GRA says perishable goods are subject to auction after 21 days, counters IEAG accusation

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed accusations from the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) that Customs officials acted improperly in the recent disposal of perishable goods at the country’s ports.

In a statement released on Thursday, 28 August 2025, the Authority described the allegations as “erroneous”, clarifying that the law does not grant importers 60 days to clear perishable cargo.

According to the GRA, Section 53(3)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) stipulates that perishable goods may be auctioned after 21 days if importers fail to claim them.

“This provision is clear in law and guides our procedures. Any contrary suggestion is inaccurate,” the statement emphasised.

The Authority advised importers to take advantage of pre-cargo arrival clearance systems to speed up the process and reduce unnecessary delays and extra costs.

It added that the system was designed to enhance efficiency, especially in handling perishable consignments, which require swift clearance to prevent loss and waste.

Reiterating its stance, GRA pledged to uphold fairness, transparency, and strict compliance with the law in all auctioning processes, stressing that no importer is unfairly treated when goods are disposed of under the legal framework.