From initial brief to goods landed at Tema. Here's exactly how the process works, what we need from you at each stage, and what to expect on timeline, payment terms and Ghanaian import.
Ordering knitwear from a Turkish manufacturer for the first time involves a different process than buying from a local Accra workshop or re-ordering from a supplier you already use. The process has more steps, a longer timeline, and requires more upfront communication — but it produces a genuinely custom, European-grade flat-knit garment in English-language specs, delivered through Tema. We won't pretend Türkiye is duty-advantaged into Ghana — under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff finished knitwear and China land at the same place, with no FTA on either side — so we compete on quality, consistency and a workable MOQ, not on customs. Here's how the process works with us, step by step. If you want to start with the cost side, our OEM knitwear page sets out who we are and how we work.
Share whatever you have: a tech pack, a reference image, a sketch, or a description of what you want to make. The more specific you can be on stitch structure, gauge, yarn type, colours, size range, and target quantity, the faster we can give you useful numbers. We don't require a finished tech pack to start — we can help develop the construction spec from a reference, all in English, which keeps the back-and-forth clean for a Ghanaian team.
What we need at minimum: style category (pullover, cardigan, vest, etc.), target gauge range, yarn type (merino, cotton, cashmere blend, etc.), colourway count, size range, and approximate order quantity. Our standard MOQ is 250 pieces per colour, per size. Send to info@kiwigiyim.com or via WhatsApp at info@kiwigiyim.com.
Response time: 1 business day with a preliminary CMT range or follow-up questions.
We produce a proto sample at $80–180 including courier to your Accra address. The sample is produced in the specified stitch structure and gauge, in your closest available yarn if the exact spec yarn isn't in stock. We ship via DHL or FedEx express into Ghana.
Sample review: evaluate fit, construction quality, stitch definition, and hand feel. If revisions are needed, we produce a revised sample at a reduced fee or incorporate changes into bulk if the revisions are minor. Most programmes need one proto and one revision sample before bulk. This is where our in-house flat-knit specialism shows — see what we run on the WHOLEGARMENT page.
Payment: sample fee paid in full before production (T/T bank transfer or credit card via invoice link).
Once the sample is approved, we issue a formal purchase order confirmation with: style details, yarn spec, colourways, quantities per size, unit CMT price, total amount, and production and delivery timeline. You confirm and pay a 30% deposit.
At this stage we also: confirm yarn availability and source your specified fibre if not already in stock; schedule the production slot (typically 2–4 weeks from deposit to production start); and confirm export documentation requirements (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin). Because the Cedi (GHS) is volatile, contracts for Ghana are commonly written in USD, and a letter of credit is a normal alternative to T/T for the deposit and balance.
Most programmes run 45–60 days from production start to goods-ready. Complex constructions (intarsia, multi-stitch jacquard, WHOLEGARMENT) or larger quantities may add 1–2 weeks. We send a production update at the midpoint and a pre-shipment QC report when production is complete.
Pre-production sample: one unit produced at the start of the bulk run for final construction confirmation. If you want this couriered to you for review before we run the full order, we can arrange that — it adds 7–10 days. Most clients with an approved proto skip this for faster delivery into Tema.
When production is complete, we send the final QC report with measurements and photo documentation. You pay the 70% balance, and we ship. Standard shipment is ocean LCL (less than container load) from Mersin; transit to Tema (and Takoradi) runs roughly 10–14 days. From there your goods clear through Ghana's import system.
Documentation included: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. These feed your ICUMS (UNIPASS) declaration. We'll also supply fibre content and care-label detail and any Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) conformity paperwork your lines need.
Incoterms: we typically quote FOB Mersin or CIF Tema. The CIF value into Tema sets the base for your CET duty, levies and VAT — your clearing agent handles the GRA filing. DDP (delivered duty paid) can be arranged for an additional fee via our freight forwarder.
| Stage | Duration | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Brief → Proto start | 3–5 days | Send brief, confirm sample spec, pay sample fee |
| Proto production | 10–14 days | Wait |
| Proto review & revision | 5–14 days | Review, request revisions, approve |
| Order confirmation → production start | 14–28 days | Confirm PO, pay 30% deposit (T/T or L/C) |
| Bulk production | 45–60 days | Review midpoint update, approve QC report |
| Balance payment → shipment | 3–5 days | Pay 70% balance |
| Ocean transit to Tema | 10–14 days | Appoint clearing agent, prepare ICUMS entry |
| Total (first order) | ~13–17 weeks | Plan your collection calendar accordingly |
Transit and clearance times are indicative and vary by sailing, port congestion and your ICUMS/GSA paperwork. Confirm current duty, levies and VAT with a licensed Ghanaian clearing agent before you commit.
On duty, no — it's parity. There is no Ghana–Türkiye FTA, so Turkish knitwear enters under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (finished apparel commonly at the 20% band), plus NHIL, the GETFund levy, the COVID-19 levy and VAT on the landed value. China pays exactly the same. We don't claim a customs advantage. Where we compete is European-grade flat-knit quality, a 250-piece MOQ, English-language specs, and clean documentation for your ICUMS declaration — not the duty line.
Yes. We welcome buyer visits to our facility in Tekstilkent, Gaziantep. Many Ghanaian buyers visit during proto development or before placing their first bulk order. We'll arrange transport from Gaziantep airport. Give us 2 weeks' notice so we can schedule around production.
No — different category. Ghana's woven and printed heritage (GTP, Akosombo prints, kente weaving) is its own craft and market. What we make is in-house flat-knit knitwear — sweaters, cardigans, WHOLEGARMENT — which sits alongside that, not against it. Think of us as the knit complement to your line, not a replacement for local print and weave.
Contracts into Ghana are commonly written in USD to take exchange-rate swing out of the order, with a 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment. A letter of credit is a normal, bank-backed alternative to plain T/T for both the deposit and the balance, and many Ghanaian importers prefer it. We'll work with whichever your bank is comfortable issuing.
For each shipment we supply the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin, plus fibre content and care-label detail. These feed your ICUMS (UNIPASS) declaration, which your licensed clearing agent files with GRA Customs. We'll also provide any GSA conformity paperwork your specific knitwear lines require — confirm the exact requirements for your HS code with your agent before you ship.
Send your brief or tech pack. We'll reply within 1 business day with a preliminary CMT range and any questions about your construction. No commitment required at this stage — and you can build a true landed cost into Tema with your clearing agent before you decide.
Sourcing Guides for Ghana
Import & Duty
The honest picture: ECOWAS CET, NHIL, GETFund, the COVID-19 levy and VAT — and why China is at parity.
Read guide →Logistics
ICUMS, GSA conformity and clearing through Tema — what to prepare before your goods sail.
Read guide →Timeline
Sample to bulk to ocean transit into Tema — how the full calendar actually stacks up.
Read guide →Private Label
Your label, your design: how OEM private-label production works for a Ghanaian brand.
Read guide →Positioning
Why flat-knit sits alongside GTP, Akosombo and kente — a different category, not a competitor.
Read guide →