Electronic export permit system for China timber importers and exporters

The Timber Industry Development Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana has launched an electronic export permit for timber and wood products based on the Ghana Community Network System.

This system replaces the manual one for granting permits and exemptions to importers and exporters. It is also faster and more efficient due to the fact that the processes that importers and exporters go through to obtain permits and exemptions have shortened. By the launch, TIDD becomes the first establishment in Ghana to issue export permits through the GCNet system introduced into the country a few years back. The new system would help ensure uniformity in data capture with respect to import and export of wood products in order to minimise malpractices, ensuring accurate capture of state revenue and enhancement of record keeping in the timber industry.

Exporters and importers of timber and wood products who electronically apply for this export permit can easily track shipment of timber and wood products without the requisite authorisation from TIDD. This would be further helpful in tracking Contract Administration and making the procedures more transparent. The Statesman learnt that a number of tax collecting institutions like the Customs Excise and Preventive Services have maximized their revenue base with the introduction of the GCNet System. It was to this end that the Deputy Operations Manager of the Project, Eben Engmann, entreated exporters and importers of timber and wood products to apply for the new export permit.