(Wednesday 15th January 2020 Issue)
The
Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has strongly dismissed as false the claims that
are making rounds on social media that there is an increase in international
tax rates across all consignments bound for The Gambia.
Below
is the full text of the news release of the GRA:
“It
has come to the knowledge of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) that certain
social media outlets are carrying false news about an increase in international
tax rates across all consignments bound for The Gambia.
We
want to inform the general public that increases in tax rates are policy
matters that are the exclusive prerogative of the Minister of Finance and
Economic Affairs. We can confirm that the allegations being carried by the
media outlets concerned are not supported by the policy measures contained in
the just presented 2020 budget speech by the Hon. Minister of Finance and
Economic affairs before the National Assembly in December, 2019.”
“We
want to inform the General public that the customs laws relating to valuation
of goods are based first and foremost on the transaction values of consignments
based on original invoices obtained from the suppliers of the goods. Where such
original documents are not available to GRA for valuation purposes, the rules
allow us to resort to other fall back methods to arrive at the correct values
for the consignments. We have observed that many importers and their clearing
and forwarding agents are not providing original invoices with accurate
information on the true cost, insurance and freight (CIF) which is the basis
for the valuation of their goods. Hence, in 2020 we have decided to apply the
fall back methods on all those unscrupulous importers and clearing and
forwarding agents who are confirmed to be submitting faked invoices with the
sole intention to make an under declaration.
We
want to assure the general public that all those who submit original authentic
invoices will receive full acceptance from GRA for valuation purposes.”
“GRA
will respect the revenue laws by making sure that importers are fairly treated
and no one will be subjected to illegal payments. However, we will not condone
any behavior that is tantamount to false declaration and underpayment.”
“GRA
will facilitate trade and provide all the necessary support to importers and
clearing and forwarding agents who wish (sic) to comply with the laws in place.”
