Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) says it would start the implementation of its EasyPASS Programme for selected products imported into Ghana from May 1, 2018.

The EasyPASS programme is a facilitation scheme where conformity of regulated imported products is verified before export to Ghana.

In a statement signed by Dr Akwasi Achampong, GSA Board Chairman, the GSA said the process was aimed at ensuring that products imported into the Ghanaian market were of the required quality standards to protect public health, safety and environment,

“This programme, which is voluntary, implies the presentation of the EasyPASS Certificate for fast track customs clearance of imported goods, except products regulated by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), from May 1, 2018,” the statement said.

It said Bureau Veritas had been appointed by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to carry out the verification process worldwide and deliver the EasyPASS certificate in conformity with the standards.

The statement urged the business community to inform their exporters and suppliers of the implementation of the EasyPASS programme.

It said exporters and suppliers should contact Bureau Veritas in the country of export, adding that the process involved conformity assessment based on the approved national standards.

“Upon satisfactory verification, a certificate of conformity will be issued for the relevant shipment, which should facilitate customs clearance at the port of destination in Ghana,” it said.

The statement emphasised that all inferior products imported into Ghana would face rejection.

“The GSA encourages the business community to take advantage of this programme to facilitate clearing of their goods from the port while saving lives,” it added.