Perishable goods can be auctioned after 21 days, not 60 – GRA

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected allegations from the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) that Customs officials breached due process in auctioning perishable goods.

This comes on the back of a statement issued by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), alleging non-adherence to Customs procedures in the auction of perishable goods at the ports.

Reacting to this in a statement issued on Thursday, 28 August 2025, the GRA described the IEAG’s claims as “erroneous.”

It clarified that “under Section 53(3)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), perishable items may be auctioned after 21 days if unclaimed, not 60 days as suggested by the Association.

“The law is unequivocal,” the statement stressed.

According to the GRA, “Customs acted strictly within its mandate.”

The Authority encouraged importers to make use of pre-arrival clearance systems to avoid delays and additional charges.

These systems, it noted, are designed to streamline port operations and ensure timely processing of consignments.

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and transparency, the GRA assured stakeholders that all auction procedures are conducted in accordance with the law.

“This is not a matter of discretion. It is a matter of law,” the Authority added.