The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) alleging breaches of customs procedures in the auction of perishable goods at the country’s ports.
In a statement issued by its Communication and Public Affairs Department, the Authority clarified that the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) clearly distinguishes between perishable and non-perishable goods, with separate timelines for clearance and disposal.
According to GRA, Section 53(3)(a) of the Act authorises a Proper Officer to auction perishable goods after 21 days of overstay, contrary to claims that importers are allowed 60 days.
Motor vehicles, however, are treated differently under Sections 55, 57 and 59 of the same Act, giving importers up to 60 days to clear them.
“It is therefore erroneous to indicate that importers have 60 days within which to clear perishable goods,” the statement read.
The Authority further encouraged importers to take advantage of the pre-arrival clearance plan a trade facilitation tool that allows for the declaration and payment of duties even before cargo arrives.
Reassuring the trading community, GRA reiterated its commitment to upholding customs laws and procedures, stressing that its operations are guided by fairness, integrity, responsiveness, service, and teamwork.
The IEAG had earlier accused the Authority of flouting procedures in the disposal of perishable cargo, but GRA insists the auctions are carried out strictly in line with the law.
