UNIPASS informs exporters and port stakeholders of the exporter’s request for AfCFTA

Economic news for Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Source: Goldstreet Company

2021-01-19

The Managers of Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) issued a statement to stakeholders and exporters on the start of the registration of goods under the Continental Free Trade Area.

The media-quoted advice from the Customs Integrated Management Systems Implementation Team indicates that from now on any exporter or importer wishing to trade under the new trade agreement must go through the ICUMS managed by UNIPASS.

The registration process is the first step in ensuring a transparent process for both importers and exporters who wish to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Initially, two Ghanaian companies, so Kasapreko and Ghandour Cosmetics, exported products the first week of the official start of trade without the ICUMS registration process.

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority along with the ICUMS Implementation Team issued a directive to begin the registration process on Monday January 18.

The registration process has been communicated to exporters in a notice which reads: “We are pleased to inform you that the online process for applying for the registration of AfCFTA exporters in ICUMS has been completed. completed and implemented.

All potential exporters of AfCFTA should consult a registrant to process their requests.

They must complete the form and attach all relevant supporting documents and submit ”.

Customs Commissioner Colonel Kwadjo Damoah (RTD) told media that customs officials have been equipped to help exporters follow the process to ensure successful implementation.

This therefore places Ghana ahead of its peers on the continent when it comes to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which has been ratified by 35 countries to date.