-hand drive), and Tanzania at 10 (right-hand drive). Because the limits are enforced at the port and change periodically, confirm the current rule for your target country before buying.

Question 3

Left-hand drive or right-hand drive for Africa?

Accepted Answer

Africa is split by colonial history. West and North Africa — Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco — drive on the right and require left-hand-drive vehicles. East and Southern Africa — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa — drive on the left and require right-hand-drive vehicles. Sending the wrong configuration means rejection at the port, so we confirm the steering side for your exact destination before you order.

Question 4

How long does shipping from China to Africa take?

Accepted Answer

Sea transit varies by coast: about 35–45 days to West Africa (Lagos, Tema), 25–35 days to East and Southern Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Durban) and North Africa (Port Said, Alexandria, Casablanca, Tanger Med), and slightly longer for landlocked Ethiopia via Djibouti. Transit times shift with route and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your lane before shipment.

Question 5

Do you handle import clearance in my country?

Accepted Answer

Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.

Question 6

How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.

Question 7

What are the payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.

Question 8

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.

Question 9

Should I start with new cars or used cars in Africa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the market. Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Morocco admit used cars inside their age limits; Egypt caps used passenger cars at 3 years; Kenya requires right-hand drive; South Africa restricts used imports to returning residents; Ethiopia admits only electric vehicles. Many importers run two lines — new cars for the tighter markets and recent used cars where the age limit allows. Tell us your destination and we will point out which line fits your licence and working capital.

Age limit	Vehicles over 10 years from the year of manufacture face escalating 'overage' penalties (about 5% at 10–12 years, up to 50% beyond 15 years). Most importers stay under 10 years. Left-hand drive only; right-hand drive is prohibited except for diplomats.
Steering	Left-hand drive only (right-hand drive prohibited except diplomatic missions).
Import duty & taxes	Import duty 20% of CIF, plus VAT 15%, NHIL 2.5%, GETFund levy 2.5%, ECOWAS levy 0.5%, Special Import Levy 2%, processing fee 1% and examination fee 1%. Total commonly 30–60% of CIF. Electric vehicles get a reduced 5% duty (public-transport EVs exempt for a limited period).
Main ports / entry	The Port of Tema handles 90%+ of vehicle imports; Takoradi is the secondary port. Vehicles not cleared within about 21 days incur daily storage charges.
Authority & certification	Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) collects duty; the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) registers vehicles after a roadworthiness inspection; the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) issues the conformity certificate.
Required documents	Bill of lading, commercial invoice, GSA conformity certificate, DVLA import permit, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) report, Tax Identification Number (TIN), valid ID, and a PVoC inspection certificate issued in China by a GSA-approved body.

Ghana

Ghana

Import facts at a glance

Vehicles currently available — Ghana

Import guides

Our experience in this region — Africa

FAQ

Ghana — Buyer reviews

Import a car from China?