Hibiscus export requirements for Ghana (Domestic)

GRA Customs asks for a PPRSD phytosanitary certificate for food and agricultural produce leaving Ghana. PPRSD's Plant Quarantine Division issues export certificates based on international standards (ISPMs) after inspecting the consignment, and destroys or confiscates non-compliant consignments. Some destinations (the EU, the US) do not themselves require one for dried calyces or fruit powder, but Ghanaian export clearance still does.

To export from Ghana, a business must be registered with the Registrar-General's Department, registered as an exporter with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and hold a Taxpayer Identification Number or Ghana Card PIN. Where needed, the relevant permit-issuing agency inspects the premises and reports to GEPA before GEPA issues the certificate and copies it to GRA.

FDA Ghana has declared zero tolerance for the importation and exportation of unregistered products, and a copy of the FDA product registration certificate is part of every export permit application. Packaged hibiscus tea or retail-packed baobab powder is registered under the Food category of local products, using the forms and guidelines FDA publishes for it.

Every FDA-regulated product exported from Ghana, such as packaged hibiscus tea or retail-packed baobab powder, must travel with an approved FDA export permit and a Manufacture and Free Sale Certificate. The application is a letter of intent with a packing list, commercial invoice, the FDA product registration certificate, certificates of analysis and plant health reports where relevant. Export permits are valid for one year.

Exports are declared electronically to GRA Customs with the relevant certificates and permits attached. Once Customs validates the declaration, the goods are presented at the exit port for inspection or examination and released if Customs is satisfied.