The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Customs Division, in collaboration with key regulatory stakeholders, has intensified enforcement operations at entry points and within local markets to clamp down on the smuggling and illegal sale of Orexi brand diapers — products believed to be entering the country through unapproved channels.

This decisive action forms part of the Authority’s broader mandate to curb tax evasion and prevent the loss of critical national revenue.

The smuggling of products such as the Orexi brand not only undermines legitimate trade but also robs the state of millions of cedis in import duties, levies, and taxes needed for national development.

Smuggled products typically bypass safety checks, proper documentation, and mandatory registration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

This creates an unfair competitive environment for compliant local manufacturers and importers who follow due process and contribute their fair share of taxes.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the Orexi brand diapers, found in circulation without FDA registration or Customs clearance, may also pose quality and hygiene risks to unsuspecting consumers.

However, the immediate concern for the GRA remains the scale of tax evasion and loss of import revenue associated with this illegal trade.

To address this, the GRA Customs Division is:

• Increasing surveillance and patrols at known smuggling routes

• Working closely with market surveillance teams to trace illicit goods

• Enhancing collaboration with the FDA and GSA for on-the-spot verification

• Pursuing legal action against individuals and entities engaged in dumping and under-declaration.

Consumers are advised to be cautious of suspicious products, particularly those not bearing proper regulatory markings or lacking verifiable retail sources.

Retailers and importers are reminded that smuggling and false declarations are serious offenses under Ghanaian law and carry severe penalties including fines, confiscation, and prosecution.

The Customs Division reiterates its commitment to protecting Ghana’s economic interests by preventing tax leakage, supporting legitimate businesses, and ensuring that the country does not become a dumping ground for unregulated and untaxed goods.