The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to urgently address reported delays in the issuance of import codes and permits for regulated consignments at Ghana’s ports.
The Association said some importers have been unable to clear their consignments because the required FDA processes have not been completed, resulting in cargo remaining at the ports and attracting additional costs.
In a press statement issued on 29 September 2026 and signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the IEAG said the situation was particularly concerning at a time when businesses were already facing several operational and cost pressures at the ports.
The Association acknowledged the FDA’s statutory responsibility to regulate food, drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals, medical devices and other regulated products entering the country. It, however, said delays in regulatory processes could have consequences beyond the affected importers, as a hold-up at one stage of the clearance process could delay customs clearance, terminal release and the evacuation of cargo.
According to the IEAG, prolonged cargo dwell time can expose importers to additional terminal storage charges, shipping-line demurrage, container detention, handling and documentation fees, as well as increased financing, trucking and logistics costs. The Association warned that businesses may eventually have to pass such additional costs on to consumers through higher prices.
The IEAG therefore called on the FDA to investigate the reported delays and restore normal processing for compliant applications. It also called for the immediate identification and resolution of any technical, operational or administrative challenges affecting the issuance of FDA codes and permits.
The Association further urged the FDA to expedite pending applications involving consignments already landed at the ports and incurring storage and related charges. Where the challenges are linked to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) or other technical issues, the IEAG called for immediate engagement between the FDA and relevant technical agencies to resolve them.
It also urged the authorities to provide clear information to importers, customs house agents and other port stakeholders on the nature of the challenges and the expected timeline for resolving them. The Association called for consideration of appropriate relief or administrative intervention where compliant importers can demonstrate that additional costs resulted from regulatory or system-related delays beyond their control.
The IEAG stressed that Ghana’s ports play a critical role in trade, manufacturing, distribution and the wider economy, arguing that effective regulation must go hand in hand with efficient cargo clearance.
The Association said it remains committed to engaging the FDA, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, shipping lines, terminal operators and other stakeholders to find practical solutions to challenges affecting cargo clearance and evacuation.
It urged the FDA to treat the reported delays with urgency and ensure that compliant importers are not left to bear escalating costs arising from bottlenecks within the regulatory clearance process. The IEAG said it would continue to monitor the situation and engage the relevant authorities to promote a safe, efficient and predictable port environment.
Story by : Akora Kofi Darko
