Shipping a Car from the UK and Europe to West Africa

Importing

How do I import a car to Nigeria?

To import a used car to Nigeria it must be under 12 years old, and it is cleared through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. The 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures cut the import adjustment levy on used cars from 15% to 5%, and a green tax applies to cars of 2,000cc and above from 1 July 2026. We confirm the age limit and the charges for your vehicle before you ship.

Age limit

Used cars under 12 years old; we confirm the limit before you ship.

Duty and levies

Import adjustment levy of 5% on used cars (2026 Fiscal Policy Measures), and a green tax on 2,000cc and above from 1 July 2026, on top of the duty and taxes set by Nigeria Customs.

Port

Lagos.

Clearance

Through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker.

Official sources: Nigeria Customs Service: Green tax sensitisation ahead of 1 July · Nigeria Trade Information Portal: Importing motor vehicles

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Importing

How do I import a car to Ghana?

Ghana only accepts left-hand-drive vehicles: right-hand drive is banned, so most UK cars cannot be imported. A permanent import pays duty of 5–20% by engine size, 15% VAT plus 2.5% NHIL and 2.5% GETFund (from January 2026), ECOWAS, AU, EXIM and import levies and a 1% exam fee, with an overage penalty on vehicles over 10 years old. Visitors can bring a car in for up to 90 days against a guarantee lodged with GRA.

Right-hand drive

Banned: left-hand-drive vehicles only.

Duty and tax

Duty 5–20% by engine size, 15% VAT plus 2.5% NHIL and 2.5% GETFund, ECOWAS, AU, EXIM and import levies, and a 1% exam fee. Overage penalty over 10 years.

Temporary entry

Up to 90 days, which can be extended, with a guarantee lodged with GRA; no duty if the vehicle is re-exported.

Returning Ghanaians

Household goods are duty-free, but a motor vehicle is not exempt and pays normal duty and taxes.

Port

Tema.

Official sources: GRA: Vehicle importation · GRA: Value added tax · GRA: Temporary importation

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Shipping

How do I ship a car from the UK to Nigeria or Ghana?

We ship cars, 4x4s, vans, trucks and machinery from Southampton, Tilbury, Felixstowe, London Gateway and Liverpool to Lagos and Tema by RORO in the enclosed hold, container or flat rack. Every shipment is quoted by hand: tell us the vehicle and your port, and we work out the price for your vehicle and sailing and email it to you. Transit time varies by port and the ship’s calls and is confirmed with your quote.

How it is priced

RORO by the vehicle’s volume in cubic metres, set by the sailing and port; container or flat rack per 20ft or 40ft, plus loading at the departure port.

Export costs

Port handling and export customs clearance, by departure port.

Import costs

Port and clearance charges, paid to the local agent and confirmed in your quote.

Timing

Varies by port and the ship’s calls; confirmed with your quote.

When to book

2–3 months before departure gives the widest choice.

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Entry rules

What are the rules for temporary entry and permanent import in West Africa?

Each West African country sets its own rules. Several ban older vehicles, Ghana bans right-hand drive, and duty and taxes on a permanent import are high, so check the rules before you buy or ship.

Togo, Cameroon, Guinea and other countries set their own rules: ask us and we check them for your vehicle. Rules in the region change often, so we confirm them before you ship.

Official sources: GRA: Vehicle importation · GRA: Value added tax · GRA: Temporary importation · GRA: Customs FAQ · Nigeria Customs Service: Green tax sensitisation ahead of 1 July · Nigeria Trade Information Portal: Importing motor vehicles · Senegal Customs: Cumulative rates on vehicles · Le Soleil: Senegal raises used-vehicle age limits to 10 and 15 years (decree) · Côte d'Ivoire Customs: Preliminary formalities for vehicles · Benin Customs: Circular 122 of 2 Sep 2026, laissez-passer on CUSTOMS WEBB

Customs clearance is through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. Rules change; we confirm them for your vehicle before you ship.

Do I need marine insurance for the crossing?

Your road insurance does not cover the sea crossing. We arrange All Risks marine insurance from the departure port to the arrival port, with or without a condition survey.

• Insured value up to €25,000€200 single trip, €400 multi-trip
• Insured value up to €50,000€300 single trip, €600 multi-trip
• Insured value up to €100,000€425 single trip, €850 multi-trip
• Higher values, up to €1,000,000In bands, shown on your quote; above that, ask us

Excess €500 per claim. Cover is subject to the insurer's policy wording, which we send with your booking confirmation. Damage, theft and claims

When are the next sailings?

Live schedules from the carriers we book with. Dates move; we confirm yours at booking.

UK and Europe to West Africa

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