Customs documentation errors cost importers time and money – Association

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has warned that errors in customs documentation are costing businesses money and delaying the clearance of goods at the country’s ports.

According to the Association, inaccurate descriptions of imported goods, incorrect declared values and missing documents are forcing importers to spend more time and money clearing their cargo.

The Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said many of these delays could be avoided if importers provided accurate information and the necessary documents before their goods arrived in the country.

Finance Committee decisions go beyond my friendship with Dr Ato Forson - Adongo

Speaking to Citi News, he explained that customs officers often have to request additional information when declarations are incomplete or inaccurate, slowing down the clearance process.

“If the agent will do a declaration without giving appropriate description, cost or receipt attached to a particular product, then of course the customs officer will have to use his own discretion,” he said.

His comments follow a call by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for importers and exporters to minimise errors in their documentation to speed up cargo clearance.

Awingobit stressed that importers must take responsibility for the information submitted on their behalf rather than leaving the entire process to clearing agents.

“You are the one who bought it and you know what type of commodity that you bought it,” he said.

He urged businesses to ensure that invoices, product descriptions, declared values and other supporting documents are accurate before their agents submit them to customs.

The Association also encouraged importers to begin processing their documents before their goods arrive at the ports.

Awingobit explained that once a vessel has departed its port of origin and the necessary shipping documents are available, importers can instruct their clearing agents to begin the clearance process.

“When cargo is on the way coming, you can tell your agent to start processing as soon as you have the ship set sail and you receive your original bill of lading,” he said.

He noted that early processing would give businesses time to identify and correct errors before their goods arrive, helping them avoid unnecessary charges, including port rent and demurrage.

No legal cover for mining in rivers and forests – Cudjoe explains Sammy Gyamfi's stance

Awingobit called for stronger cooperation between importers and clearing agents, alongside continuous education on customs requirements, to reduce delays and make cargo clearance faster and less expensive.

DR/MA

Inside Ghana’s First 950,000-Barrel Sankofa Oil Shipment | Exclusive Tour