GRA introduces new module for vehicle importers

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced a new module on the Pre-Arrival Assessment Reporting System (PAARS).

The Used Vehicle Valuation Module will be used by various stakeholders to obtain their Customs Classification and Valuation Report (CCVR) in the importation of used vehicles into the country.

This new module will increase transparency, save time and cost for various stakeholders in the import and export business.

The successful implementation of PAARS, months after the controversial takeover of their responsibilities from the Destination Inspection Companies has resulted in stakeholders and agents getting their documents processed in less than 48 hours. The PAARS which allows traders to submit their customs information electronically in advance of the arrival of their goods has been touted by agents as the best innovation to have been introduced by the GRA so far. They say the system has helped to put an end to corruption in the clearing of goods.

The successful implementation of this system has also seen an increase in the revenue generated by the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division. The GRA is confident the Ghanaian economy stands to benefit greatly from the implementation of trade facilitation, remains the heartbeat of its development. The authority believes the efficient movement of goods is key to maintaining trade competitiveness, and enabling active engagement of firms, in particular small and medium enterprises, with regional and global production networks.

The GRA also holds the view that implementation of paperless trade measures will be crucial to reducing trade costs and the continuous adoption of modern information and communication technologies which in the long run will bring about a desirable end to hindrances of trade facilitation.