Any exporter or importer who wishes to trade under the new trade deal must pass through the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) managed by UNIPASS.
Managers of the ICUMS made this known in a communique issued recently to stakeholders and exporters on the commencement of registration for goods under the continental free trade area.
The notice from the ICUMS implementation team indicated that the process of registration was the first step in ensuring that there was a seamless process for both importers and exporters that wanted to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Initially, two Ghanaian firms, Kasapreko and Ghandour Cosmetics, exported products on the first week of the official start of trade without the ICUMS registration process.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority together with the implementation team of ICUMS issued a directive to begin the process for registration on Monday, January 18.
The process for registration was communicated to exporters in a notice which read, “We are pleased to inform you that the online process for the application of the AfCFTA Exporter Registration in ICUMS has been completed and implemented.
“All potential AfCFTA Exporters should consult with a declarant to process their applications.
“They should complete the form and attached all relevant supporting documents and submit.”
Commissioner of Customs, Col. Kwadjo Damoah (rtd), said that Customs Officials had been equipped to help exporters go through the process to ensure that the implementation became successful.
This therefore puts Ghana ahead of its peers on the continent with regards to the implementation of the AfCFTA which has been ratified by 35 countries so far.
– Myjoyonline