The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has strongly advised individuals looking to purchase imported used vehicles to verify that all import duties have been fully paid. This crucial step is necessary before completing any transaction to prevent significant financial losses and the potential seizure of the vehicle.
This warning comes as many buyers face risks from purchasing vehicles with outstanding duties. Unpaid duties can lead to vehicles being impounded during enforcement operations. The GRA aims to protect buyers and ensure compliance with Ghana’s customs regulations.
This advisory fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of enhancing revenue collection and combating illicit trade. The government has intensified efforts to streamline customs procedures and ensure all due taxes are collected. This helps fund public services and maintain fair market competition.
Mr. Michel Adu Manu, a Senior Revenue Officer at the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB), Vehicle Valuation Unit, emphasized the importance of this verification. He stated that buyers should not rely solely on paper documents. Instead, they must subject vehicles to physical inspection by Customs officers.
Buyers can initially check a vehicle’s duty status using the Vehicle Calculator on the External ICUMS/UNIPASS platform. This online tool requires entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), chassis number, make, and model. However, Mr. Manu stressed that this online check must be followed by a physical inspection at any Customs office. This physical check confirms that the chassis number has not been tampered with, as "a lot of things do happen."
Mr. Manu highlighted a specific concern regarding temporarily imported vehicles with foreign registration numbers. These vehicles are sometimes unlawfully sold to unsuspecting buyers without the required import duties being paid. Such vehicles are permitted into Ghana under temporary import arrangements and are expected to leave after a set period, unless their status is regularized through Customs.
Buyers who fail to verify the duty status of these vehicles risk having them impounded. This can occur during enforcement operations, long after the purchase has been made. The Senior Revenue Officer urged prospective buyers to undertake thorough due diligence. Confirming the customs status of imported vehicles before making payment is essential.
This measure will protect buyers from avoidable losses. It also ensures adherence to the country’s customs regulations. The GRA’s proactive stance aims to foster a more transparent and compliant vehicle market in Ghana. This initiative supports the government's broader agenda of improving tax compliance and revenue generation across various sectors.
The GRA’s consistent efforts to educate the public on tax obligations are vital. These efforts contribute to a more robust and equitable economic environment. This also helps in reducing the prevalence of uncustomed goods in the market. The public should remain vigilant and utilize the available verification tools.