GRA warns businesses over illegal tobacco, alcohol products

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reminded importers, wholesalers, and retailers that all imported alcoholic and tobacco products must carry the required excise stamp in keeping with Regulation 212 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
In a statement issued on Friday, the GRA said Customs Law Enforcement Officers have seized several illegal and uncustomed tobacco brands during enforcement operations aimed at tackling smuggling and tax evasion.
Among the brands seized were Atlanta, Nashville, GT Smart, B&B, Ultra Buy, Royal Milano, Aurora, Gold Mount, Pride, Capital, Star Gold, Rio, 51, Marshal, Marine, Landus, Pine, Elegance, Tradition and Capi Blue.
The GRA said failure to comply with the excise stamp requirement has resulted in the seizures.
The Authority also identified the cigarette brands currently deemed compliant with the country’s tax laws and the Tobacco Control Act. These brands are Pall Mall, Bristol, Dunhill and Englishman.
According to the GRA, all legitimately imported cigarettes must carry the requisite excise stamps and display the prescribed health warnings and graphics on the front and rear of packages, as outlined in the Third Schedule of the Tobacco Control Act of 2017.
The revenue body said it remains committed to working with legitimate importers and the public to ensure compliance with the country’s tax, trade and border laws.
The GRA urged individuals and companies that may not be fully compliant to visit its headquarters to regularise their trade affairs. It warned that the authority maintains a zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and tax evasion.
Offenders may face penalties under the law, including prosecution, the statement added.
GRA also encouraged members of the public to report attempted smuggling activities or illicit products through its hotline numbers at 227-6060, extensions 3201 to 3210.