A SIGN OF RELIEF FOR IMPORTERS – GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY GRANTS AMNESTY FOR LOCKED UP CONSIGNMENTS AT THE PORTS

In a letter cited by GITFIConline, the Commissioner General signed a letter to the Import & Export community in Ghana, explaining the modalities of the reliefs. See the letter below;

INTERIM ARRANGEMENT FOR CLEARANCE OF GOODS LOCKED UP IN THE PORTS DUE TO THE LOCKDOWN RESULTING FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A letter received from GRA on 13th May 2020 reads:

“As a result of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected normal port clearing operations and other activities, the following steps have been adopted to mitigate the hardships of importers and port businesses generally.

1.  Consignments of goods which arrived at ports and entry points of Ghana shall have the statutory time limited for clearing their goods calculated with the lockdown duration deducted from period (i.e. time stopped running from 6th to 25th April 2020).

The days of 28th, 29th and 30th April shall also be deducted in calculating the statutory period for clearing of consignments of goods due to the initial hitches on the implementation of the ICUMS (Integrated Customs Management System).

2.  For the avoidance of doubt, this concession given shall not include consignment which had already overstayed the statutory time period prior to the lockdown or consignments which arrived after the lockdown has been lifted.

3.  This concession given, which is strictly aimed at mitigating the unbearable effects of the corona virus pandemic on clearing activities, as stated above, will be monitored to prevent any abuses by importers / declarants or their agents.

4.  Where importers or declarants or their agents are in doubt, clarification may be sought from the Sector Commander.

By copy of this Circular, Sector Commanders of Tema, Airport and Takoradi are to be guided accordingly.

Acknowledging that we are not in normal times, it is our hope that this concessional arrangement will provide support to keep businesses running for payment of duties/taxes for national development.

Thank you.
SIGNED:  FOR COMMISSIONER-GENERAL
COL. KWADWO DAMOAH (RTD)
AG. COMMISSIONER, CUSTOMS DIVISION OF GRA