Customs, global body partner to boost trade facilitation

In a bid to boost trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service has partnered the World Customs Organisation and the Nigerian Energy Support Group to sensitise officers and stakeholders on advanced ruling systems in the sector.

Speaking during the sensitisation in Lagos on Monday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the advanced ruling system is a global trade facilitation tool that facilitates how business or trade is being carried out in Nigeria.

Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by the Zone A Coordinator of the NCS, Saidu Yusuf, explained that with the platform, importers of goods or their representatives would apply to the service in regards to classification, valuation, origin or status of the consignment.

According to him, the platform would also determine whether the products to be imported are covered by the end-user, or whether the products are under restriction.

“As you are aware, items for like fish, before you import them into the country, there are certain things you need to do,” he stated.

He added that an advanced ruling system would provide information on most of these items, even as he urged officers to adhere to the rules of engagement.

Adeniyi pointed out that Section 24 of the Customs and Excise Management Act had empowered officers to prohibit unwholesome goods from being imported into the country.

The CGC stated that the platform as well as other recently introduced trade facilitation tools “mandates applicants or importers to first declare the status of items to be imported.”

He said the platform also allows officers to ask questions on the classification of consignments, types of consignments and origin of the consignment and valuation beforehand.

The NCS boss explained that at the end of filling up the status, a certificate would be issued to the consignee for a moderate fee as deemed fit by the government.

He revealed that it would bring to an end the illegal importation of firearms as well as fake and substandard items that are flooding the country’s market.

“These guidelines are key tools of the World Customs Organisation as well as the World Trade Organisation. By the time the programme becomes fully operational, it will ensure that our role as officers is showcased. It would also show whether the imported items are covered by the end user certificate or not,” he said.

Adeniyi reiterated that the advanced ruling system would harmonise the entire process in line with international best practices.