VAT Exempted in Ghana

In March 2002 the 25% tariff on imported mosquito nets was waived, largely due to major advocacy efforts led by the National Malaria Control Program and RBM partners. In June 2002 the 12.5% VAT was also officially lifted, although this exemption was not operational at the ports of entry.

This January, 2005, following a meeting initiated by NetMark, Ghana officials took steps with the VAT Commission to make the VAT exemption operational at the ports. As a result, all commercial importers of nets no longer pay any tariffs or VAT.

These reductions have ultimately been of benefit to consumers. In spite of a recent 50% increase in fuel prices and a subsequent increase in the prices of goods and services, NetMark commercial partners have reduced the retail prices of their products, as illustrated in the case of Dawa Net:

Dawa Net Prices

Net Size	Retail Price Before VAT Exemption (Cedis)	Retail Price After VAT Exemption (Cedis)
Student size (100x180x150cm)	65,000	60,000
Extra Family size (100 x180x150cm)	75,000	70,000
Queen size conical	85,000	80,000
King size conical	95,000	90,000