The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has urged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to urgently address reported delays in issuing import codes and permits for regulated consignments at Ghana's ports. According to the IEAG, these delays have resulted in uncleared consignments, as affected importers are unable to complete the required FDA processes and proceed with customs clearance.
The IEAG, in a press statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, acknowledged and supported the FDA's statutory responsibility to regulate food, drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals, medical devices, and other products entering Ghana. The association noted that the FDA's Centre for Import and Export Control operates at the Tema Port, with permit control integrated into the Integrated Customs Management System.
The IEAG stated that the FDA's procedures require the relevant permit to be approved before verification and final release of regulated consignments. Delays in obtaining FDA approval or codes can affect subsequent stages of the clearance chain, including customs declaration, duty payment, and physical evacuation of containers.
Prolonged cargo dwell time can result in additional terminal storage charges, shipping-line demurrage, container detention charges, handling and documentation costs, increased financing costs, and additional trucking and logistics expenses. The IEAG expressed concern that importers might pass these additional costs on to consumers through higher prices.
The association called on the FDA to investigate the reported delays, identify technical, operational, or administrative challenges, and restore normal processing for compliant applications. The IEAG also urged the FDA to expedite the processing of pending applications involving consignments already landed at the ports and accruing storage and related charges.
Where challenges are system-related or connected to ICUMS integration, the IEAG urged the FDA and relevant technical agencies to engage and resolve the issue. The association also called for clear communication to importers, customs house agents, and other port stakeholders on the nature of the challenge, affected applications, and expected timelines for resolution.
The IEAG urged the authorities to consider relief or administrative intervention for demonstrable delays attributable to regulatory or system failures, particularly where compliant importers incurred additional costs through no fault of their own. The association emphasized the importance of Ghana's ports as critical gateways for trade, industry, and distribution.
Key points
- IEAG calls on FDA to urgently resolve delays in import code issuance.
- Delays in import code issuance can result in additional costs for importers.
- IEAG urges FDA to expedite processing of pending applications and communicate with stakeholders.
