West Blue Consulting, the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority is working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure that aircrafts start using an electronic format called Cargo XML to submit their cargo data to customs before landing at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Accra.

The Cargo XML which is expected to replace the existing Cargo IMP will be implemented on 28th May 2017.

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association Day marked in Ghana, the General Manager of West Blue Consulting, Aminu Uthman explained that as part of work of the implementation of the Cargo XML, notification including User Guide from Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) took effect on 19th April 2017.

He added that the pilot commencement of the Cargo XML service would start on the 28th April 2017, and would be enforced on the 28th June, this year.

He said West Blue Consulting is deploying the Cargo XML standard as part of the GNSW Electronic Air Manifest System to modernise the old Cargo IMP messages by leveraging new technology for maximum benefits.

“What the XML is supposed to do for example is improve data quality increase the scope of the messaging while cargo IMP is restricted to airport to airport stake holders, this looks at the entire trade supply chain to bring in more people to the board, bring SME to the board, and it also improves online commerce,” he said.

The Minister of Aviation, Cecelia Abena Dapaah said Ghana considers the development of the aviation center as a priority area and therefore a lot of investment has been harnessed and injected into massive infrastructural development in Ghana’s airports, aerodromes and airstrips across the country.

The conference brought together experts in the airline and cargo clearance industry to brainstorm on how to improve the aviation industry.