The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) wishes to inform importers, manufacturers, distributors, and users of all weighing and measuring instruments of the revised Pattern Approval Procedure, in accordance with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2512.

Mandatory Requirements.

It is a statutory offence to import any category of weighing or measuring instrument into Ghana without a valid Pattern Approval Certificate issued by the Ghana Standards Authority.

Pattern Approval Fee of GHS 20,000.00 per instrument.

Penalty for non-compliance

• Any weighing or measuring instrument imported without prior Pattern Approval shall attract a penalty of GH¢ 3,450.00 (scales, thermometers) and GHC 7,370.00 (weighbridges, fuel dispensers, lifts) respectively.

Timing of Approval

• A pattern Approval certificate must be obtained before importing the instrument into the country.

Application Requirements.

Applicants seeking Pattern Approval are required to submit a prototype of the instrument to the Metrology Directorate of the GSA, together with the following documents:

1. Application letter addressed to the Ghana Standards Authority
2. Registrar-General’s Certificate of Registration
3. Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Certificate
4. SSNIT Certificate
5. Academic qualifications and certificates of technical staff
6. Installation and operation manual
7. International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) Certificate of Conformity

The instrument submitted for approval must clearly display:

• Name and address of manufacturer
• Manufacturer’s Mark
• Identification of Model
• Serial number
• Year of manufacture

Items in (8) should be on a plate and affixed to the measuring instrument.

The instrument must also:

• Make provision for locking in the event of failure during verification tests
• Be available for inspection visits to the manufacturer’s premises.

Clearance and Release Procedures.

To ensure compliance at all entry points, the following protocols are now in effect:

• Referral Mandate: The Import Inspection Department is mandated to refer all weighing and measuring instruments awaiting clearance or release to the Metrology Directorate.
• Documentation: Importers are required to present the Bill of Lading and Packing List to the Metrology Directorate.
• Release Authorisation: The Metrology Directorate would issue a release letter to the Import Inspection Department indicating whether the instruments are to be released under detention or cleared for entry.

All stakeholders are urged to take note of this revised procedure and ensure strict compliance to avoid delays, penalties, or enforcement actions.

For further information or clarification, please get in touch with the Metrology Directorate at the Ghana Standards Authority.

• Ghana Standards Authority
• O. Box MB 245, Accra
• Tel: +233 302 500065-6
• Email: info@gsa.gov.gh
• Website: gsa.gov.gh

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