Ghana to Implement Smart Port Note System at Ports, Effective Feb 2026
Ghana will be implementing a Smart Port Note (SPN) system, an advanced shipment information system, for all shipments effective next year.
This is expected to enhance trade facilitation, cargo monitoring, compliance enforcement, and the availability of reliable shipping and logistics data.
In a statement, the Ghana Shippers Authority said the initiative has attached applicable service fees that will be paid only by exporters in the country of origin.
“The Authority wishes to clarify that the SPN, a form of advanced shipment information system, is an export-oriented data requirement and does not impose any cost on importers or consignees in Ghana.”
It will take effect on February 1, 2026, during which every cargo destined for Ghana, including transit cargoes, must have a valid Smart Port Note (SPN) issued and validated at the port of loading.
“Each Bill of Lading must carry a unique SPN Code.”
It warned that cargo shipped without a valid SPN shall not be cleared at Ghanaian ports until all applicable fines and penalties for non-compliance are paid and proper validation is completed.
“Inter-Occan Maritime & Logistics Institute (IOMLI) and its technical partner Antaser Afrique BV have exclusive rights for the issuance and validation of SPN Codes through www.antaserafrique.com.”
The introduction of the SPN system follows an agreement between the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute Limited.
According to the Authority, the agreement succeeded extensive consultations with shippers and stakeholders, including the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Customs Brokers Association Ghana (CUBAG), Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG) and Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG).
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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