The implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Reporting System (PAARS) by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has received praise from importers and clearing agents across the country.
PAARS is a modernized system that has been developed by the Customs Division of GRA as part of the implementation of the National Single Window system to enhance revenue mobilization, improve border security and customs clearance, overcome duplication across regulatory agencies and promote trade facilitation.
A statement issued by GRA-Customs Divisio said “Ghana Customs has proved critics wrong by successfully taking over its operations from the Destination and Inspection Companies and maintained an upward integrity so far.”
It said the various stakeholders and agents are glad they could now get their documents processed in less than 48 hours, adding that “this has helped them fish out the bad eggs in their caucus as the system which is robust and fast has put an end to corruption when clearing goods.”
The statement said that the successful implementation has also seen an increase in the revenue generated by GRA-Customs Division.
“Trade Facilitation for Ghana remains the heartbeat of its development, it is key to allow for the free flow of trade and overall, the results suggest that mostly Ghana’s economy will have great benefits from the successful implementation of trade facilitation, thus the need to take concrete steps towards streamlining trade procedures,” it added.
It added that implementation of paperless trade measures would be crucial to reducing trade costs and the continuous adoption of modern information and communication technology would bring about a desirable end to hindrances of trade facilitation.
The statement said after successfully implementing the PAARS, the Custom Division has introduced a new module to be implemented at the various ports in the country.
The new module, called “Used Vehicle Valuation” is expected to increase transparency, save time and cost for stakeholders in the import and export business.
The Used Vehicle Valuation Module will be used by various stakeholders to obtain their Customs Clearance and Verification Report for used vehicle importation into Ghana.
