{
  "id": 5490126,
  "title": "Customs to scrutinise multiple new phones for possible commercial import at entry points",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/customs-to-scrutinise-multiple-new-phones-for-possible-commercial-5490126",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T00:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/customs-to-scrutinise-multiple-new-phones-for-possible-commercial-import-at-entry-points/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has explained that passengers carrying multiple mobile phones at entry points to Ghana are not automatically subject to Customs duty. The GRA stated that Customs officers will evaluate the specifics of each case to ascertain whether the phones are intended for personal use or commercial reasons. This clarification comes after discussions about how Customs handles mobile phones brought into the country by travelers. The GRA emphasized that the quantity of phones alone is insufficient to determine if duty is applicable. They highlighted the consideration of factors such as the nature and quantity of items, whether they are already in use, their new packaging, and the number of similar devices being taken. Customs may also investigate if there's an intention to sell or distribute the phones. While travelers can legitimately carry more than one phone for personal reasons, like work devices or replacements, multiple new or similarly packaged devices could lead to further scrutiny, especially if intended for others. The GRA made clear that Customs law differentiates between personal items and goods imported for sale or other commercial purposes. If items are deemed imports and subject to duty, the appropriate duties and taxes will be assessed according to Ghana's Customs regulations. The GRA advised travelers to follow the proper procedures at entry points, with legitimate personal items passing through the green channel and others requiring declaration at the red channel to pay any applicable duties. The Authority encouraged those uncertain about the status of items to declare them and seek guidance from Customs officers. The GRA stressed that Customs controls aim to facilitate legitimate travel while ensuring that goods imported for commercial purposes are correctly declared and handled per the law. This approach aligns with Ghana's Customs framework and the exemptions provided under the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), reaffirming their commitment to fair, consistent, and professional Customs procedures.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified that travellers carrying multiple mobile phones will not automatically be required to pay Customs duty.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Joy Business",
        "title": "Customs to scrutinise multiple new phones for possible commercial import at entry points",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/customs-to-scrutinise-multiple-new-phones-for-possible-commercial",
        "published": "2026-09-04T00:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}