Mr. Evans Teye Agbozo, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Commander for the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs), has warned importers and exporters (shippers) to avoid engaging in illegal practices that allow them to lower the amount of duty that must be paid on their goods because doing so could have unfavorable effects during the Post Clearance Audit process.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Mr. Teye Agbozo stressed that Customs is aware of such activities and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the state obtains the right money it is owed. The seminar was held by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) in Kumasi.
In response to frequent concerns from importers regarding the financial hardships they experience following the Post Clearance Audit conducted by Customs, the GSA convened the seminar.
When items have been freed from Customs' control, a process called "Customs Post Clearance Audit" entails systematically checking declarations, supporting paperwork, and related records. During the Customs Clearance procedure, the goal is to confirm the veracity of the information given by importers or exporters. Hence, it looks for any mistakes, omissions, or irregularities in Customs declarations, such as improper valuation, misclassification of commodities, incorrectly determining the provenance of the goods, or disparities in quantities or weights.
Mr. Teye Agbozo went on to say that as the Post Clearance Audit is required by law, only importers and exporters who attempt to avoid paying the proper Duty will be held accountable and forced to make up any discrepancies discovered after the audit. So, the procedure's main goal is to make it easier for people to fully comply with the laws, rules, and policies that control the import and export industry.
He continued by saying that Customs officials could choose particular transactions to review during a Post Clearance Audit or perform random checks based on samples. They carefully examine pertinent paperwork, including as contracts, bills of lading, packing lists, invoices, and financial records, to determine whether the information presented is accurate and authentic. To learn more or get clarification, it may also be necessary to speak with importers, exporters, or other important parties.
Ms. Benonita Bismarck, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GSA, said in her keynote speech that the GSA seeks to ensure that importers and exporters are knowledgeable so as to avoid behaviors that may result in future challenges.
"We are here today to better understand the Customs Post Clearance Audit regime and how to comply with it without detriment to the shipper while also making sure that the government receives the appropriate amount of income generated from the operations of our shippers," she said.
The regions of Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo were represented at the seminar. They expressed their excitement at the chance to learn more and requested Customs to hold more of these training sessions so they could feel more empowered.
