Travellers bringing more than two phones to Ghana may pay customs duties – GRA

Commissioner of Customs Aaron Kanor

Travellers arriving in Ghana with more than two mobile phones may be required to pay customs duties and taxes if the devices are considered commercial imports, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division has cautioned.

Commissioner of Customs Aaron Kanor said Customs officers assess the quantity and nature of goods carried by passengers to determine whether they qualify as personal effects or are intended for commercial purposes.

He made the comments on Wednesday, September 2, after touring the Accra International Airport, where he advised travellers to be cautious about transporting multiple mobile phones on behalf of friends and relatives.

According to Mr Kanor, travellers may generally carry mobile phones for personal use, including a second device for a spouse. However, bringing several additional phones into the country could raise questions about whether the items are intended for commercial purposes.

He explained that the practice of travellers accepting phones from several friends and relatives can result in a large number of devices being carried by one passenger.

“In Ghana, because of our culture, when one is travelling, Ama gives you one phone, Kofi gives you another, and all the day borns they all give you phones. When you carry all those seven phones, and you arrive, it will amount to what? Commercial,” he said.

The Commissioner stressed that Customs considers the quantity and nature of goods when determining whether items brought into the country are personal effects or commercial imports.

Mr Kanor said the risk of additional customs charges is particularly relevant where travellers arrive with several new mobile phones.

Such quantities, he explained, may indicate that the devices are being brought into Ghana for commercial purposes rather than simply for personal use.

Travellers carrying multiple devices should therefore be prepared for Customs officers to assess the items and determine whether duties and taxes apply.

The Customs Commissioner also highlighted high-value mobile phone brands such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung as products that can contribute significantly to government revenue.

“If you look at iPhone, Samsung, they are very expensive. That is where we can get our revenue,” he added.