The long-awaited African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which is expected to increase intra-Africa trade and boost growth of African businesses, create jobs and shared prosperity for the continent has commenced.
With the commencement of the trade agreement, African businesses – particularly exporters – have to export their products to all other 54 African countries that have ratified the agreement thereby having access to a market of over 1.3 billion people.
But export of products to the other 54 African countries under AfCFTA by businesses, comes with some protocols or regulations or procedures that need to be met before one can export out of its local market.
For Ghanaian exporters eager to commence exports to other African countries under AfCFTA but do not know what procedures to follow prior to their export, norvanreports provides you with following approved AfCFTA export procedures below:
1. Exporter Registration Process
Ghanaian exporters prior to exporting goods are expected to first apply for or register and acquire all necessary documents from regulatory government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA).
After the exporter’s application or registration has been vetted and approved by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, together with the GNCCI and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) will move to inspect the work premises and products of the exporter.
A satisfactory inspection of exporter’s work premises and products, will lead to the exporter being approved by the GRA, GNCCI and MoTI with a special code generated for the exporter.
2. Export and Certificate of Registration Origin (CoO)
After a code has been generated for an exporter, the exporter is expected to further register for and acquire all necessary license, permit and certificate for the product he or she intends to export to the other African countries under AfCFTA.
When the necessary documents for the export of the products or goods have been attained by the exporter, the exporter can now go ahead to make space reservations with shipping lines or airlines for his or product to be exported.
But before the departure of the shipping line or airline – or any other departing means of conveyance – containing the goods or products of the exporter, the exporter is expected to obtain an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin (CoO).
An application for the AfCFTA CoO is approved by the Customs Division of the GRA and forwarded to a Customs Officer at the port of departure – seaport, land border or airport – for confirmation of export of goods.
