Accra, 12 May, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday views expressed at the recent stakeholders' forum on the destination inspection would be taken into consideration by the Ministry in determining the way forward for the scheme. A statement signed by Mr. Kodua Edjekumhene, Public Relation Officer of the Ministry, explained that some of the participants including the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) were of the view that it was time for CEPS to take over its core function of classification and valuation.

Others according to the statement were in favour of private companies involvement in the scheme and recommendation were made to address the identified implementation challenges to improve on it. The statement said in making the determination, the Ministry would be guided by its objective of facilitating trade through ports and entry points whilst being mindful of revenue optimization from import trade. "It will therefore be a misrepresentation of facts to conclude that participants at the forum endorsed the taking over of the destination inspection by CEPS." the statement said. 12 May 09