Ghana has become the latest African country to address the quality of imports by launching a product conformity assessment programme that will see imports inspected before reaching the country’s borders. Announced by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) earlier this month, the programme will see consignments denied entry into Ghana if they are not accompanied by a certificate of conformity (COC). Gwendal Euzen, government services and international trade (GSIT) Africa regional manager for Bureau Veritas BIVAC – which has been appointed to implement the Ghana Conformity Assessment (GCAP) Programme – says the new control measures are expected to significantly reduce counterfeit products as well as substandard products entering the country. “This will also ensure real cost savings as the country will no longer be responsible for sending back or destroying consignments that are non-compliant.” In accordance with the new programme that comes into effect on October 1, importers will have to have goods tested at certified laboratories. According to Euzen, ideally ISO 17025 laboratories are to be used. “Test reports must be submitted to Bureau Veritas for analysis and review. If it complies with the standards validated by GSA, Bureau Veritas will issue the CoC that will now be compulsory for customs clearance.” Products subjected to the new regulation range from toys and sports equipment to fuel and petroleum, pharmaceuticals and furniture.
