Ghana Shippers’ Authority to Enforce Mandatory Shipper Registration from August 3

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has announced that Mandatory Shipper Registration will be enforced on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) effective August 3, 2026.

According to the Authority, trading through all entry points across the country will require shipper registration. The directive is in line with Section 26(1) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, Act 1122 (2024), which states that “A shipper shall not clear cargo through customs unless the shipper has registered with the Authority in accordance with this Act.”

The GSA explained that declarants passing declarations on behalf of shippers, including importers and exporters with valid Shipper Registration under Act 1122, can proceed with the clearing process without hindrance.

For shippers without valid registration, declarants will be required to pay a tax bill of GHC 150.00 to cover the shipper’s registration with GSA for the next 12 calendar months before the clearing process can continue. The declarant must pay the bill on behalf of the shipper.

Shippers can also register directly at any GSA office by completing a registration form, submitting copies of Certificates of Incorporation for corporate entities or a valid Ghana Card for individuals, and paying GHC 150.00.

The Authority noted that business details of shippers who register at GSA offices will be shared with GRA Customs to facilitate cargo clearing. In line with Act 1122, GSA will issue the registration certificate in manual or electronic format within one week of registration.

The GSA stressed that all shipper registration is valid for 12 months from the date of registration and that shippers do not need to register per shipment or declaration.

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