Shipping from China to Tema is one of the main ocean freight routes for commercial cargo moving from Chinese manufacturers to Ghana.
Tema is Ghana’s largest seaport and an important gateway for containerized cargo, general merchandise, machinery, building materials, industrial products and consumer goods entering the Ghanaian market.
BRF SHIPPING can coordinate the China side of your shipment from supplier pickup through international ocean freight, including:
- China factory pickup
- warehouse receiving
- multi-supplier consolidation
- container loading
- China export customs clearance
- FCL booking
- LCL consolidation
- ocean freight to Tema
Major Chinese departure ports include:
- Shanghai
- Ningbo
- Qingdao
- Shenzhen / Yantian
- Guangzhou / Nansha
- Tianjin
- Xiamen
Whether you are shipping one small LCL consignment, a 20GP, 40GP or 40HQ container, the best route depends on your supplier location, cargo volume, weight, cargo-ready date and shipping schedule.
For a country-wide overview, see our Shipping from China to Ghana guide.
Why Tema Is the Main Port for China–Ghana Shipping
Tema is the principal container gateway for many Ghana-bound imports.
The port is located on Ghana’s eastern coast, close to Accra, and supports a large network of:
- container terminals
- warehouses
- inland clearance facilities
- trucking companies
- freight forwarders
- factories
- logistics service providers
This makes Tema a natural destination for importers purchasing commercial goods from China.
Cargo arriving at Tema can later move to destinations such as:
- Tema
- Accra
- Kumasi
- Takoradi
- other cities in Ghana
Depending on the shipment, Tema can also support transit cargo moving further into West Africa.
For importers, the main advantage is that the port combines international ocean freight access with a well-developed inland logistics network.
Main Shipping Methods from China to Tema
There are two main ocean freight options:
FCL Shipping
FCL means Full Container Load.
The complete container is allocated to one shipment.
Common equipment includes:
- 20GP
- 40GP
- 40HQ
FCL is normally suitable for:
- larger commercial orders
- heavy cargo
- machinery
- building materials
- furniture
- aluminum products
- industrial goods
- shipments from several Chinese suppliers
LCL Shipping
LCL means Less than Container Load.
Your cargo shares container space with other shipments.
LCL is commonly used for:
- 1–10 CBM shipments
- several pallets
- small wholesale orders
- machinery parts
- samples
- hardware
- consumer products
- cargo from multiple suppliers
For detailed CBM pricing and consolidation information, see our dedicated LCL Shipping Cost from China to Ghana guide.
FCL Shipping from China to Tema
FCL is one of the most commonly used methods for commercial cargo moving from China to Tema.
A typical FCL process is:
Chinese Factory
↓
Empty Container Positioning
↓
Factory or Warehouse Loading
↓
China Export Customs
↓
Origin Port
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema Port
↓
Ghana Import Procedures
↓
Container Collection / Inland Delivery
FCL reduces the amount of cargo handling compared with LCL because the cargo normally remains inside the same container during the main international transportation process.
20ft Container Shipping from China to Tema
A 20GP container is often suitable for relatively dense or heavy cargo.
Typical products include:
- machinery
- industrial equipment
- hardware
- aluminum profiles
- metal products
- automotive parts
- construction materials
- packaged raw materials
A 20GP has a theoretical internal volume of approximately 33 CBM, although practical loading is often closer to approximately 25–28 CBM, depending on packaging and cargo shape.
For detailed pricing, see:
20ft Container Shipping Cost from China to Ghana
A 20GP should generally be selected according to both:
Cargo CBM + Gross Weight
rather than cargo volume alone.
40GP Shipping from China to Tema
A 40GP provides significantly more volume than a 20GP and is suitable for larger commercial shipments.
Typical products include:
- furniture
- consumer goods
- building products
- commercial inventory
- packaging materials
- machinery
- general merchandise
The theoretical internal volume is approximately 67 CBM.
Practical loading may commonly be around:
54–58 CBM
depending on cargo configuration.
40HQ Shipping from China to Tema
A 40HQ has additional internal height compared with a standard 40GP.
It is especially useful for light but bulky cargo such as:
- aluminum fences
- gates
- furniture
- plastic products
- household goods
- packaged consumer products
- lightweight construction materials
Its theoretical internal volume is approximately:
76 CBM
while practical loading can often reach approximately:
65–68 CBM.
For a detailed comparison, visit:
40ft Container Shipping Cost from China to Ghana
LCL Shipping from China to Tema
Not every importer needs a full container.
If your cargo is only several cubic meters, LCL shipping can be more economical.
A typical LCL process is:
Chinese Supplier
↓
BRF Pickup
↓
China Consolidation Warehouse
↓
Cargo Measurement & Weighing
↓
CFS Consolidation
↓
China Export Customs
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema CFS
↓
Container Deconsolidation
↓
Ghana Import Clearance
LCL rates are normally calculated according to Weight or Measurement — W/M.
For many ocean freight tariffs:
1 CBM is compared with approximately 1 metric ton
and the higher chargeable quantity may be used.
Because LCL involves warehouse handling at both origin and destination, importers should compare the total cost—not only the advertised ocean freight per CBM.
Shanghai to Tema Shipping
Shanghai is one of China’s largest container gateways.
It is particularly suitable for cargo produced in:
- Shanghai
- Suzhou
- Kunshan
- Wuxi
- Changzhou
- nearby Jiangsu areas
A China-to-Tema shipment from Shanghai may use either direct or transshipment services depending on the carrier.
For recent route planning, Shanghai–Tema ocean movements can require roughly 35–45 days port to port, although actual transit depends on the service and transshipment pattern.
When comparing Shanghai sailings, consider:
- carrier
- vessel schedule
- transshipment port
- available equipment
- freight rate
- destination free time
Ningbo to Tema Shipping
Ningbo is another important China–Tema gateway.
It is particularly useful for products sourced from:
- Ningbo
- Yiwu
- Hangzhou
- Jinhua
- Shaoxing
- Taizhou
Many importers sourcing commercial goods in Yiwu can first consolidate cargo at a warehouse before loading an FCL container or arranging LCL shipping.
The route can be:
Yiwu Suppliers
↓
Warehouse Consolidation
↓
Ningbo
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema
This is especially useful when one Ghanaian importer buys from several Chinese suppliers.
Shenzhen / Yantian to Tema Shipping
South China is one of the most important sourcing regions for Ghanaian importers.
Major manufacturing cities include:
- Shenzhen
- Dongguan
- Guangzhou
- Foshan
- Huizhou
- Zhongshan
Common export ports include:
- Yantian
- Shekou
- Nansha
Typical products moving through South China include:
- electronics
- furniture
- consumer products
- machinery
- household goods
- lighting
- building products
- commercial inventory
BRF SHIPPING can compare Yantian, Shekou and Nansha according to supplier location and current shipping schedules.
Guangzhou / Nansha to Tema
Nansha can be a practical option for suppliers located around:
- Guangzhou
- Foshan
- Zhongshan
- Jiangmen
- nearby Pearl River Delta cities
For bulky products such as furniture or building products, a 40HQ is often the first container type to compare.
For smaller shipments, cargo can instead move to a consolidation warehouse for LCL shipping.
Qingdao to Tema Shipping
Qingdao is an important China-to-Tema origin for cargo manufactured in Shandong Province.
Typical supplier locations include:
- Qingdao
- Yantai
- Weifang
- Linyi
- Linqu
- Zibo
- Dezhou
BRF SHIPPING can coordinate:
Shandong Factory Pickup
↓
Container Loading / Warehouse
↓
China Export Customs
↓
Qingdao Port
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema
Typical Shandong exports may include:
- aluminum products
- fencing
- machinery
- industrial equipment
- construction materials
- rubber and plastic products
- commercial goods
For Shandong factories, Qingdao can often reduce inland trucking compared with moving cargo to Shanghai or South China.
Tianjin to Tema Shipping
Tianjin can serve suppliers across northern China.
It may be suitable for cargo originating from:
- Tianjin
- Beijing region
- Hebei
- parts of Shandong
- northern industrial areas
Products can include:
- machinery
- steel products
- construction equipment
- industrial components
- commercial cargo
Route schedules should be checked carefully because some North China–West Africa services use transshipment.
How Long Does Shipping from China to Tema Take?
Ocean freight transit depends on:
- China origin port
- carrier
- sailing schedule
- transshipment port
- vessel rotation
- congestion
- weather
- blank sailings
A practical planning guide is:
| China Origin | Tema Transit Planning Range |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | Approx. 35–45 days |
| Ningbo | Approx. 35–45 days |
| Shenzhen / Yantian | Approx. 30–42 days |
| Guangzhou / Nansha | Approx. 30–42 days |
| Qingdao | Approx. 35–48 days |
| Tianjin | Approx. 38–50 days |
These figures are planning estimates rather than guaranteed transit times.
Shipping schedules should always be checked before booking.
Port-to-Port vs Door-to-Door Transit Time
Do not confuse vessel transit with total logistics time.
A shipment also requires time before and after the vessel journey.
China Origin
This can include:
- supplier preparation
- factory pickup
- warehouse receiving
- container positioning
- loading
- export customs
- terminal cutoff
International Transit
This can include:
- main vessel sailing
- transshipment
- schedule changes
Tema Destination
This can include:
- vessel discharge
- terminal handling
- customs declaration
- valuation
- scanning or examination
- cargo release
- inland trucking
The complete supply-chain timeline is therefore longer than the published ocean transit.
Shipping Cost from China to Tema
The cost of shipping from China to Tema depends on the cargo and shipping method.
For September 2026 preliminary planning, the wider Ghana route currently uses broad ranges around:
- 20GP: USD 3,100–4,400
- 40GP: USD 3,800–5,900
- 40HQ: USD 4,000–6,600
- LCL: around USD 150–260 per CBM
These are indicative planning ranges only.
They are not fixed BRF SHIPPING quotations.
For a full explanation of rate factors, visit:
Shipping Cost from China to Ghana
This Tema route page focuses primarily on logistics and routing rather than duplicating the detailed cost guide.
What Affects China to Tema Freight Rates?
Several factors affect the final freight cost.
Chinese Origin
A factory located in Qingdao has a different inland transportation cost from one in Yiwu or Foshan.
Container Size
Typical equipment includes:
- 20GP
- 40GP
- 40HQ
Special cargo may require:
- open top
- flat rack
- reefer
- other specialized equipment
Cargo Volume
For LCL, CBM is an important pricing factor.
For FCL, the container size is the primary freight unit.
Cargo Weight
Heavy cargo can affect:
- truck selection
- container payload
- warehouse handling
- lifting requirements
Shipping Line
Different carriers may offer different:
- freight rates
- transit times
- schedules
- free time
- transshipment arrangements
Cargo-Ready Date
Rates and equipment availability can change significantly from one sailing to another.
China Factory Pickup for Tema Shipments
BRF SHIPPING can arrange pickup directly from your Chinese supplier.
This is particularly useful for:
- EXW purchases
- importers without a China office
- multiple Chinese suppliers
- heavy or bulky cargo
- machinery
- project cargo
The first step is to provide the supplier address.
We can then determine the most practical export gateway.
For example:
Shandong supplier → Qingdao
Zhejiang supplier → Ningbo
Guangdong supplier → Yantian / Nansha
Choosing the correct port can reduce unnecessary domestic trucking.
Multi-Supplier Consolidation before Shipping to Tema
Many Ghanaian importers buy from several suppliers.
Instead of arranging separate international shipments, the cargo can be combined in China.
Example:
Supplier A – 3 CBM
Supplier B – 4 CBM
Supplier C – 5 CBM
↓
China Warehouse
↓
12 CBM Consolidated Shipment
↓
LCL or Compare with FCL
↓
Tema
For larger purchases:
Supplier A
Supplier B
Supplier C
↓
40HQ Loading
↓
Tema
This can simplify international transportation and reduce repeated shipping processes.
China Export Customs Clearance
Before the shipment leaves China, export customs procedures must be completed.
Typical information includes:
- exporter
- consignee
- product description
- HS code
- quantity
- commercial value
- gross weight
- packing information
- export documentation
BRF SHIPPING can coordinate China export declaration and port procedures according to the agreed service scope.
Accurate commercial documents help reduce customs delays.
Tema Port Arrival Process
After the vessel arrives at Tema, the container or LCL cargo enters the Ghana destination process.
A typical sequence can include:
Vessel Arrival
↓
Container Discharge
↓
Customs Declaration
↓
Classification & Valuation
↓
Duty / Tax Payment
↓
Inspection or Scanning if Required
↓
Customs Release
↓
Cargo Pickup / Truck Delivery
Ghana import declarations are processed through the Integrated Customs Management System — ICUMS.
Importers should work with their Ghana customs agent before the shipment arrives.
Documents for Ghana Import Clearance
According to Ghana Revenue Authority guidance, import clearance normally requires documents such as:
- Original Bill of Lading
- attested commercial invoice
- packing list
- Import Declaration Form
- TIN or GhanaCard PIN as applicable
- relevant commodity permits where required
Some products may require authorization from agencies such as:
- Ghana Standards Authority
- Food and Drugs Authority
- other regulatory agencies
Importers should confirm product-specific requirements before loading cargo in China.
Official Ghana customs guidance is available from the Ghana Revenue Authority.
What Is ICUMS?
ICUMS stands for:
Integrated Customs Management System
It is Ghana’s electronic customs single-window system.
The system is used for processes including:
- customs declarations
- classification
- valuation
- approval
- duty and tax processing
- cargo tracking
Importers and customs agents should prepare the required information before vessel arrival to reduce unnecessary destination delays.
Tema Destination Charges
A China-to-Tema ocean freight rate does not automatically include all destination charges.
Possible Ghana-side costs include:
- terminal handling
- shipping-line documentation
- delivery order
- customs broker
- import duty
- taxes and levies
- scanning
- examination
- storage
- demurrage
- detention
- inland trucking
Always check what is included in the quotation.
A very low ocean freight rate may not represent the lowest total landed logistics cost.
Demurrage and Detention at Tema
Importers should understand container free-time rules before cargo arrives.
Demurrage
Demurrage can apply when a container stays inside the terminal beyond the carrier’s permitted free time.
Detention
Detention can apply when the container leaves the port but is not returned within the allowed period.
To reduce these risks:
- prepare customs documents before arrival
- appoint a customs agent early
- confirm product permits
- prepare tax and duty payments
- monitor vessel arrival
- arrange trucking
- check container free time
Destination delays can quickly increase total shipping costs.
Shipping from Tema to Accra
Tema is located close to Ghana’s capital, Accra.
After customs release, cargo can be transported by truck to:
- Accra warehouses
- retail distribution centers
- factories
- commercial premises
- project sites
For delivery quotations, provide:
- cargo type
- package count
- total weight
- CBM
- container type
- exact destination
- unloading requirements
Destination trucking should be confirmed separately from the ocean freight unless specifically included in the quotation.
Shipping from Tema to Kumasi
Kumasi is another important inland commercial destination.
Cargo arriving through Tema can be released and transported inland by truck.
For FCL cargo, the service can involve:
Tema Port
↓
Customs Release
↓
Container Trucking
↓
Kumasi
For LCL cargo, the shipment may first be collected from the CFS before inland delivery.
What Products Can Be Shipped from China to Tema?
Common commercial cargo can include:
Machinery and Equipment
- production machinery
- processing equipment
- spare parts
- workshop equipment
- industrial components
Building Materials
- aluminum products
- fences
- gates
- hardware
- metal components
- suitable construction products
Furniture
- indoor furniture
- outdoor furniture
- tables
- chairs
- cabinets
Consumer Goods
- household goods
- packaging
- commercial inventory
- retail products
Plastic Products
- plastic fencing
- packaging products
- industrial plastics
- household items
Special cargo should always be checked before booking.
Special Cargo from China to Tema
Certain shipments require additional review.
Examples include:
- batteries
- liquids
- chemicals
- powders
- dangerous goods
- oversized cargo
- heavy machinery
- temperature-controlled products
Depending on the product, additional documentation may be required.
These can include:
- MSDS
- transport certificates
- dangerous-goods declaration
- test reports
- carrier approval
Always provide the exact commodity before requesting a quotation.
EXW Shipping from China to Tema
EXW is common when Ghanaian importers buy directly from Chinese manufacturers.
Under an EXW arrangement, BRF SHIPPING can coordinate:
Supplier Pickup
↓
China Trucking
↓
Warehouse / Container Loading
↓
Export Customs
↓
Port Handling
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema
This gives the importer one China-side logistics contact instead of coordinating several separate service providers.
FOB Shipping from China to Tema
Under FOB terms, the supplier normally handles the agreed China export-side responsibilities up to the named port according to the sales contract.
BRF SHIPPING can then arrange the main ocean transportation to Tema.
Before booking, confirm:
- FOB port
- cargo-ready date
- container type
- cargo weight
- export documentation
- supplier contact information
CIF Tema Shipping
Some suppliers offer CIF Tema prices.
CIF generally covers the agreed ocean freight and marine insurance to the destination port.
However, CIF should not automatically be interpreted as:
All Costs Paid to Final Address
The importer may still need to pay for:
- destination terminal charges
- customs clearance
- duties
- taxes
- storage
- trucking
Compare the total landed cost before choosing between supplier-arranged CIF and freight-forwarder-controlled transportation.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs from China to Tema
Choose the Right Chinese Port
The cheapest ocean freight is not always the cheapest total route.
Compare:
China Inland Trucking + Origin Charges + Ocean Freight
Consolidate Multiple Suppliers
Combining cargo in China can reduce repeated international shipments.
Optimize Packaging
Reducing unnecessary packaging can:
- lower LCL CBM
- improve container utilization
- reduce cost per unit
Compare LCL and FCL
Once cargo volume approaches approximately 10–15 CBM, compare LCL with 20GP.
For larger shipments, compare:
- 20GP
- 40GP
- 40HQ
Book Before Cargo Is Urgent
Early planning creates more options to compare carrier schedules and equipment.
Prepare Tema Documents Early
Destination delays can cost more than the freight savings achieved by selecting a cheaper carrier.
Why Work with BRF SHIPPING for China to Tema?
BRF SHIPPING focuses on coordinating freight from Chinese suppliers to international destinations.
For China-to-Tema shipments, our services can include:
Factory Pickup
Collection from suppliers across China.
Warehouse Consolidation
Receiving cargo from one or multiple factories.
FCL Shipping
20GP, 40GP and 40HQ container bookings.
LCL Shipping
CBM-based consolidation for smaller shipments.
Export Customs
China export declaration coordination.
Ocean Freight
International shipping from major Chinese ports to Tema.
Destination customs clearance and inland delivery in Ghana can be reviewed separately based on the importer, cargo and agreed service scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main port for shipping from China to Ghana?
Tema is Ghana’s largest port and is the main container gateway for many China-to-Ghana shipments.
How long does shipping from China to Tema take?
A general planning range is approximately 30–48 days port to port, depending on the China origin, carrier and transshipment routing.
Shanghai services, for example, commonly fall around the 35–45 day range.
Always check the actual sailing schedule before booking.
Can I ship a 20ft container from China to Tema?
Yes.
20GP containers are commonly used for machinery, metals, building materials and other relatively dense cargo.
Can I ship a 40HQ from China to Tema?
Yes.
40HQ containers are especially useful for high-volume, lightweight or bulky commercial cargo.
Can I ship LCL from China to Tema?
Yes.
LCL allows smaller shipments to share container space with other cargo.
What Chinese ports ship to Tema?
Common origins include:
- Shanghai
- Ningbo
- Shenzhen / Yantian
- Guangzhou / Nansha
- Qingdao
- Tianjin
- Xiamen
The best port depends on the supplier location and current sailing schedule.
Can BRF SHIPPING pick up cargo from my China supplier?
Yes.
BRF SHIPPING can arrange pickup from factories and suppliers in major Chinese manufacturing regions.
Can you consolidate cargo from several Chinese suppliers?
Yes.
Multiple supplier shipments can be collected at a China warehouse before LCL or FCL export.
Does China-to-Tema freight include Ghana import duty?
Not automatically.
Ocean freight should not be assumed to include Ghana customs duties, taxes, brokerage or inland delivery unless these services are specifically listed in the quotation.
Does BRF SHIPPING provide DDP to Ghana?
Ghana destination customs and delivery are reviewed case by case.
For this route, BRF SHIPPING’s primary focus is China pickup, warehouse consolidation, export customs and international ocean freight rather than making Ghana DDP the default service.
Get a Shipping Quote from China to Tema
If you are sourcing commercial goods from China and need ocean freight to Tema, BRF SHIPPING can help plan the China-side logistics and international shipping.
We can coordinate:
Chinese Supplier Pickup
↓
China Warehouse
↓
FCL / LCL Planning
↓
Container Loading
↓
Export Customs
↓
Ocean Freight
↓
Tema Port
For an accurate quotation, send:
- China pickup address
- product name
- HS code if known
- package quantity
- package dimensions
- gross weight
- total CBM
- container type if known
- cargo-ready date
- Ghana destination
BRF SHIPPING
China Pickup · Export Customs · FCL · LCL · Ocean Freight to Tema
Email: Quotation@brfshippinggroup.com
Related Ghana Shipping Guides
Shipping Cost from China to Ghana
