A new flat rate system for clearing personal effects was implemented by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday as the entity increases its random selection for examination of goods and risk profiling.Addressing the issue, Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur said that “…the changes were made with the public’s convenience in mind. With the simplified system, once the required information has been accurately completed by persons who are receiving packages, delays will be avoided.”He further noted that,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys, “in light of the upcoming festive season, an increase in the quantity of personal effects entering the country is expected; as such, the implementation of this system will mitigate unnecessary delays and expedite the clearance of personal effects.Despite the need to have the system implemented in 2011, it should be noted that a number of measures were put in place to ensure the system is not compromised. Further, consultations were held with various stakeholders, such as the Shipping Association of Guyana, before the system was finalised.”The new rates for clearing personal effects are as follows: Barrels Flat Rate of Duty Jumbo/Large (12 cubic feet) $4,000 Medium (10 cubic feet) $3,Wholesale Cheap Jerseys China,000 Small (6 cubic feet) $2,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale,000 Boxes/Cartons Flat Rate of Duty 12 cubic feet (Economy Boxes) $4,000 3 cubic feet to 12 cubic feet $2,Cheap NFL jerseys China,500 2.8 cubic feet and below $1,500.“It is important to note that skids and pallets will not be considered as personal effects. Hence, goods shipped using skids and pallets will be processed as commercialised items and will be subject to taxation in accordance with the provisions of the Customs, Value Added,http://www.soccerpro.us.com/Arsenal-FC/, and Excise Tax Acts accordingly.”The tax agency further noted that the new system will see boxes,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, barrels and cartons valued up to one thousand United States Dollars ($1000 USD) or its equivalent being cleared utilising the Simplified Customs Declaration Form C73. Under the previous system, only personal effects valued up to five hundred United States Dollars ($500 USD) were allowed to be cleared from Customs utilising the C73 form.Personal effects with values exceeding $1000 USD will be cleared using the Customs Declaration Form (C72).In December 2010, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) attempted to implement a new system for clearing personal effects.However, due to the discovery of prohibited and restricted items which were imported in barrels at a city wharf, the GRA was forced to suspend the implementation of the flat rate system.Consequently, the Standard Operating Procedures were revised and other measures geared at safeguarding the system were instituted. The new system will be supplemented with the random selection of goods for examination and random risk management profiling.As such, shippers or their agents will now be required to state on the manifest, the specific, quantity, size of/and description of the contents of consignments. However, the Guyana Revenue Authority reserves the right to randomly select goods for examination. |