The Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) in partnership with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Customs Division, has introduced electronic issuance for Certificate of Origin documents to fully automate processes in the trade facilitation space.
The paperless Certificate module is available on the electronic Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (eMDA) portal that is linked to the Ghana Customs Management Systems (GCMS).
The activation of electronic issuance or delivery of e-Certificates of Origin for all exports takes effect from October 15, 2018, with all exporters and their agents mandated to process applications for new Certificates of Origin online.
This means that exporters and their agents must initiate all new applications and printing of Certificates of Origin through the e-MDA portal on the GCNet/GCMS system – bearing in mind that any manual issuance of Certificates of Origin ceased from October 15, 2018.
The full roll-out comes after the completion of broad stakeholder sensitisation and training sessions organised by GCNet in collaboration with the GNCCI and GRA, to build capacity of users so as to enhance their experience of the module in processing necessary documentation online for exports.
The roll-out of electronic delivery for Certificates of Origin including the issuance of electronic certificates for business registration as well as applications for exemption, permits and approvals in the clearance chain forms part of e paperless regimes that GCNet has championed which is aimed to support the government’s programme to streamline trade facilitation processes by leveraging technology to reduce constraints, thereby fostering trade development and increasing revenue for accelerated development.
Speaking at a stakeholder capacity building session, Mr. Eben Engmann-TradeNet Manager of GCNet, expressed GCNet’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the goal of a paperless trade facilitation regime is achieved.
According to him, GCNet will continue to innovate and enhance user-experience while deploying e-solutions which directly impact on the clearance chain to boost business competitiveness, reduce cost of doing business and increase the ease of doing business.
On his part, CEO of the GNCCI, Mark Badu-Aboagye, expressed joy that the Chamber has finally computerized the processes for issuing the documentary evidence showing the origin of goods exported from Ghana, as well as certification for a variety of other export documentation.
He continued that the process is aligned with the International Certificate of Origin guidelines prepared by World Chambers Federation, ICC’s specialised division for Chamber Affairs.
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