By Fatou Dahaba
Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority, has highlighted that Post-Clearance Audits (PCA) serve not merely as a regulatory measure but also as an essential support mechanism for businesses.
A post-clearance audit is a control mechanism implemented by Customs authorities. It is conducted after the release of goods to verify adherence to Customs and associated legal requirements.
“By conducting verifications after goods have been released, PCA can expedite the clearance process, minimizing delays and fostering a more vibrant trading environment. This is a testament to our commitment to your success and growth in the global marketplace,” the GRA chief said Thursday at the validation workshop for post-clearance Adit regulations at the Senegambia Beach Hotel in Kololi.
According to GRA Boss, an effective post-clearance mechanism will improve the Gambia’s score in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report, ultimately helping attract investors, promote economic growth, and strengthen The Gambia’s position in the global marketplace.
“The absence of clear regulations can significantly affect the PCA section’s ability to fulfill its mandate. These regulations will establish a transparent, predictable audit process, fostering collaboration between GRA and the trading community. Businesses will clearly understand the audit process and their rights and obligations in the post-clearance audit process to facilitate compliance during the audit process.”
With support from the French Development Agency, GRA management has promptly recruited a six-month resident technical assistant from the Liberia Revenue Authority to assist the section in setting up the legal and institutional frameworks for the PCA section’s proper functioning.
Commissioner Darboe further states, ‘The purpose of this workshop is not just to present the proposed PCA regulations but to collaboratively refine and validate them with your valuable input. Your role in this process is crucial, and I urge you all to engage and provide constructive feedback. By sharing your insights, we can ensure that the regulations are perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the business community and all those involved in the international trade supply chain. Your contributions will shape the future of PCA implementation.
