The implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) is due to take off today, 15th October 2018.
The system, which has seen much resistance from various business associations has been postponed twice.
The latest opposition to the CTN is from a member of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders who has filed a suit at the Supreme Court against the system.
The Ghana Revenue Authority is however unwavering in its stance and says it will go ahead with its implementation.
Under this system, shipping lines are to provide CTN numbers on all Bills of Lading.
Also, Shippers and Freight Forwarders at the various ports of loading are to provide detailed and timely information on all shipments to Ghana in advance on the Global Online Platform made available for the purpose.
According to the GRA, the CTN will provide data to Ghana Customs and other Stakeholders in advance to enable Cargo Review Processes in a manner that ensures;
–Generation of key prior shipment information in real-time to effectively Control, Supervise, and Manage import traffic into Ghana.
– Collation of reliable trade database to benchmark & protect Government revenue in import duties and taxes.
– Plugging of identified loopholes & leakages in order to preserve the sanctity and integrity of Customs valuation of goods and freight.
– Safeguarding and facilitation of trade in order to significantly reduce the turn-around time for Cargo Clearance which in turn will allow importers to avoid the payment of heavy demurrage fees and generally reduce the cost of doing business.
– Provision of a one-stop comprehensive and broader view of the global logistics chain to Customs, the Port Authority and other structures of control which will eliminate duplications and enhance reporting requirements.
The opponents of the system however insist that the implementation of the CTN is illegal and will only add to their cost of doing business.
The introduction of CTN is in furtherance of GRA’s drive to modernize its operations for facilitation of legitimate trade in line with international best practices.
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