From 1 June 2020, all import and export transactions will be processed only through the new Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS).

According the Ghana Revenue Authority, all existing transactions that began processing prior to 31 May 2020 that have not been completed in the Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) shall, however, be reprocessed through the new Integrated ICUMS.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner-General, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the GRA said the decision affects transactions that have been paid before or after duty.

Otherwise known as UNI-PASS, the ICUMS, which is an upgraded electronic clearing platform that operates as a single entity to provide end-to-end customs administration, is set for a nationwide deployment at all the frontier stations and ports of entry, effective today, 28 April 2020. It replaces the systems operated by West Blue Consulting and the Ghana Community Service Network Limited.

“Currently, all transactions in respect of import or export can be processed through either the Integrated Customs Management Systems or Ghana Customs Management System for the Tema Port as well as all other entry points.”

The GRA added that full deployment of the new customs administration, ICUMS, brought to an end, a process which started in phases on March 1, this year, at selected customs frontier stations and was followed by the deployment of the second phase at the Takoradi Port on 1 April 2020.

The third and final phase, which started at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), the Tema Port and the Petroleum Sector on April 20, 2020, will bring the entire process to a close on Tuesday 28, April 2020.

The GRA emphasised that there will also be a clean-up of the other frontier stations where deployment had not been done yet, to bring the entire process to full fruition.

Already the UNI-PASS system has generated lots of controversies, as some importers, exporters and freight forwarders have expressed displeasure about the system.

The Freight Forwarders Association have even threatened to embarked on a demonstration to register their displeasure about the system.