THERE have been reports of persons submitting forged documents at the Guyana Suriname border in a bid to defraud the tax system. During this year there was a reduction in the amount of revenue collected at Corriverton.
Investigations have revealed that  boat operators were submitting forged customs clearances to Suriname customs officials in Nickerie.
The submission of the customs clearances issued at Corriverton is one of the requirements for boat owners to load goods in the Dutch speaking nation.
In so doing, boat owners who load goods with forged customs clearances, undetected by Surinamese officials, do not report to customs at Corriverton with the goods for the payment of the applicable duties and taxes.
This has resulted in the GRA changing the system.
Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur has ordered a more careful examination of the documents issued.
In addition a dedicated team comprising customs
staff and an officer from the Berbice anti-smuggling squad were tasked to review valuation of imports and classification of goods.
Law enforcement officers from Georgetown were deployed to conduct patrols.
This is aimed at preventing smuggling activities.
The Surinamese authorities have been notified of the issue and are working collaboratively with the local authorities to combat the illegal practice.
Currently, information is shared on a daily basis between the two countries.
This has resulted in more boat owners reporting to Corriverton and paying the relevant taxes.
(INEWS)