Legal Background
The Customs Brokers Association – Ghana (CUBAG) was formed under the authority of the Custom House Agents Licensing Decree, 1978 (SMCD 188) and the Custom House Agents Licensing Regulations, 1978 (L.I. 1178) in 1992.
The Primary Law was promulgated to regulate and control the operations of the Custom House Agent, popularly called the ‘Clearing Agent’. The licensing and functional controls are vested in the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service.
The Customs Brokers Association – Ghana (CUBAG) is a non-governmental organization of corporate bodies which have been licensed to do the business of ‘custom house agent’. Primarily, it has the mandate to ensure the highest standard of efficiency, quality service delivery and observance of regulatory measures by its members to enhance the administration of indirect taxation. It also has the responsibility of ensuring the protection of clients – importers and exporters – from exploitation.
Registration and Inauguration
The Association was formed and registered in 1992. It was accordingly issued with Certificate of Incorporation in October, 1992 by the Registrar General’s Department; and inaugurated on 18th December, 1992, at the Great Hall Auditorium, University of Ghana, Legon. The inaugural ceremony was performed by the “State Secretary” of Trade and Tourism, Mr. John Bawa. The Customs Brokers Association – Ghana (CUBAG) received official recognition of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in July, 1993.
Motto: “Honesty and Efficiency”
Membership Registration
Membership of the Association is restricted to companies that have been licensed by the Customs,
Excise and Preventive Service to do the business of custom house agent. A prospective member shall: i. submit an Application for Membership ii. Complete Registration and Vetting forms iii Pay the Appropriate Membership Fees iv. Prepare the Directors and Certificate holders for vetting by the Council and the National Vetting Committee of the Association.
A registered member serves a probationary period of one year from the date of admission before accorded a full recognition. Currently, the Association has over three hundred corporate members of good standing, certified by Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).