Ghana Shippers’ Authority To Enforce Mandatory Shipper Registration From September 1

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has announced it will begin fully enforcing mandatory shipper registration for all importers and exporters effective 1st September, 2026.

The enforcement is in line with Section 26 (1) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which provides that a shipper shall not clear cargo through customs unless the shipper has registered with the Authority in accordance with the Act.

The Authority says the provision will be enforced on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

Under the new regime, declarants who are passing declarations on behalf of shippers with valid Shipper Registration under Act 1122 will be allowed to proceed with the clearing process without any hindrance.

For shippers who do not have valid registration under Act 1122, the system will generate a tax bill of GHC 150 to cover the shipper’s registration for the next 12 calendar months. Once the bill is paid, the declarant can then proceed with the clearing process.

The Authority added that shippers also have the option to register directly at any Ghana Shippers’ Authority office.

This will require completing a registration form, attaching copies of certificates of incorporation for corporate entities or valid Ghana Card details for individuals, and paying GHC 150.

The details of shippers who register at GSA offices will be shared with GRA Customs to facilitate the clearing of their cargo on ICUMS.

After registration, GSA will issue certificates in manual or electronic format in line with the Act. Shippers who register via ICUMS will be contacted by GSA and issued their certificates within one week of registration.

The Authority clarified that all shipper registrations are valid for 12 months from the date of registration and emphasised that shippers do not need to register per shipment or declaration.

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