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10 minutes to clear Christmas barrels – GRA

Nov 17, 2010 News

– Customs examinations being relaxed

Measures have been put in place that will now allow the clearing of barrels in the Christmas season to take as little as 10 minutes, with Customs examinations being discontinued.
The measures, which take effect from December 1, will also see the ceiling for clearing personal effects being increased from US$500 (G$100,000) to US$1,000 (G$200,000).
According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a release yesterday, it has instituted a number of changes in the system of clearing personal effects, making it simpler and more time effective to customers.
“Personal effects include barrels, boxes, packages and parcels containing non-commercial items sent by air or sea through any recognized shipping agency. The clearing of these items is guided by a six-step procedure as set out by the revenue authority.”
GRA noted that the steps to be followed have been further simplified, and once followed, the entire transaction process can be concluded within 10 minutes.
“Where previously the ceiling for the clearing of personal effects was US$500, in light of the nature of items that are so categorized, GRA has now raised the ceiling to allow for the clearance of personal effects valued at up to US$1000, using the Declaration Form (C73). Hence, personal effects with values in excess of US$1000 are required to be cleared using the Customs Declaration Form (C72).”
According to GRA, under the new system, the examination of personal effects will be discontinued, except in cases where intelligence gathered would necessitate that an examination be done.
A flat rate of duty will be charged on all personal effects. However, the rate will depend on the type and size of the package to be cleared, ranging from $6,000 for large barrels to $4,000 and $6,000 for large boxes to $2,400.
Under new requirements, overseas families will have to state, on the manifest, the specific size of the package and a brief description of the content of the consignment.
“This new system will also seek to remove inefficiencies and mitigate instances of fraud and allegations of corruption. Moreover, with the simplified system, once the required information has been accurately filled out, delays will be avoided,” GRA assured. With the upcoming festive season, there will be an increase in the quantity of personal effects entering the country and as such, the implementation of these changes is timely.
“The Guyana Revenue Authority will continue to make necessary changes in the best interest of its stakeholders. However, the Authority is appealing to persons conducting business at the various wharves, to adhere to the stipulated system and avoid the use of underhand tactics in an effort to expedite the process.”

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