The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has officially announced a mandatory adjustment to the fee structure for the issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO).
In a public notice issued to the business community, the Chamber revealed that the new pricing regime is set to take effect on March 1, 2026. This administrative shift is expected to streamline the documentation process for Ghanaian exporters while aligning with modern regulatory standards.
The Certificate of Origin is a critical document in international trade, serving as the formal declaration that a product was manufactured or processed within Ghana.
For exporters eyeing the vast opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other preferential trade agreements, this certificate is the “passport” that allows their goods to bypass or reduce high import tariffs in foreign markets.
According to the GNCCI, this specific fee adjustment was not a unilateral decision – but instead follows a rigorous review and approval process by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA).
The move is grounded in the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), a recently enacted piece of legislation that empowers the Authority to oversee and approve the service charges of all shipping service providers in the country.
By anchoring the new fee in Act 1122, the government is signaling a more structured approach to trade facilitation. The oversight provided by the Shippers’ Authority ensures that fees remain competitive and transparent, preventing arbitrary cost hikes that could undermine the competitiveness of Ghanaian products on the global stage.
Financial Implications for Exporters
Effective from the start of March, “the approved fee for the issuance of a Certificate of Origin will be GHS 310.00.”
Stakeholders across the export value chain – including freight forwarders, logistics providers, and manufacturers – are being urged to update their financial planning to accommodate this change.
While any increase in operational costs is closely watched by the private sector, the GNCCI maintains that the adjustment is necessary to sustain the high-security standards of the certification process.
Ensuring the integrity of the CoO is vital for maintaining the “Made in Ghana” brand, as any compromise in the verification of origin could lead to Ghanaian goods being rejected or penalized by international customs authorities.
The GNCCI issued a clear directive to all members and the broader business community to ensure full compliance by the effective date.
“All exporters and stakeholders should take note of this adjustment,” the GNCCI stated, noting that the lead time provided – roughly three weeks – is intended to allow exporters to conclude ongoing transactions under the old rates before the new fee becomes the standard.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a commercial hub for West Africa, the GNCCI’s role in providing reliable trade documentation remains a cornerstone of the national export strategy.
The Chamber reiterated its commitment to supporting the business community through this transition, ensuring that the wheels of Ghanaian commerce continue to turn without interruption.
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