Tema Port: Customs impounds 4 containers for evading tax

The containers were detained upon a tip-off when officials of Rebirth Shipping Limited were about to clear them at the Golden Jubilee Terminal (GJT).

Four 40-footer containers have been impounded by officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Tema Port after the owners tried to evade import duties of about GH¢3 million.

The containers were detained upon a tip-off when officials of Rebirth Shipping Limited were about to clear them at the Golden Jubilee Terminal (GJT), the Daily Graphic reports.

The containers, numbered BMOU5029101, CBHU7079230, FSCU8892664 and UETU5178912, were carrying assorted items including plastic microwave plates, make-up products, and children’s toys, among others.

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When the containers were opened, officials found out that some of the items listed on the invoice were in multiple quantities, even though they were not indicated on the invoice.

Documents available to the Daily Graphic suggest that the importers paid GH¢15,423 on each container, making a total of GH¢61,694.53 on all four containers.

This was against the estimated duty of GH¢80,000 payable on each container.

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The items were also said to be under-declared to make them appear as if they were some homogenous imports that often attracted lower import values.

The Commissioner of Customs, Mr Isaac Crentsil told the Daily Graphic that he had asked the command to submit a report on the incident to the Assistant Commissioner of Customs in charge of Investigations at the Customs Headquarters for further investigations.

The containers were detained upon a tip-off when officials of Rebirth Shipping Limited were about to clear them at the Golden Jubilee Terminal (GJT). Read Full Story