Shady importers can’t outsmart us anymore – CEPS

The Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority is confident the newly introduced Single Window system will fix the challenges with its item valuation process.

The division says there is a rigorous process in place to ascertain the right value of items imported into the country.

The National Vice President of the Association of Ghana Industry, Kwasi Ayim Darkey has revealed the cost of Freight on Board vessels has seen astronomical increase following the introduction of the single window system.

Some importers have, however, complained about the many days they have to wait when they petition CEPS over their valuation appeal.

But the Chief Revenue Officer at CEPS Seidu Yakubu told Starr Business many of the importers who complain about the time duration want to outsmart the new system.

“Most of the people who are complaining are not compliant. That means they have found a way of getting into us and we have also found another way...majority of their appeals have not been seen to be justifiable".

He added that the aggrieved importers often submit questionable valuation of their goods prompting them to do further checks.

The Single window system was introduced by government for trade facilitation at the port. It is meant to drastically reduce the over 18 steps that importers have to go through to clear goods imported into the country.