Business News of Saturday, 20 June 2015

Source: GNA

Importers and agents trained on import regulations

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The Gateway Services Limited, a leading inspection destination company, has organised a training session for importers and agents on import regulations of the country.

The company, which is the first destination inspection business works at verifying prices, quality and authentication, to enable Ghana customs to apply the necessary taxes in increasing government revenues.

Ms Ama Addo, Corporate Services Executive, told Ghana News agency that when government moved away from pre-shipment Inspection to Destination Inspection, the company was given the mandate to begin non-intrusive scanning activities in the country.

She said the company then installed a giant fixed X-Ray Scanner in its quest to promote and ensure that global trade is carried out in a safer and smoother environment.

Ms Addo said the move from pre-shipment inspection to destination inspection is a strategic and planned response to the significant growth in the import trade.

She said with the system, scanning process including customs documentation, do not take more than 15 minutes.

She said the company had also introduced an electronic system of dealing with their clients to ensure efficiency.

Mr Ephraim Asare, Deputy Director of Operations at Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, entreated importers and their agents to comply with customs regulations in order to avoid unnecessary delays.

He said importers could apply for extra days and time in clearing their goods.

Mr Paul Mensah, Western Regional Chairman of Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, asked Destination inspectors to respect transactional values.