Buying an Imported Car in Ghana? Check the Duty Was Paid, or It Can Be Seized

Short answer: before you buy a used imported car in Ghana, confirm that its import duty was paid. GRA Customs warns that cars with unpaid duty can be seized, even from a buyer who paid in good faith. Check the car's VIN or chassis number on the ICUMS vehicle check, then have Customs physically inspect the chassis number to confirm it has not been tampered with.

Why does unpaid duty matter to you?

An "uncustomed" car is one whose import duties were never fully paid. If you buy one, Customs can impound it, and getting your money back from the seller is hard. GRA Customs has publicly advised buyers to verify duty status before completing any purchase.

How do you check the duty?

1. Copy the VIN or chassis number from the car itself, not just from the papers.
2. Enter it, with the make and model, in the vehicle check on the GRA's ICUMS platform.
3. Take the car to a Customs office for a physical inspection, to confirm the chassis number on the car is genuine and not altered.

What else should you check?

• The documents match the car: chassis number, engine number, colour and registration on the papers must match the vehicle.
• Registration at DVLA: confirm the registration details at a DVLA office before paying.
• A mechanic's inspection, including signs of flood or accident damage.
• Who is really selling: meet at a safe place and pay into an account in the seller's own name. Read buying a car in Ghana safely for the Jiji, Tonaton and Instagram car scams.

What if the seller pushes you to pay now?

Walk away. A genuine seller will wait for a duty check and an inspection. Before paying any deposit, check the seller's number on TrustCheck.

Where these facts come from (checked 31 October 2026): BusinessGhana: Customs urges buyers to verify duty status before buying imported vehicles; GRA: vehicle importation.