GRA Issues Warning on Unstamped Tobacco and Alcohol Imports

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is reminding all importers, wholesalers, and retailers that, in accordance with Regulation 212 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, all imported alcoholic and tobacco products must be affixed with the requisite Excise Stamp.

Failure to comply with this regulation has resulted in the seizure of several illegal and uncustomed brands by Customs Law Enforcement Officers. These include, but are not limited to: Atlanta, Nashville, GT Smart, B&B, Ultra Buy, Royal Milano, Record, Aurora, Gold Mount, Pride, Capital, Star Gold, Rio, 51, Marshal, Marine, Landus, Pine, Elegance, Tradition, and Capi Blue.

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat the trade in illicit tobacco products, the GRA advises that the following brands are currently deemed compliant with the relevant Tax Laws and the Tobacco Control Act: Pall Mall, Bristol, Dunhill, and Englishman.

All legitimately imported cigarettes must be affixed with the appropriate Excise Stamps and display the prescribed health warnings, including graphic images, on both the front and rear of packaging, as outlined in the Third Schedule of the Tobacco Control Act of 2017.

The GRA reiterates its commitment to working collaboratively with legitimate importers and the wider public to ensure compliance with all applicable tax, trade, and border laws. Individuals and businesses that are not fully compliant are strongly encouraged to visit the GRA Headquarters to regularize their operations.

The Authority maintains a zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and tax evasion. Offenders may be subject to penalties as provided under the law, including prosecution.

For further information or to report suspected smuggling or illicit products, please contact the GRA via its hotline at 227-6060 (extensions 3201–3210).

𝙏𝙝𝙚 592 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣-𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝 , 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙄𝙣 𝙂𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.— ✦—