The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says it is reinforcing provisions that mandate imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days of arrival after the importing carrier has completed discharge or within a timeframe prescribed by the service, as outlined in Section 30(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
The Spokesperson of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the directive was part of NCS`s new guidelines on dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals across the nation, which it would begin implementing.
He said the new measures aimed at addressing port congestion, streamline clearance processes, and reducing disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.
Maiwada, added that the measures were also part of the NCS’s commitment to trade facilitation in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
Maiwada, also explained that Cargo exceeding 30 days shall be deemed “overtime” but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC), while where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application.
He said the clearance opportunity is valid within 90 days from arrival, adding that any consignment uncleared beyond 90 days shall be due for the commencement of the disposal process.
Maiwada, however, stated that, without prejudice to the stated guidelines, the service reserved the right to initiate the disposal process, if necessary, following the initial 30-day grace period stipulated by the NCSA 2023.
The National Public Relations Officer, said the NCS, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remained committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process that prevents undue port congestion, mitigates legal disputes associated with overtime cargo, and enhances overall trade facilitation.
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