GRA clarifies absolute import prohibitions on selected goods

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recently clarified the concept of absolute import prohibitions to underscore their role in safeguarding the country. These prohibitions target goods deemed illegal by international trade standards, strictly banning them from entering Ghana due to various associated risks.

These risks include the potential to violate international trade laws, spread diseases, and cause destruction, thereby threatening the nation’s integrity and the well-being of its citizens.

Absolute import prohibitions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The GRA highlighted that these goods are not only illegal but also pose significant threats if allowed into the country.

This clarification was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, to educate the public about the dangers associated with absolute import prohibitions.

Furthermore, the GRA emphasized that beyond absolute prohibitions, certain goods require specific licenses, certificates, and other forms of approval before they can be imported. These regulatory measures ensure that such goods meet all statutory requirements and are safe for entry into the Ghanaian market.

The GRA’s detailed explanation aims to inform importers and the general public about the importance of these regulations and the necessity for strict compliance to protect both national and international interests.

This clarification comes in the wake of the importation of fake diapers, which led to a clampdown by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). This incident underscores the importance of strict regulatory measures and public awareness in preventing the entry of harmful goods into the country.

Below is the table of prohibited items

Tariff No. Commodity Description Remarks

6A. 1 Animals and carcasses infected with disease:

Animals or carcasses infected with disease within the meaning of the Disease of Animals Act, 1961 (Act 83) or any part of such animals or carcasses.

6A.2 Beads of inflammable celluloid:

Beads composed of inflammable celluloid or other similar substances.

6A.3 Coffee, raw, imported overland:

Raw coffee imported overland or by inland waterways.

6A.4 Coin not up to standard:

Coin currency in any foreign country or any money purported to be such, not being of the established standard in weight and fineness. Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242)

6A.5 Food, contaminated:

Meat, vegetables, and other provisions. Declared by a Health Officer as unfit for human consumption

PNDCL 305B/F.D.B. L Act 523, 1996.

6A.6 Knuckle dusters and life preservers.

6A.7 Literature, scandalous:

Books, newspapers and printed matter which in the opinion of the Commissioner – General (subject to any directions of the president of Ghana) are defamatory, scandalous, or demoralizing.

6A.8 Money, base or counterfeit:

Base or counterfeit coin or counterfeit notes of any country. Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242)

6A.9 Obscene articles:

Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engraving or any other indecent or obscene article.

6A.10 Weapons, dangerous:

Knives such as flick knives and paper knives which in the opinion of the Inspector – General of Police are considered to be dangerous weapons.

6A.11 Goods prohibited by any law:

All other goods, the importation of which is prohibited by any law in Ghana.