Paperless custom clearance and business supply chains

Purpose - Seaports play an immeasurable role in the advancement of international trade. They have been the common avenue for the transportation of goods and services from one continent to another, and it has also been the linking transport of one mode of transport to another. The study sought to assess the effect of paperless information technology (IT)-based custom clearance at Ghana Seaports on businesses and industrial supply chains in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach - The study conducted a survey with a sample size of 200 trading firms in Ghana. Findings - The study discovered that IT-based port clearance has positive impact on customer order fulfillment, transaction cost reduction and supply chain relationships. Practical implications - With the aim of making Ghana the transportation hub of businesses in the sub region, the paperless custom clearance has the potential to reduce delays at the port and improve their supply chain. Originality/value - This paper provides researchers with a contemporary perspective toward understanding the effect of paperless custom clearance on the supply chain of businesses in the West African sub region.