Trade Ministry to review Destination Inspection Scheme

Takoradi, April 30, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), is reviewing the Destination Inspection Scheme, which subject goods that arr= ive at the harbours to scrutiny, to compel importers and exporters to conform=

strictly to the country's trading regulations.

Mr Ntim Donkoh, Acting Director of Trade and Facilitation at the Ministry, who made this known at a forum for importers in Takoradi, said the measure aimed at streamlining the scheme and punish people who submit fictitious documents relating to their businesses. Mr Donkoh was presenting a paper on the topic: "The destination inspection scheme-a tool for customer protection." He said the measure would also ensure that sub- standard goods do no= t find their way into the country.

To avoid been caught up with the law, the Director advised importers= to ensure that goods are properly labelled to disclose vital information, wh= ich would help determine their wholesomeness and efficacy. Mr Donkoh noted that illegal importation of goods come along with su= b standardisation and called on importers to have the interest of consumers=

and the nation at heart by complying with the regulations to ensure publi= c safety. Speaking on the topic: "Inspection of high risk goods and its challenges," Mr Kofi Nagetey, Head of the Destination Importation Departm= ent of the Ghana Standards Board, entreated importers to have adequate information about the country they wish to imports goods from, before embarking on their business trips to know among other things, goods which=

are banned. He said although importation of gas cylinders, mattresses, under wea= rs, among others goods are banned in Ghana, they still find their way into th= e country.

To prevent these illegal trading, Mr Nagetey called for effective collaboration and co-ordination among all related agencies such as the Gh= ana Standards Boards, Food and Drugs Board (FDB), Customs, Excise and Prevent= ive Service (CEPS) and the MTI to ensure efficiency in the trading system. He impressed on importers to get their source of suppliers from eith= er manufacturers or suppliers to facilitate proper certification instead of buying from the open market, and risk purchasing sub- standard goods. Mr James Gaisie, Chief Controller of CEPS in Takoradi, who spoke on the topic: "The role of CEPS in combating the clearance of counterfeit and sub-standard goods," said his outfit had put in place measures to track d= own on inferior goods, making it possible to seize and destroy many of them.

Mr Agampim Solomon, Western and Central Regional Zonal Officer of FD= B underscored the need for traders and importers to contact the board for advice before setting off to import goods in order to ensure their qualit= y and wholesomeness in conformity with safety standards. Some of the importers at the forum noted that illegal trading practic= e is plunging the nation into poverty and called on their colleagues to transact clean business to facilitate the growth of the economy.