For importers, getting goods to their destination without delays and within suppliers’ contractual timelines is the goal. Yet a simple error in the paperwork can frustrate the process before the goods are even shipped. For businesses bringing merchandise into Ghana, the Import Declaration Form (IDF) is a mandatory pre-shipment document used to register intended imports. Its requirements and timelines were the focus of a meeting between the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and platinum shippers in the Greater Accra Region.
The meeting, chaired by GSA’s Head of Freight and Logistics, Fred Asiedu-Dartey, took place on Tuesday, 20th October 2026, at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra. It formed part of GSA’s periodic Shipper Committee meetings, which provide updates on government policies and programmes and address shippers’ operational challenges.
Delivering a presentation on the importance of the IDF, the Head of the Revenue Assurance Unit at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Victor Kofi Baidoo, highlighted the need to support funds transferred abroad for merchandise imports with the required documentation. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that goods arrive within the prescribed timelines. In addition, he outlined the applicable timelines for general goods, machinery and equipment, as well as the procedures for businesses experiencing shipment delay.
His presentation emphasised the importance of accurate trade records, proper documentation and compliance with procedures for extensions and exemptions. Importers and exporters were urged to fulfil their regulatory obligations to minimise compliance risks and avoid operational disruptions.
The presentation was followed by an open discussion, during which shippers sought further clarification on the IDF and raised concerns about its requirements. The concerns were addressed at the meeting.
Beyond the IDF discussions, the Committee received an update on the ongoing court case concerning GSA’s Container Administrative Charge (CAC) directive. The Chairman also highlighted three policy developments with implications for trade facilitation and the shipping industry.
The first update was on the planned introduction of a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Reporting and Resolution Platform, which will enable stakeholders to report obstacles such as road checkpoints, border delay and standards-related challenges. The platform is expected to facilitate referrals, support complaint resolution and generate data to inform policy engagement.
The second was on the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, developed under the auspices of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The Convention seeks to establish a harmonised legal framework for negotiable cargo documents across different modes of transport and support the digitalisation of trade documentation.
The third was a proposed requirement for importers to obtain cargo insurance locally, with 1st November 2026 indicated as the intended commencement date. Clarification of the applicable legal provisions and implementation arrangements are important in guiding affected stakeholders.
By bringing these issues before shippers, the meeting gave businesses the opportunity to seek guidance on requirements that affect their day-to-day operations directly from the concerned institutions.
