BIVAC proposes harsher sanctions against fraudulent importers.

Destination Inspection Company BIVAC International is calling on government to institute harsher sanctions against importers who use fraudulent means or documents to clear goods.

This, according to the Deputy Managing Director should serve as a deterrent for potential perpetrators. Fred Mac Bruce said this is crucial in addressing complaints of importers about delays in the clearance process at the ports.

He was speaking to Joy Business at a seminar to educate stakeholders on processes of acquiring their final classification and valuation report.

“There are delays in the process because when you raise a query on suspected invoices, you ask the importer to come and explain. It takes forever for them to come and explain. That's obviously delays the issuing of a Final Classification and Valuation Report (FCVR)” he explained.

“And then when you are not there they turn around to accuse you of frustrating them. I can tell you we've given a lot of information to Customs.If you are an importer or trader in the European Union, you dare not because just one single attempt and you will be out of business forever” he added.

Story by Emmanuel Agyei / Nana Agyei Essuman - Joy Business