The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has downplayed the stiff opposition by some stakeholders against the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff System at the ports.

The system which came into force on February 1 has been met with some resistance by traders and clearing agents who say it has only increased their cost of operations.

But speaking with Joy Business at a press soiree Wednesday, Commissioner General of the GRA, George Blankson insisted the system is the best way of streamlining import duties in the sub-region to the benefit of the local economy.

“There is no denying the fact that for some goods, the harmonization involved has caused some rates to go up. But we also have a sizeable number of goods on which the introduction of the CET has resulted in the rates coming down” he noted.

Importers who have had the tax rates on their goods going up he says are the ones that are naturally heard complaining adding “it’s a question of pluses and minuses.”

The net impact according to him would be a neutralization of all the rates thereby, resulting in a balance for all the rates.