The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) has announced a new regulatory directive that will require all importers of palm oil products to register and obtain permits before importing into Ghana.

The policy takes effect on July 14, 2025, and is aimed at promoting order, quality, and sustainability within the country’s oil palm sector.

According to a statement issued by the Authority and shared with Joy Business, the regulation covers the importation of Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Palm Olein, and Refined Palm Olein (vegetable oil). It mandates that all importers, processors, and traders in the oil palm value chain must be licensed under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and L.I. 2471.

The TCDA explained that the move is part of efforts to address longstanding challenges such as market distortions, substandard product circulation, and unfair competition that have negatively impacted local producers, especially smallholder farmers and processors.

“This measure is designed to enforce quality standards, protect local industry players, and ensure a more transparent and accountable import system,” the Authority said.

“It also aims to generate accurate data on import volumes and origins, and to boost investor confidence in the sector.”

Registration must be completed at the TCDA Head Office, located at No. 20 Nii Tsatse Dzani Street, East Legon-Ajiriganor, Accra (GhanaPost GPS: GD-253-5931). For assistance, stakeholders can contact the Authority via phone at 0303 981790 / 0243 946 154 or email info@tcda.gov.gh.

The Authority cautioned that failure to comply with the new directive will be treated as a violation of national law and may lead to sanctions in line with the provisions of the TCDA Act and its regulations.

To promote transparency, the TCDA also revealed plans to publish a list of all registered and licensed stakeholders in the oil palm sector.

Ghana’s oil palm industry remains a significant pillar of the agricultural economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to local agro-processing and rural livelihoods.