GRA clarifies absolute import prohibitions to protect Ghana's borders

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has provided further clarification on the concept of absolute import prohibitions, emphasizing their importance in safeguarding the country.

These prohibitions apply to goods deemed illegal by international trade standards and are strictly banned from entering Ghana due to various risks, including the potential to violate international trade laws, spread diseases, and cause destruction.

Absolute import prohibitions are essential for maintaining the integrity of Ghana's borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The GRA stressed that these goods are not only illegal but also pose significant threats if allowed into the country.

The GRA made this clarification on X, formerly Twitter, to educate the public on the dangers of Absolute Import Prohibition.

In addition to absolute prohibitions, there are goods that require specific licenses, certificates, and other forms of approval before they can be imported.

These regulatory measures are in place to ensure that such goods meet all statutory requirements and are safe for entry into the Ghanaian market.

The GRA's detailed explanation aims to educate importers and the general public about the importance of these regulations and the need for strict compliance to protect both national and international interests.

This is coming on the back of the importation of some fake diapers leading to a clampdown by the Food and Drugs Authority.

Below is the table of prohibited items

Tariff No. Commodity Description Remarks

6A. 1 Animals and carcasses infected with disease:

Animals or carcasses infected with disease within the meaning of the Disease of Animals Act, 1961 (Act 83) or any part of such animals or carcasses.

6A.2 Beads of inflammable celluloid:

Beads composed of inflammable celluloid or other similar substances.

6A.3 Coffee, raw, imported overland:

Raw coffee imported overland or by inland waterways.

6A.4 Coin not up to standard:

Coin currency in any foreign country or any money purported to be such, not being of the established standard in weight and fineness. Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242)

6A.5 Food, contaminated:

Meat, vegetables, and other provisions. Declared by a Health Officer as unfit for human consumption

PNDCL 305B/F.D.B. L Act 523, 1996.

6A.6 Knuckle dusters and life preservers.

6A.7 Literature, scandalous:

Books, newspapers and printed matter which in the opinion of the Commissioner – General (subject to any directions of the president of Ghana) are defamatory, scandalous, or demoralizing.

6A.8 Money, base or counterfeit:

Base or counterfeit coin or counterfeit notes of any country. Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242)

6A.9 Obscene articles:

Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engraving or any other indecent or obscene article.

6A.10 Weapons, dangerous:

Knives such as flick knives and paper knives which in the opinion of the Inspector – General of Police are considered to be dangerous weapons.

6A.11 Goods prohibited by any law:

All other goods, the importation of which is prohibited by any law in Ghana.i