GRA cracks down on illegal cigarettes; smokers, shops warned about unstamped brands

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a strong warning to cigarette importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on illegal and untaxed tobacco products being sold across the country.

In a statement on Friday, the GRA reminded businesses that all imported cigarette and alcohol products must carry official Excise Stamps in keeping with Regulation 212 of the Customs Act.

The agency said failure to comply has already led to the seizure of several cigarette brands deemed illegal or “uncustomed” during enforcement operations carried out by Customs Law Enforcement Officers.

Among the brands seized are Atlanta, Nashville, GT Smart, B&B, Ultra Buy, Royal Milano, Aurora, Gold Mount, Pride, Capital, Star Gold, Rio, Marshal, Marine, Landus, Pine, Elegance, Tradition and Capi Blue.

The GRA said its enforcement campaign forms part of a wider effort to tackle smuggling, tax evasion and the sale of illicit tobacco products entering the local market.

According to the Authority, the cigarette brands currently considered compliant with Guyana’s tax laws and Tobacco Control Act are Pall Mall, Bristol, Dunhill and Englishman.

Officials stressed that even these approved brands must still carry the required Excise Stamp and display the legally mandated health warnings and graphic images on cigarette packaging.

The GRA warned that businesses found selling unstamped or illegal tobacco products could face penalties, seizure of goods and possible prosecution.

The agency is also encouraging importers and retailers who may not yet be fully compliant to regularise their operations immediately.

The Authority said it maintains a “zero-tolerance approach” toward smuggling and any form of tax evasion, especially as concerns continue to grow regionally over illicit tobacco trade and lost government revenue.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to report suspected smuggling activities or illicit cigarette products through the GRA hotline at 227-6060 extensions 3201 to 3210.