Leather producers seek duty relief on raw materials
The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) has petitioned Parliament for urgent policy intervention and customs duty relief under Chapter 98 for raw materials used in the local leather and footwear industry. In an official memorandum submitted to the Clerk to Parliament and addressed to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, … The post Leather…
The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) has asked Parliament for immediate policy action and tax relief on raw materials for the local leather and footwear sector. In a letter to Parliament's Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, the GLFMA said the current tariff system puts local manufacturers at a major disadvantage.
According to the association, local makers pay up to 36.1 percent tax on key inputs such as leather, soles, rubber and adhesives. In contrast, the GLFMA said imported finished shoes often enter Ghana at lower effective rates or are misclassified. Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, GLFMA President, said the tax system threatens thousands of jobs and adds pressure to Ghana's foreign exchange reserves.
"Our sector currently suffers under an inverted tariff structure where imported raw manufacturing materials attract cumulative port duties up to 36.1 percent, while foreign finished footwear frequently enters under lower effective tariffs," Ntim said. The executive brief explains the economic impact and suggests policy changes to protect jobs and reduce forex losses.
The GLFMA has submitted 20 copies of the report and offered to give a presentation to the committee.
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