Importing tiles from China to Ghana: duty, EasyPASS and avoiding breakage

Yes, you can import tiles from China to Ghana, including enough for a whole house in one order. Tiles are heavy, so they usually travel by sea, on pallets or in crates. On 2 November 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority's lookup showed 20% import duty on ceramic tiles, plus levies and VAT. Since 1 July 2026, tiles also need the Ghana Standards Authority's EasyPASS check in China before they ship. Order everything in one batch, with extra for breakages.

Here is how to choose, order and ship them without surprises.

Porcelain or ceramic tiles?

Both are ceramic tiles. The difference is how much water they absorb. Under the American standard for ceramic tile, ANSI A137.1, porcelain tile is ceramic tile with a water absorption of 0.5% or less.

So do not rely on the word "porcelain" in a listing. Ask the factory for the tile's test report and check the water absorption figure. If it is sold as porcelain, it should be 0.5% or less.

What to check before you order

1. Measure every room. Work out the floor and wall area in square metres, room by room. Factories sell by the square metre or by the carton, so ask how many square metres each carton covers.
2. Add extra for cuts and breakages. Ask your tiler how much to add for your layout. Ordering more later from China means another shipment and maybe a different shade.
3. Order from one batch. Tiles from different production runs may not match exactly. Order all the tiles for a room in one go, and ask the factory to show the batch or shade code on the invoice and the cartons.
4. Check size and thickness. Make sure the tile size suits the room and that the thickness suits a floor or a wall, as your tiler needs.
5. Ask about slip resistance for bathrooms, kitchens, steps and outdoor floors. Ask for the figure on the test report, and choose a matt or textured finish where floors get wet.
6. Get samples first, or at least a clear video of the actual tile in daylight. Colours on a screen are not reliable.

How much duty do you pay on tiles?

These are the rates the Ghana Revenue Authority's HS code lookup showed on 2 November 2026:

On top of duty, you pay levies, VAT, NHIL and the GETFund levy, all worked out on the value of the goods plus the shipping. In our worked example for a product in the 20% band, duty and taxes come to a little under half of the CIF value. Our guide on how to calculate import duty in Ghana works through an example.

The EasyPASS check: what changed in 2026

Since 1 July 2026, the Ghana Standards Authority's EasyPASS programme has been mandatory for applicable imports. Its list covers many building materials, including ceramic products such as tiles and sanitary ware, stone and cement articles, glass, and articles of iron, steel and aluminium.

What it means for your tiles:

• The check happens in China, before shipment. The Authority verifies the goods against Ghanaian or international standards in the country of export, and issues a certificate of conformity that speeds up customs clearance.
• There is no inspection on arrival instead. The GSA's data sheet says destination inspection is not allowed, so do not let the tiles sail without the certificate.
• Have the documents ready. The GSA asks for the invoice, test reports and quality certificates.
• Standards come in order. Ghanaian standards come first, then international ones. Markings must be in English.
• The exporter pays the fee. Ask the supplier whether their quote includes the EasyPASS check.

Used products are covered too, but some used goods cannot be imported at all, and the GSA's list of examples includes used sanitary ware. Buy toilets and basins new.

How to stop tiles breaking on the way

Tiles break at the corners and edges, and most damage happens when cartons shift or are dropped. Ask the supplier:

• To pack the cartons on pallets, stacked tightly, strapped and wrapped, or in wooden crates for large or thin tiles.
• To protect the corners of each pallet.
• To load the pallets tightly in the container, so nothing can slide.
• For photos of the packed pallets and of the loaded container, before it is sealed.

When the tiles arrive, count the cartons and photograph any damage before you sign for them. The extra you ordered covers the odd broken tile; a dropped pallet is a claim for the supplier or the shipper.

How long does shipping take?

The sailing from Shanghai to Tema takes about 30 to 45 days. Add the time to make the tiles, truck them to the port, wait for a ship and clear customs at Tema. If your order will not fill a container, it can share one with other goods, which is usually called LCL, less than container load.

Our guide to importing from China to Ghana explains the steps from choosing a supplier to clearing at Tema.

Windows, doors and bathroom fittings

If you are importing tiles, you may want to bring other finishes in the same container:

• Aluminium windows and doors are made to measure. Measure every opening carefully, and approve the factory's drawings before production starts.
• Toilets and basins must match your plumbing. Ask your plumber which outlet type and distance from the wall your bathroom needs before you choose.
• Taps and showers must fit your pipes. Ask your plumber to confirm the connection sizes.

Tiles and finishes for your build, delivered

Landed buys tiles and building materials from factories in China, ships them, clears them through Ghana customs and holds them at our Accra showroom. You pay one all-in price in cedis, agreed before you pay, covering the goods, the shipping, the duty and clearing, and our service. The price is locked once your deposit is in.

• Send us the tile, the quantity in square metres, or a link to the product, and get a price.
• Browse tiles, roofing and building materials and bathroom, kitchen and home fittings.

Building with blocks too? Read our guide to block making machines.