The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced an amnesty for uncustomed vehicles to boost revenue. At a GPHA media forum, Mr. Yadjayime explained that during the amnesty, GRA will forgive and waive penalties for uncustomed vehicle owners who have broken the law.
“The uncustomed vehicle amnesty forms part of the Authority’s revenue improvement initiatives,” said Mr. Yadjayime, Chief Revenue Officer at the Vehicle Valuation Unit of the CTSB.He added, “When apprehended by customs, users of uncustomed vehicles would have to pay three times the duty payable, including the duty itself, to retrieve their vehicles.
“However, during the amnesty, GRA has waived these penalties. Mr. Yadjayime emphasized that the amnesty is part of GRA’s efforts to educate taxpayers during the tax month celebration in July and August.
“So, assuming that you are driving for a meeting, and you are caught on the way by the Preventive Unit of Customs and then they pick the vehicle from you, they issue a detention receipt after which it becomes seizure if you do not appear within 30 days to regularise…” he stated.
To take advantage of the amnesty, owners can visit the Customs headquarters, Regional Customs Office, or any Customs Office with a letter covering the vehicle. The process involves processing through ICUMS and registration with DVLA.Mr. Yadjayime explained, “You can just come for it at the Customs headquarters, Regional Customs Office, or any Customs Office with a letter covering the vehicle, and then they will process it.
“He also highlighted cases where vehicle owners acquired uncustomed vehicles auctioned by state institutions, noting that exemptions do not extend to ordinary users. “Therefore, such individuals, upon the acquisition of these vehicles, must regularise customs procedures for the vehicle and pay the requisite duty before using it,” he said.
