G/LIC/Q/GHA/4 23 September 2019 (19-6114) Page: 1/1 Committee on Import Licensing Original: English NOTIFICATION of REPLIES to T

G/LIC/Q/GHA/4

23 September 2019

(19-6114) Page: 1/1

Committee on Import Licensing Original: English

NOTIFICATION OF REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES FROM GHANA

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES TO GHANA

The following communication, dated 18 September 2019, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of the United States.

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The United States thanks Ghana for its responses to our initial questions regarding import permits for poultry products (G/LIC/Q/GHA/3). The United States encourages continued transparency through further discussion and looks forward to Ghana’s replies to our follow-up questions.

1. Could Ghana please provide the applicable legislation/regulations that outline the requirement for import permits. Could Ghana also provide web links where Members can find this information?

2. Ghana’s most recent notification to this committee (G/LIC/N/3/GHA/4) states that it does not operate an import licensing regime. However, Ghana’s responses to U.S. questions confirm the requirement for import permits for poultry products (G/LIC/Q/GHA/3). Does Ghana plan to formally notify the requirement for import permits to this Committee?

3. Furthermore, Ghana stated that there are restrictions on importing some poultry commodities such as chicken feet. Could Ghana please clarify the rationale for this restriction? Could Ghana please provide a complete list of restricted commodities, where this type of information is posted, and how long these restrictions will remain in place?

4. Could Ghana explain what information the release permit provides beyond what is already included in the permit application, interim import permit, customs declarations, and health certificates? How does this additional permit help Ghana perform risk assessments and develop zoo sanitary requirements?

5. In 2016, Ghana notified “Draft Meat Inspection Regulations” to the WTO SPS committee (G/SPS/N/GHA/3). This notification contained references to import permits. Were these draft regulations modified and/or enacted?

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