Shipping industry stakeholders are urging the Ghana Standards Authority to intensify consultations before implementing new EasyPASS PVoC and Pattern Approval reforms aimed at strengthening trade compliance and shipping standards in Ghana.
Accra, Ghana – Stakeholders in Ghana's shipping and logistics industry are calling for extensive stakeholder engagement and public sensitisation before the Ghana Standards Authority (GhSA) implements proposed reforms to shipping certification and verification procedures.
The appeal was made during the Platinum Shippers Breakfast Meeting organised by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), where importers, exporters, freight forwarders and logistics operators discussed the implications of the new regulatory framework.
A key feature of the proposed reforms is the migration of all EasyPASS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) applications to the Ghana Standards Authority's new online portal from 1 July 2026.
The Authority will oversee the entire certification process—from application submission to certificate issuance. In addition, revised procedures for the Pattern Approval of imported weighing and measuring instruments are scheduled to take effect on
1 August 2026. These reforms are intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve trade integrity and align Ghana with international standards.
While participants welcomed efforts to modernise Ghana's regulatory framework, many expressed concern that businesses had not received sufficient information about the changes and their operational implications. They urged the Ghana Standards Authority to intensify stakeholder consultations and public education before implementation.
The Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at the Ghana Shippers' Authority, Mrs. Monica Josiah, appealed for a temporary postponement of the reforms to allow for wider industry engagement. She noted that effective implementation depends on stakeholders fully understanding the objectives, compliance requirements and practical impact of the new procedures.
In response, the Ghana Standards Authority assured industry players that implementation would be preceded by comprehensive consultations conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Shippers' Authority. The Authority said the engagement process would ensure that concerns from businesses are incorporated into the final implementation strategy.
The discussions underscore the importance of balancing stronger regulatory compliance with trade facilitation.
As Ghana prepares to implement broader standards reforms, including the rollout of the Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme and enhanced product compliance measures, continuous dialogue between regulators and the private sector is expected to play a critical role in ensuring smooth implementation and maintaining the competitiveness of Ghana's ports and international trade.
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