Short answer
Key takeaways
- Regulator: Food and Drugs Authority Ghana
- Main entry port: Tema
- Sea transit 24–30 days
- Mixed-category containers keep landed cost low
Why Ghana buyers import surgical supply from India
India is one of the world's largest manufacturers of surgical instruments, disposables and hospital consumables. In Ghana, demand comes mainly from NHIS-accredited hospitals and teaching hospitals, and Indian sourcing typically lowers unit cost by 25–45% versus European brands while keeping CE and ISO certification.
Step 1 - Shortlist a certified exporter
Ask for the ISO 13485 certificate, CE documentation and export references in Africa. GlobalSurgicals shares these with every catalogue request.
Step 3 - Agree price, Incoterms and payment
Most Ghana importers buy CIF Tema or CFR. Common terms are T/T advance balance against B/L copy, or L/C at sight for tenders.
Step 4 - Ship and clear customs
LCL consolidation works from 1 CBM; distributors usually move to 20' or 40' FCL once they combine categories. Sea freight to Tema takes 24–30 days.
Step 5 - Build a repeat supply schedule
Set quarterly call-off orders so stock is produced ahead of your demand peaks and price is locked for the year.
Mistakes that slow down a first import
Most delays on a first shipment to Ghana come from avoidable gaps rather than the regulation itself.
- Asking for samples after placing the bulk order instead of before
- Splitting one order across several unverified exporters
- Submitting a Food and Drugs Authority Ghana dossier with mismatched certificate dates
- Ordering single-category containers instead of consolidating, which inflates freight per unit
A realistic first-order timeline
Most new buyers in Ghana move from first enquiry to cleared cargo in 10–14 weeks: 1–2 weeks for samples and catalogue review, 2–3 weeks for Food and Drugs Authority Ghana paperwork, about a week to confirm production, then 24–30 days of sea transit to Tema.
Sea freight
24–30 days
To Tema from Mundra or Nhava Sheva. Best for FCL/LCL container orders and mixed-category shipments.
Air freight
3–5 days
From Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai. Best for urgent, tender or high-value orders.
Documents we provide for Food and Drugs Authority Ghana
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate of the manufacturing site
- CE certificate or declaration of conformity per product family
- Certificate of Free Sale issued in India
- Technical file / product dossier formatted for the Food and Drugs Authority Ghana
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing list
- Batch-wise certificate of analysis and sterilisation validation (for sterile items)
Where healthcare construction is growing in Ghana
- Accra - the Agenda 111 district hospital programme and private clinics
Get the Ghana surgical supply catalogue
Full catalogue and a CIF price list for Ghana, sent within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a surgical supply catalogue for Ghana?+
Request it on the GlobalSurgicals catalogue form or WhatsApp our export desk. We send the full catalogue and a Ghana price list (CIF Tema) within one business day.
How long does shipping from India to Ghana take?+
Sea freight to Tema takes about 24–30 days; air freight about 3–5 days.
Do I need an import licence for surgical supply in Ghana?+
Usually yes - importers register with the Food and Drugs Authority Ghana and hold a medical-device importer or distributor licence. We provide every document needed for that registration.