HOW DO I BECOME A REGISTERED IMPORTER IN GHANA?

This article talks about one of the most asked questions on the internet “HOW DO I BECOME A REGISTERED IMPORTER IN GHANA?”. Do you know that you can earn a huge amount of money from doing importation in Ghana? Starting an importation business in Ghana will require you to register with the appropriate office so that you can become a registered importer in Ghana.

Becoming an importer in Ghana is one of the surest ways to get financial freedom. Are you wondering how and what you need to become a registered importer? Then, read this article to have an easy approach to becoming a registered importer.

WHAT IS IMPORTATION BUSINESS?

The importation business involves bringing products from abroad and selling them in your country. Below is a list of some registered companies in Ghana:

• Elite Import And Export, LLC.
• Cereal Investments Company (CIC) Ghana Ltd.
• Organic Trade & Investments (OTI)
• AfroGulf Ghana Limited.
• Divine Merchandize.
• Easy Importation Ghana.
• Augson Trading.

HOW TO BECOME A REGISTERED IMPORTER IN GHANA

Before an individual or business can be recognized as a registered importer, the following requirements must be met:

• Register Your Company

Before any form of business is recognized as legal in Ghana, the owners or individuals must register the business. You can apply for a certificate of registration by applying to the Registrar General’s Department.

Before applying for the certificate, you must apply at the Revenue Agencies Governing Board for a Tax Identification Number (TIN). The number is specific to your company which will be necessary when filling out all your importation documents. You must also register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain a tax clearance certificate.

• Obtain Trade Insurance and Hire Certified Clearing Agent

Since importation involves a lot of risks, you will need to ensure your business has insurance. In order to import goods into Ghana safely, you must purchase trade insurance. The trade insurance will protect your goods from any unforeseen circumstances and act as insurance coverage for any damage while they are being stored or shipped.

According to the Customs Act 2015 Act 891 Section 43, all importers with the exception of self-declarants must hire licensed  Customs House Agents to clear goods at any freight station in Ghana. Confirm the authenticity of their licenses before you hire them.

• Register for Ghana Single Window

Ghana Single Window is a secure trade platform that facilitates the exchange of information between the Government of Ghana and the logistics community. Ghana Single Window was launched in 2002 and has been progressively updated and extended in line with international best practices. The platform reduces the need for data to be entered multiple times – instead it can be exchanged and re-used electronically, achieving faster, more accurate results and improving the ease of compliance with Government of Ghana requirements.

There are four separate electronic systems integrated within Ghana Single Window:

• GCNet eMDA Portal, for documentation relevant to trade overseen by the Government of Ghana;

GICCS, the Ghana Integrated Cargo Clearance System that tracks cargo online;

• eTax Portal, where you can manage your tax documents and payments; and
• eRegistrar Portal, where you are able to register legal entities in Ghana. Ghana Community Network Systems (GCNet allows you to submit documentation, track your application’s progress, and interact with clearing agents, logistics companies, and governmental agencies all in one location.

Since you have registered your business already, can submit your TIN form to register as a user of the Ghana Single Window System. You will have to provide your TIN details to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which will input your TIN data, grant TIN approval, and generate your TIN certificate.

• Apply for a Unique Consignment Reference

Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) is a unique electronic reference number used to identify goods imported into Ghana. It is the first to be obtained as soon as you start the sales contract with your supplier for the goods. You must get it even before all the other documents, such as ePermits, eExemptions, eImport Declaration Form (IDF), and Customs Declarations.

• Conformity Assessment Program

Under Ghana’s “Conformity Assessment Program,” certain imported goods are restricted in Ghana and must be inspected by Ghana Standards Board (GSB) officials at the port to ensure they meet Ghanaian standards.

The restricted goods according to Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have been grouped into 17 categories. The groups include food products, electrical appliances, and used goods.

• Fill I.D.F. (Import Duty Form)

As an importer, you must submit an electronic Import Duty Form (I.D.F.) to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) using the Ghana Single Window system. The electronic Import Duty Form indicates your intention to bring goods into the country.

Documents You Will Need For Importation

• Bill of Entry.
• Commercial Invoice.
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
• Import License.
• Certificate of Insurance.
• Letter of Credit or LC.
• Technical Write-up or Literature (Only required for specific goods)
• Industrial License (for specific goods)

TYPE OF GOODS YOU CAN NOT IMPORT AS AN IMPORTER

The Government of Ghana has placed restrictions on a number of goods imported into the country. Below is a list of a few such good

• Narcotic Drugs
• Ammunition imported by post
• Medicated soap containing Mercuric Iodide Toxic waste
• Contaminated goods
• Animals and carcasses infected with disease Plants and seeds infected with pests or disease foreign soil
• Beads of inflammable celluloid or other similar substances raw coffee imported overland or by inland water-ways counterfeit notes and coins of any country

GOODS THAT CAN BE IMPORTED ON A CONDITIONAL BASIS

However, you can import the following goods only after getting prior permission, license, or certificate from a relevant Government institution:

• Gold Coins, current in the United Kingdom (License from Minister of Finance) Rough or uncut diamonds (License from Minister of Finance)
• Arms and ammunition (Permit from Ministry of Interior)
• All Communication Equipment (National Communication Authority Permit) Drugs (Ministry of Health Certificate/Food and Drugs Board License)
• Cinematography films through any port of entry other than Tema, Takoradi or Accra Airport (Apply to Commissioner of CEPS)
• Goods bearing designs in imitation of money. (License from Minister of Finance) Handcuffs (License from Minister of Interior)

CHECK THIS :

• How To Become a Mini Importer in Ghana
• How To Buy Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Or Other Cryptocurrencies
• How To Make Money Online In Ghana 2022 2023
• Treasury Bill Rates In Ghana 2022
• How To Verify, Track, and Print Ghana Passport Number Online
• HOW TO WITHDRAW MONEY FROM PAYPAL IN GHANA