{
  "id": 6536177,
  "title": "Ivory Coast cocoa sellers struggle to use new traceability system",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/ivory-coast-cocoa-sellers-struggle-to-use-new-traceability-system",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T04:09:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ivory-coast-cocoa-sellers-struggle-to-use-new-traceability-system/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ivorian cocoa traders, cooperatives and buying agents are facing challenges in adopting a new national traceability system implemented to comply with upcoming European Union regulations. These rules prohibit the import of commodities grown on recently deforested land. The West African country exports approximately 70% of its cocoa to Europe, and exporters warn that problems with the system could disrupt purchases and deliveries at the start of the 2026/27 season, potentially causing supply issues through October and November. Ivory Coast produces around 40% of the world’s cocoa, and any significant disruptions to its exports can significantly impact global cocoa prices. The EU’s anti-deforestation regulation, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, mandates full traceability of goods such as cocoa to their origin. The sector regulator has ordered that all cocoa purchases be conducted using an electronic producer card starting September 1, 2026. This card aims to ensure traceability of cocoa through the supply chain and verify compliance with EU sustainability standards. While the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) has been raising awareness about the new system since March, officials admit that many buyers, cooperatives, and field agents are unfamiliar with digital purchasing and traceability tools. A director at an Abidjan-based European export company lamented that many suppliers still lack essential equipment, such as payment terminals, bags, and seals, hindering deals in rural cocoa-growing regions. The CCC claims it has set up payment terminals and is distributing equipment based on previous season’s purchase volumes, having purchased 20,000 new terminals. CCC Director Yves Brahima Kone acknowledged the difficulties but maintained that they are not severe. He stated that while progress is slow, they anticipate purchases to increase over time and that they will address any arising issues. Kone emphasized that it will take a few months, but the system will eventually work as intended.",
  "summary": "Ivorian cocoa traders, cooperatives and buying agents are struggling to use a new national traceability system introduced ahead of incoming European Union rules banning imports of commodities grown on recently deforested land.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ivorian cocoa sellers struggle with new traceability system for EU regulations.",
    "70% of cocoa exports to Europe face potential disruptions in 2026/27 season.",
    "CCC distributing 20,000 payment terminals to aid adoption."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Ivory Coast's struggle to implement a national traceability system forces exporters to risk disrupting purchases and deliveries, potentially causing global cocoa price impacts, as they adapt to EU deforestation regulations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}