GRA to exempt some importers from CTN directive - Emmanuel Nti

The Ghana Revenue Authority has come out with a list of importers who have been exempted from complying with the new Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN) module which takes effect from today.

These exemptions, GRA maintains, will ensure that small and medium scale importers are free from the requirement and not overburdened.

The CTN Module, a risk assessment engine, is expected to allow customs and other authorities to effectively control, supervise and manage import traffic across the country. Shippers are expected to upload information on their cargo onto a global platform which will be made available to the Cargo Tracking Notes, Ghana Limited.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Emmanuel Kofi Nti said the actualization of the CTN policy will cure some malpractices like over invoicing and undervaluing of shipments; a situation which costs the country millions daily. According to him, this will also allow for transparency and reliable data collection.



“Effective today, importers whose records exceed thirty-six equivalent units (that is 20-footer container) per year will be required to obtain a CTN number in the country of export.

This means that any importer who imports less than 36 TEUs (20-footer container) or 18 (40-footer container) per year is exempted from CTN compliance. Such importers are not required to obtain CTN from the country of export. Also, businesses that import more than 36 TEUs, that is more than 36 pieces or 20-footer container but can demonstrate that the nature of their imports and their turnovers make them small importers will also be exempted.”

The Commissioner-General further urged the public and business owners in and outside the world to comply with the new directive as it will help the Ghana Revenue Authority align its operations along trade facilitators such as World Trade Organization (WTO), World Custom Organization (WCO) among others.

“The authority seeks to improve its services by aligning its operations along trade facilitation and security recommendations. The requirement for CTN is in accordance with new standards for international cooperation between member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). By implementing the CTN system, Customs is seeking to modernize its operations to facilitate the movement of legitimate trade in line with international best practices.



Background

The Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN), a global platform for collection and management of commercial and logistical information relating to the cargo and ship from the port of loading to the port of discharge, is currently being implemented in some 22 African countries, and its successes has prompted government to sign on to the platform.

The justification of CTN implementation across Africa, and strictly by Customs Authorities is therefore anchored in several international conventions, projects and programmes globally.

By adopting the CTN system into Ghana, Customs is seeking to modernize its operations to facilitate the movement of legitimate trade in line with international best practices.

Under the new system, exporters all over the world, shipping cargo to Ghana will be expected to provide detailed and timely information about their shipment in advance on the global online platform.

Once implementation begins, the Customs division of the GRA and other stakeholders at the country’s ports can start their import review processes in advance.