GSA Engages Shippers on Import Declaration Requirements and Trade Reforms

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has engaged platinum shippers in the Greater Accra Region on the requirements and timelines governing the Import Declaration Form (IDF), a mandatory pre-shipment document used to register intended imports into Ghana.

The engagement took place during a Shipper Committee meeting at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra.

The meeting, chaired by GSA’s Head of Freight and Logistics, Fred Asiedu-Dartey, formed part of the Authority’s periodic engagements aimed at updating shippers on government policies and programmes while addressing operational challenges affecting their businesses.

Delivering a presentation on the importance of the IDF, the Head of the Revenue Assurance Unit at the Ministry of Finance, Victor Kofi Baidoo, stated the need for importers to support funds transferred abroad for merchandise imports with the required documentation.

He also noted the importance of ensuring that imported goods arrive within the prescribed timelines.

Mr Baidoo further outlined the timelines applicable to general goods, machinery and equipment, and explained the procedures available to businesses that experience shipment delays.

The meeting also provided updates on key trade-related initiatives expected to impact importers and exporters.

One of the updates focused on the planned introduction of a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Reporting and Resolution Platform. The platform is expected to enable stakeholders to report challenges such as road checkpoints, border delays and standards-related obstacles, while facilitating complaint resolution and generating data to support policy engagement.

Participants were also briefed on the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, developed under the auspices of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

The Convention seeks to establish a harmonised legal framework for negotiable cargo documents across different modes of transport and support the digitalisation of trade documentation.

Another issue discussed was the proposed requirement for importers to obtain cargo insurance locally, with November 1, 2026 indicated as the intended commencement date.

Stakeholders mentioned the need for clarification on the applicable legal provisions and implementation arrangements to guide affected businesses.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD