Customs Issues Alert to Importers of Paper Goods
The Tema Sector Command of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)'s Customs Division doesn't mess around when it comes to under-declaring and under-invoicing of imported goods, especially paper products. The division's latest warning is aimed squarely at importers looking to pull a fast one on the state, who'll find themselves in hot water if caught short-changing the system.
This crackdown was sparked by a recent incident involving a container of finished products, like photo-copy papers and A-4 sheets, which a clever clearing agent declared merely as stationery. Head of Intelligence at the GRA, Assistant Commissioner Wisdom Xetor, calls out such manipulation of actual duty payment by some paper importers and clearing agents at the port.
Investigations by the GRA revealed that most paper importers are under-invoicing, giving false descriptions, and under-valuing their imports to evade taxes. Xetor warns that the division has a new strategy of tracking these dodgy importers: "We want to send a clear message to the importing public - they're under our radar; we're monitoring them, so they should just do the right thing."
Importers caught in the act will face heavy consequences, including a 300% penalty, and in extreme cases, seized goods. This newfound transparency in enforcing antiquated and poorly-defined laws could have far-reaching consequences for honest importers and the broader trade community.
The Chief Revenue Officer, Public Education, Media Relations, and Review, Dzinunya Mawuli, says this exercise will now be conducted publicly, a change from the previous covert operations. He described a recent incident where an importer and clearing agent attempted to slip through the cracks by declaring 68 items, but the system wasn't fooled. The container, which should house numerous items, only registered as one. It's set to be re-examined next Wednesday to ascertain the true contents within.
These sweeping actions come amidst a broader push for improved trade compliance and revenue collection at Ghana's ports. This includes leveraging technology like the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (E-Tracking) to monitor movement, collaborating with other agencies during examinations and inspections, engaging with stakeholders to educate them on new regulations, and conducting targeted physical examination and cargo verification. All these measures aim to tackle paper product under-declaration, ringing in a new era of transparency and accountability at the Tema Sector Command.
- The GRA's Customs Division is planning to release a public report detailing their findings on under-invoicing and falsified descriptions in the education and retail sectors, focusing particularly on paper products.
- The Finance industry might be influenced by the crackdown on under-declaring and under-valuing imports in the industry, as importers could face more stringent scrutiny and potential financial penalties.
- The business community in Ghana may benefit from increased education on new regulations regarding trade compliance and revenue collection, as part of the broader efforts to enhance transparency and accountability at the Tema Sector Command.
