The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers has stressed that the implementation of excise tax stamp scheduled for tomorrow[1,3,2018] will face serious challenges that may compel all water producers in the country to shut down their operations.
According to the association, none of its members have been able to acquire the affixing stamp machines, some of which cost about 100,000 dollars.
The excise tax stamp was passed in 2013 to check revenue leakages in the beverage and water bottling industry, among others.
The law was not used until government announced its implementation tomorrow, 1st March.
But Speaking to Citi Business News after a meeting with its members, the President of the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers, Magnus Nunoo stated that the only option available is to direct all water producers to take their products to the Tema Port where one of the machines is located for the stamps to be embossed on it.
“This is exactly what we were telling the government and they refused to listen to us. How can all water producers transport their bottled water to the Tema Port for the stamp to be put on it?”, he queried.
He added that the situation will only compel bottled water producers to cease operations from tomorrow since government is threatening to punish producers who will not comply with the policy.
Mr. Nunoo disclosed at a meeting on 28th February, 2018, the association realized that none of its members has been able to purchase the affixing machine due to the cost.
“On the eve of the enforcement of the tax stamp, it was confirmed that none of the member companies of the association have been able to acquire the tax affixing machines at the moment,” he said.
“It was also agreed that all bottled water companies will meet on Monday, March 5th, 2018 to assess the impact of the current situation on our companies and decide on possible shutdown if found necessary,” he added.
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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana