Cote d’Ivoire has repealed an embargo placed on the entry of non-ECOWAS cargo through its land borders.

As per a new circular no. 1682/MPMB/DGD/DU 29/AUG.2014 issued by the Ivorian Authorities and signed by Col. D. A. Pierre, a Deputy Director General of Customs, said import and customs clearance of goods from all sources are henceforth authorized at land borders of; Noe, Niable, Takikro, Pogo, Ouangolodougo.

A copy of the directive made available to the Ghana News Agency through Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) in Accra on Wednesday directs that importers of home use goods should provide detailed commercial invoice, packing list, a copy of the transit declaration and the way bill.

On evaluation of imported goods with FOB value lower or equal to 1,000,000.00 CFA, the evaluation will be made by DARRV using simplified declaration; whilst those with FOB value exceeding 1,000,000.00 CFA, the evaluation will be done by the WEBB FONTAIN. The declaration will only be done by accredited customs agents.

According to the directive, accompanied luggage will continue to be subjected to simplified declarations.

The Ivorian directive also explained that with regards to customs regulations other than those for home consumption, shipments will be channeled by declarations of the type 8000 IM8/(D15) to the office of destination for definite clearance formalities.

The government of Cote d’Ivoire in May 2014 issued a circular signed by the Ivorian Director General of Customs, Colonel Issa Coulibaly which banned the clearance of goods imported through the land borders.

It said cargoes originating from non-ECOWAS member states, including car engines are banned from entering Cote d’Ivoire through the land borders.

“These goods, even if they are transiting through ECOWAS member states can only be cleared at the port of Abidjan or San Pedro after arriving by sea or by air,” the directives stated.

Sanctions for violation include confiscation of cargo, means of transport and container as well as culprit would pay a fine amounting to four times the cost of the goods but without prejudice to the payment of levies and taxes due.

In addition, a possibility of a prison sentence of six months to three years.

The directives said goods seized and or confiscated would be considered a property of the state and if necessary could be destroyed eventually.

According to the directives used vehicles imported into Cote d’Ivoire through the land borders are exempted; “therefore they should go through the right clearance procedure by completing declaration form in Abidjan”.

In reaction, the Ghana Shippers Authority commended the Ivorian Authorities for repealing the ban, which affected business operations.

Dr Kofi Mbiah, GSA Chief Executive Officer addressing newsmen in Accra on the repeal of the ban, commended the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration as well as other industrial stakeholders for their support in resolving the issues.

Dr Mbiah however urged shippers and other operators who encounter challenges in transporting their cargo across the Elubo-Noe Border to contact the GSA Shipper Complaints and Support Unit at the Border.