Further to the Notice issued on relief for freight charges to pre-pandemic levels in the calculation of duties and taxes, in keeping with directive of His Excellency, the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to remind unscrupulous importers seeking to manipulate the system for tax evasion, that they will be penalized in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Manipulations discerned so far include the following:
1. Misrepresentation of the invoice date to reflect dates after August 01, 2021 even though the goods were shipped prior to August 01, 2021
2. Invoices reflecting only FOB and not CIF prices
3. Invoices reflecting lower prices of commodities and higher freight charges.

In this regard, GRA is urging importers to be compliant and supply the correct invoices to the Authority. Importers are further implored to pass such savings on to the consuming public.

The GRA again advises that those found non-compliant will be subjected to additional taxes/fines/penalties and imprisonment upon conviction.

Should further clarification be needed, please contact the CE&TO on telephone no: 227-6060.

Godfrey Statia
Commissioner-General