Georgetown: The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recognized the need to strengthen the various mechanisms in place regarding shipments of both personal effects and commercial items. This has resulted in the agency taking measures to ensure commercial items are not falsely declared as personal effects. These changes which will take effect in the coming weeks are expected to guard against false declarations and ensure that persons are complying with the criteria outlined on the C73 declaration form.
This new transparent system will be completely automated and free of human intervention. What it means, therefore, is that the computer system will randomly select consignments for examination when persons present their simplified declarations to uplift personal effects which include boxes, barrels, small parcels, etc, at the various wharves. Notwithstanding, GRA will continue to select consignments for examination based on risk profiling and intelligence gathering.
Commissioner- General of the GRA Mr. Khurshid Sattaur stated that “this system seeks to assist in the detection of dutiable, prohibited, and restricted items which may be concealed as personal effects.” Any irregularities found during the examination process will be addressed immediately in accordance with Sections 217 and 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 81:01.
Mr. Sattaur further noted that “only non commercial barrels of a value not exceeding US$1,000 will be allowed to use the C73 declaration. However, some consideration may be given to personal items that may exceed this value if they are imported in non commercial quantities e.g. refrigeration, television, or other similar personal household equipment.”
All other conditions for clearing personal effects will remain the same and shippers are still required to state on the manifest, the specific size of the package and a description of the content of the consignment, since this will avoid delays in the processing of these transactions. Persons requiring further information in relation to the aforementioned change can contact the Tax Advisory Services Section on telephone number 227-6060 or 227-8222 extensions 1200-1204.
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