Ghana

20 percent increase in import charges cancelled

Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:13 AM by Nii Ayi Ayitey

- There will no longer be a 20 percent hike in import charges

- The Ghana Standards Authority took this decision after meeting stakeholders

- The proposed hike in prices attracted massive opposition from importers

The Ghana Standards Authority has rescinded on its decision to increase the charge of clearing goods at the ports by 20 percent.

This decision was taken in consultation with other stakeholders including the Shippers Authority. What this means is that importers will have to pay the same charges at the ports.

20 percent increase in import charges cancelled (Photo source: Import/Modified by Arthur)
Source: Facebook

The earlier directive took effect in January and was expected to affect importers of all products. A letter signed by the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to the President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders read:

“ We bring to the attention of your institution that effective January 1, 2020, the Standards Authority will start the implementation of its new fees and charges. Approval for the fees and charges was given by Parliament in August 2019 for implementation in the year 2020. It’s implementation was however delayed.”

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To this end, the registration of importers per product group has increased by 20 percent for the annual payment.

What this means is that Shopping Malls and super markets are now to register a fee of 20,000 cedis for their yearly product group. Cement products (bagged cement and clinker) will go for 5000 cedis – the list goes on and on.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Freight Forwarders says there will not be a hike in the prices of goods imported to the country. Speaking to Joy News, president of the Institute indicated that the development will not have an effect on prices going forward.

"This will not have any effect on pricing. We are in talks with the Ghana Standards Authority on the best way out so there is no loser in the end," he stated.