Freight forwarders seek extension of mandatory ICUMS registration deadline

Thursday, 13 August 2026

 Freight forwarders are calling for an extension of the deadline for the mandatory registration of importers and exporters on the Integrated Customs  Management System (ICUMS), arguing that additional time is needed to ensure wider stakeholder awareness and compliance.The appeal was made during a sensitisation programme organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) for executives of  freight forwarding associations as part of the nationwide rollout of the registration exercise under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).

The new law requires all importers and exporters to register with the Authority before processing shipment transactions through the ICUMS platform.

During the engagement, freight forwarders requested that the implementation deadline be extended to Monday, August 31, 2026, to allow more time to educate shippers and facilitate compliance across the industry.

Responding to the request, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GSA in charge of Technical Services, Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, assured stakeholders that management would consider the appeal and communicate its decision.

The Authority used the engagement to emphasise that the mandatory registration is intended to strengthen trade regulation, improve cargo clearance processes and generate reliable trade data to support policy formulation and regulatory oversight.

ICUMS registration support

Mrs. Dauda Owu urged freight forwarders to encourage their clients to complete the registration process promptly to avoid disruptions to cargo clearance once enforcement begins.

Officials from the GSA and Ghana Link Network Services, managers of the ICUMS platform, also demonstrated the electronic registration process and addressed concerns raised by stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation.

The meeting further discussed implementation of the GH¢720 Container Administrative Charge (CAC).

President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Stephen Adjokatcher, together with GIFF Tema Chapter Chairman Johnny Mantey, encouraged freight forwarders to support the implementation by ensuring importers complied with the approved charge.

Also speaking at the programme, Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Divine Agbeko, called for stronger collaboration between regulators and industry players to improve cargo clearance and enhance trade efficiency.

The mandatory registration forms part of government’s broader efforts to modernise customs administration and strengthen oversight of Ghana’s international trade.

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