As the Christmas season approaches and the rush to clear packages gains momentum, the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA) is implementing asimple risk management system, by which barrels containing personal effectswill not be subject tothe customary scrutiny.GRA CommissionerGeneral KhurshidSattaur told GuyanaTimes International earlierthis week that thenew system is an improvementin terms of procedure, and it aims toreduce allegations of officersdemanding favoursfrom consignees.However, he stressedthat the relevant dutieshave not been waived,and the old tax structurewill be maintained.The new clearance systemalso seeks to reducefrequent complaints thatbarrels and parcels havebeen opened and items removed.Sattaur said GRA will rely on the integrity of theshipper and the declarationsmade that the barrelcontains only personal effects,unless there is reasonfor suspicion. He notedthat the authority willalso depend on the computerizeddata available,which pinpoints commercialimporters from thosewho ship personal andhousehold items.“We are encouragingvoluntary compliancewhile at the same timepenalising severely thosewho make false declarations.If someone fails tomake the right declaration,then he will have topay the penalty,” Sattaurexplained.The commissionergeneral said the riskmanagement system is ameans of expediting andsimplifying the packageclearance process, especiallyduring peak seasons.Although the new systemwas due to take effectfrom Monday, whenthis newspaper visitedthe Freight ServicesDivision of LaparkanHoldings Limited, officialsof the Customs andTrade AdministrationDepartment were stillseen checking barrelsand parcels.An official explainedthat officials have notyet received the relevantpermission and documentationto put thenew system into place.Many persons have applaudedthe implementationof the new system,which they say would beless time-consuming andwould prevent packagetamperingNo checks on barrels with personal effects – Sattaur
As the Christmas season approaches and the rush to clear packages gains momentum, the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA) is implementing asimple risk management system, by which barrels containing personal effectswill not be subject tothe customary scrutiny.GRA CommissionerGeneral KhurshidSattaur told GuyanaTimes International earlierthis week that thenew system is an improvementin terms of procedure, and it aims toreduce allegations of officersdemanding favoursfrom consignees.However, he stressedthat the relevant dutieshave not been waived,and the old tax structurewill be maintained.The new clearance systemalso seeks to reducefrequent complaints thatbarrels and parcels havebeen opened and items removed.Sattaur said GRA will rely on the integrity of theshipper and the declarationsmade that the barrelcontains only personal effects,unless there is reasonfor suspicion. He notedthat the authority willalso depend on the computerizeddata available,which pinpoints commercialimporters from thosewho ship personal andhousehold items.“We are encouragingvoluntary compliancewhile at the same timepenalising severely thosewho make false declarations.If someone fails tomake the right declaration,then he will have topay the penalty,” Sattaurexplained.The commissionergeneral said the riskmanagement system is ameans of expediting andsimplifying the packageclearance process, especiallyduring peak seasons.Although the new systemwas due to take effectfrom Monday, whenthis newspaper visitedthe Freight ServicesDivision of LaparkanHoldings Limited, officialsof the Customs andTrade AdministrationDepartment were stillseen checking barrelsand parcels.An official explainedthat officials have notyet received the relevantpermission and documentationto put thenew system into place.Many persons have applaudedthe implementationof the new system,which they say would beless time-consuming andwould prevent packagetampering
