Ghana Verification of Conformity (EasyPASS Programme) – Export with Confidence
Ghana’s EasyPASS Programme is a mandatory Verification of Conformity (VoC) system established by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
It ensures that all regulated imported goods comply with Ghanaian and international standards before shipment — safeguarding consumers, enabling trade transparency, and ensuring smooth Customs clearance at Ghanaian ports.
🧾 Overview and Regulatory Framework
The EasyPASS Programme became mandatory from January 1, 2019, following the official notice published by the GSA.
It applies to all goods shipped to Ghana whose value exceeds USD 2,000 (FOB), unless explicitly exempted.
The system appoints authorized inspection bodies to verify products in the country of export prior to shipment.
Conformity is confirmed through a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), also known as an EasyPASS Certificate, which is required for Customs clearance.
🎯 Objectives
- 🛡️ Protect consumers and the environment from counterfeit or unsafe goods
- ✅ Ensure products meet Ghanaian and international standards
- ⚙️ Facilitate faster Customs clearance for compliant shipments
📦 Products Covered Under EasyPASS
Goods subject to EasyPASS include a broad range of products identified by their HS codes (Chapters 25–96), such as:
- Mineral products, chemicals, plastics, rubber, textiles, leather, paper, and base metals
- Machinery, electrical equipment, instruments, optical and photographic devices
- Construction materials, ceramics, stones, and industrial items
- Pearl, gemstone, and jewelry products
- Miscellaneous manufactured articles
🚫 Exempted or Prohibited Items
Certain goods are exempted or restricted, including:
- Motor vehicles and spare parts
- Vehicle tyres
- Salt and household chemicals
- Food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals regulated by the Ghana FDA
- Used or second‑hand items such as mattresses, sanitary ware, refrigerators, LPG cylinders, and used garments
- Counterfeit products
Exporters may voluntarily apply for the EasyPASS certification even for exempted goods to enhance trust and traceability.
⚙️ Process of Certification
The EasyPASS process follows a structured five‑step procedure designed to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Step 1 – 📜 Request for Certificate (RFC)
The exporter submits an RFC with details including product list, quantities, invoice, test reports, and inspection availability dates.
Step 2 – 🧮 Choose the Route to Compliance
Three inspection routes are available:
- Route A: For any product or trader (standard path).
- Route B (Registration): For frequent exporters with pre‑approved products.
- Route C (Licensing): For regular exporters with certified production systems.
Registration or licensing allows faster certification issuance through reduced inspection and documentary checks.
Step 3 – 📄 Documentary Review and Testing
Submitted test reports and quality certificates are reviewed against Ghanaian or internationally recognized standards.
When documents are unavailable or insufficient, control testing is conducted in ISO 17025‑accredited laboratories.
Step 4 – 🔍 Physical Inspection
Inspectors verify labeling, product identification, compliance with approved standards, and packaging.
Samples may be taken for additional testing where necessary.
Step 5 – 🪪 Issuance of EasyPASS Certificate
Upon successful verification, an EasyPASS Certificate is issued, enabling Customs release.
Non‑compliant goods receive a Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) and cannot enter the Ghanaian market until corrected.
💡 Technical and Energy Efficiency Requirements
Exported goods must meet Ghanaian standards first, followed by international or regional norms where applicable.
Specific national deviations include:
- Power rating: 220–240 V / 50 Hz
- Plug type: BS 1363 (three square pins)
- Product labelling: English language marking required
⚡ Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling (from Nov 2, 2023)
Under the Energy Commission of Ghana, certain electrical appliances, lighting equipment, and renewable energy products now require Energy Efficiency Labels with QR codes affixed before certificate application.
A few examples include:
- Washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, electric kettles
- Solar panels, inverters, renewable energy batteries
- Industrial and comfort fans, lighting fixtures, TVs, microwaves, and computers
These labels must be registered with the Energy Commission and affixed at the exporter’s facility prior to EasyPASS certification.
💰 Fees and Cost Framework
Inspection and certification costs are borne by exporters:
- Route A: 0.50 % of FOB (min USD 300)
- Route B: 0.45 % of FOB (min USD 275)
- Route C: 0.35 % of FOB (min USD 250)
Additional costs such as testing, container sealing, or re‑inspection are quoted separately based on actual requirements.
🌍 Benefits of Compliance
Participating in the Ghana EasyPASS Programme helps exporters and importers to:
- 🚀 Achieve prompt Customs clearance
- 🛡️ Protect consumer safety and brand credibility
- 🌿 Support environmental responsibility
- 🔑 Gain access to Ghana’s growing market with regulatory assurance
- 🤝 Build reliable trade partnerships through transparent compliance
🤝 How ComplyMarket Supports Your Business
Navigating Ghana’s conformity requirements can be complex.
ComplyMarket offers hands‑on support to exporters and importers by:
- Preparing and reviewing all required documentation
- Coordinating with authorized inspection entities
- Managing certification timelines and progress
- Tracking shipment compliance for smooth Customs clearance
With expert guidance from ComplyMarket, your business can confidently export to Ghana while ensuring full regulatory compliance.