Effective May 2, 2025, all individuals and businesses exporting unprocessed rubber, cashew, or shea from Ghana must obtain written authorization from the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), as part of new regulatory measures to enhance oversight in the sector.
The announcement, signed by TCDA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Andy Osei Okrah, is grounded in the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471). It affirms that Regulation 50 of L.I. 2471 will be enforced from the effective date.
“This directive serves as a notice to all exporters of unprocessed rubber, cashew, and shea to comply fully with the Tree Crops Regulations,” the Authority stated.
Exporters will now be required to secure a valid permit from the TCDA before any shipment is made. In addition, they must show proof of payment of the TCDA’s development levy to obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD)—a critical document for exporting plant-based goods.
The TCDA stressed that no Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued without evidence of compliance with these requirements. Non-compliance will be considered a legal violation and may result in sanctions under the TCDA Act.
The Authority urged all exporters to regularize their operations and ensure full compliance to avoid disruptions to trade activities.
