The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is introducing a new system for the examination of personal effects shipped in barrels and boxes to ensure that 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,” the agency said in a press release.
The new 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,” the press release said. Nevertheless, the agency will continue to select consignments for examination based on risk profiling and intelligence gathering.
GRA Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur said, “This system seeks to assist in the detection of dutiable, prohibited, and restricted items which may be concealed as personal effects.” The agency will address any irregularities found during the examination process, in accordance with Sections 217 and 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 81:01. The commissioner-general further said that only non-commercial barrels of a value not exceeding US$1,000 will be allowed to use the C73 declaration though consideration may be given to personal items that may exceed this value if they are imported in non- commercial quantities, for example 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,” the agency said. For more information persons can contact the Tax Advisory Services Section on telephone numbers 227-6060 or 227-8222 extensions 1200-1204.
