MDU cautions Customs against blanket treatment of multiple phones as commercial imports

The Tema District Council of the Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union of Ghana (MDU-GH) has cautioned the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Mr Aaron Kanu, against any blanket policy that automatically treats travelers carrying multiple mobile phones as commercial importers.

The Council was reacting to recent comments attributed to Mr Kanu concerning travelers entering Ghana with multiple mobile phones and a suggestion that phones exceeding a certain number could automatically be treated as commercial imports and subjected to customs procedures.

The Council said the number of mobile phones carried by a traveler should not, on its own, be regarded as evidence of commercial intent, stressing the need for Customs to consider the purpose, ownership and circumstances surrounding the items before classifying them as commercial imports.