The questions we hear most before someone submits a shipment.
It depends on the port, cargo type, and whether your documents are complete. Air freight through Kotoka often clears within a day or two; sea freight through Tema or Takoradi can take longer, especially if the container is selected for physical examination. Your agent will give you a realistic timeline once they see your shipment details.
At minimum: a commercial or personal invoice, the bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air), and a packing list. Some goods also need an Import Declaration Form or a permit from a regulator like the FDA or GSA. If you're not sure what applies to you, submit a quote request with what you have — we'll tell you what's missing.
No. Your assigned agent handles the port-side process — valuation, declaration, duty payment, and release. You'll be updated as it progresses and told when and where to collect your goods, or arrange delivery.
Some goods — food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, certain electronics — need sign-off from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) or Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) before they clear. We flag this during quoting so there are no surprises once your cargo is already at the port.
Cost depends on your cargo's value, category, and the duty and taxes that apply — plus the coordination fee for handling the process. There's no flat rate we can quote without seeing your shipment details, which is why the quote request asks for specifics.
Yes. Every agent in our network holds a valid Customs House Agent license issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority, which we verify before assigning any shipment.
Yes — the same agents and ports handle export clearance, including Export Declaration Forms and destination-country documentation requirements.
Not yet. SwiftClear currently covers Ghana only — Tema Port, Takoradi Port, and Kotoka International Airport.
Reach out directly and we'll get back to you.