The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched a new Advance Rulings Programme aimed at improving predictability in trade and enhancing the overall business environment for importers and exporters.
The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, March 31, allows traders to obtain binding decisions from the Customs Division on key issues such as tariff classification and the origin of goods before shipments are made or arrive at Ghana’s borders.
Under the programme, these rulings are issued in advance and applied during clearance, offering businesses clarity and certainty prior to engaging in trade.
Speaking at the launch, Acting Commissioner for the Customs Division, Aaron Kanor, urged traders to take advantage of the initiative to streamline their operations.
“My expectation is that the trading company can take advantage of the launch and to ensure that they apply for decision to be made in advance for their cargo. By so doing, you are able to budget well and then you are able to clear your goods faster from the port,” he said.
He added that the programme would address longstanding concerns among traders over delays in customs decisions.
“Businesses have been complaining that when they bring their cargo to the port, customs delay in giving decision or ruling in area of origin and classification. So now we are saying that we are here for you and then we want to partner you so that you can grow your business faster,” he noted.
Also addressing the gathering, Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, described the initiative as a transformative step in customs administration.
“Every so often an institution takes a step that is not merely operational but transformational. Today is one of those steps,” he stated.
He emphasized that the programme reflects a broader shift towards improving compliance through efficiency rather than enforcement.
“The most effective way to grow revenue is to grow compliance, particularly self-compliance. The most effective way to improve self-compliance is to make processes easy, certain, and fair,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong noted that the system would enable importers to determine applicable duties ahead of time, thereby enhancing planning and investment decisions.
“When an importer or agent can apply online… and arrive at the port of entry knowing exactly what duties they will pay, we believe compliance is made easier. Planning also becomes possible and gives opportunity to businesses to invest confidently,” he added.
He further indicated that the programme forms part of broader reforms within the Customs Division, including the introduction of an AI-powered system to support classification and valuation processes.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders in the trade ecosystem, including representatives from the World Bank Group, importers and exporters, and industry players such as Nestlé Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Craig Clark of the World Bank Group commended the GRA for the initiative and expressed confidence in its success, highlighting its potential to improve trade facilitation and strengthen Ghana’s attractiveness as a business destination in the sub-region.
