GRA Customs: Ghana Customs Red Green Channels Accra Airport Explained

• The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division confirmed the availability and distinct functions of red and green channels at Accra International Airport.
• The red channel is for declaring goods, especially commercial quantities, while the green channel is for non-declarable items, though not exempt from Customs checks.
• Customs utilizes scanners covering four luggage belts at Terminal Three to identify bags for further examination, with physical checks conducted if contents remain unclear.
• Travelers are cautioned that excessive quantities of personal items, such as mobile phones, can be reclassified as commercial imports subject to duties and taxes.
• The system aligns with international practices like the Revised Kyoto Convention and contributes to national security and development, with ongoing efforts for full automation and advanced passenger information systems.

Travelers are cautioned that carrying excessive quantities of items, particularly mobile phones intended for others, can lead to their reclassification as commercial imports, thereby subjecting them to applicable duties and taxes.

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently provided a detailed explanation of the operational framework for the red and green channels at Accra International Airport. This clarification came in response to public concerns suggesting that these designated channels for arriving passengers might not be available or clearly defined. Mr. Aaron Kanor, who serves as the Acting Commissioner for the Customs Division of the GRA, affirmed that both channels are indeed present at the airport and play distinct, vital roles in processing travelers and their baggage.

These channels are fundamental not only for efficient passenger flow but also for broader national objectives. Mr. Kanor highlighted their importance in facilitating revenue mobilization for the state and bolstering national security measures. The red channel is specifically designated for passengers who have goods requiring declaration, particularly those in commercial quantities, while the green channel is intended for travelers carrying items that do not necessitate any declaration.

Passengers arriving with items that must be declared are directed to utilize the red channel, where Customs officers are stationed to process the goods, assess their value, and collect any applicable duties and taxes. However, it is crucial for travelers to understand that opting for the green channel, which signifies "nothing to declare," does not grant complete exemption from Customs scrutiny. The system is designed with integrated checks to ensure compliance across all passenger flows.

Customs employs advanced scanning technology, covering the four luggage belts at Terminal Three, to capture images of all baggage. This enables officers to identify bags that may require further examination, including those belonging to passengers who might have failed to declare taxable items. Madam Grace Assumin, the Chief Revenue Officer for Preventive measures at Accra International Airport, explained that if a bag is flagged by the scanning system, it is brought to the arrival hall for officers to determine the nature of its contents. Should the identity or nature of an item remain unclear after scanning, officers are authorized to conduct physical examinations to verify the contents. This entire process occurs after passengers clear immigration, with luggage proceeding through scanning before being conveyed to the arrival hall and carousel. This dual-channel system aligns with international Customs practices and the principles outlined in the Revised Kyoto Convention, a global standard for customs procedures.

A critical warning for travelers concerns the quantity of items being imported. Mr. Kanor specifically cautioned against carrying excessive quantities of goods, particularly mobile phones intended for others. He emphasized that quantities exceeding personal allowances can be reclassified as commercial imports, thereby subjecting them to applicable duties and taxes. This reclassification has significant implications for import compliance and potential liability for travelers.

Beyond revenue generation, which contributes directly to national development through funding for roads, hospitals, and other public infrastructure, Customs checks serve broader public safety and national security objectives. These include protecting the country from prohibited items, such as firearms. To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, the GRA Customs Division is moving towards full automation of its operations, including the use of advanced scanning technology and plans for further digital tools, to expedite inspections at the airport. Furthermore, the authority has deployed Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, which significantly improve passenger profiling capabilities and overall Customs operations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients traveling through Accra International Airport on the strict declaration requirements for goods, even when using the green channel, to avoid penalties. It is crucial to note that carrying excessive quantities of personal items, such as mobile phones, can be reclassified as commercial imports subject to duties and taxes, impacting import compliance and potential liability.

Source: Original reporting via Ghana News Agency