Latest update March 27th, 2026 12:40 AM
GRA rolls out new excise tax stamps to crush alcohol smuggling
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has unveiled three new Excise Tax Stamps as part of its ongoing push to modernise customs operations and clamp down on the illicit alcohol trade.
The new excise stamps
Implementation began on November 1, 2025, with GRA once again teaming up with the Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) to ensure every designated alcoholic product entering the market is properly declared and taxed. In a press statement on Monday the GRA said the new stamps, mandatory on all imported alcohol confirm that the correct duties, excise, and other taxes have been paid. They will replace the previous stamps currently used on these products. The categories of stamps are as follows: Tax Paid Alcohol Stamp– Up to and including 500m; Tax Paid Alcohol Stamp – Over 500ml and Duty-Free Alcohol Stamp.
According to the GRA, the Excise Stamp Tax is an anti-smuggling measure to reduce the illicit trade of alcohol/tobacco products within Guyana. The Revenue Authority first launched the Excise Stamp Tax in November 2017 on all imports of foreign alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (Except Beer). The introduction of these new Stamps, along with a corresponding automated Monitoring System, represents a significant step forward in strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in excise tax administration.
As such, the GRA is reminding importers, wholesalers, and retailers that all imported packages/units of alcoholic and tobacco products must be affixed with an approved Excise Stamp in accordance with Regulations made under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
It should be noted that under Act, the following are considered summary offences:
- Importation of any goods on which excise stamps should be affixed without being registered with the Commissioner-General under these regulations;
- Failure to affix an excise stamp on the package of good in such secure manner as the Commissioner-General may prescribe;
- Printing over or defacing an excise stamp affixed on a package;
- The possession of goods on which the excise stamps have not been affixed and which are not destined for export;
- Attempts to acquire or the acquisition of an excise stamp without the approval of the Comptroller or Commissioner-General;
- Printing, making or in any way creating an excise stamp without the authority of the Comptroller or Commissioner-General; or
- The removal or otherwise preparation of any excise stamp with the intent to use or cause the same to be re-used after it has already been used.
According to the GRA, it should also be noted that any goods connected to the offences set out under this regulation may be forfeited to the State in accordance with the applicable provisions under the Act, and may also result in penalties or legal proceedings against the offender. “In light of the foregoing, all stakeholders, including importers, distributors, and retailers, are urged to:
- Prepare for the transition.
- Ensure full compliance with the updated stamp requirements.
- Take advantage of the awareness programmes, training and support being provided by the GRA.
- Register with the Excise Stamp & Environmental Levy Division of the GRA if not already registered.” The GRA said.
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
2 thoughts on “GRA rolls out new excise tax stamps to crush alcohol smuggling”
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
Ah! wow ! GRA ? Come on, you could have done better than a Guyana Flag
for the Alcohol Stamp.
Suggestion 1. A Large Bottle opened with half-filled Glass.
Suggestion 2. A citizen raising that Glass to his lips, with the opened bottle
in background.
3 Guyana Flags, OK, GRA.
Didn’t know JAGUAR drink Alcohol (Grey picture) ?
Suggestion 1. A Large opened bottle, half filled glass
Suggestion 2. Man with Glass to lips, bottle in background.
Suggestion 3. Bottle half filled, empty glass, man rests head on table.
But, not a Jaguar- that’s the National Symbol. Remember, WIN could not
use Jaguar.