The Federal Government has given March 31, 2018 as the new date for full implementation and sanction on violation of the controversial Palletisation policy.
The Government gave the new date via a memo with reference number F/194687/TR/EBECS/T1/28 and dated February 12, 2018, a copy of which was sighted by Shipping Position Daily correspondent last week.
In the memo which emanated from the Federal Ministry of Finance, and titled: “Attention All Stakeholders In The Import Value Chain”, the ministry insisted that all containerized cargoes coming into Nigeria must comply with international standard for packaging / stuffing and loading into containers.
The memo added that: “ Note that the grace period given up to 31st of March , 2018 for exemption from palletization policy of goods for which form ‘M' had already been established prior to the effective date of 1st of January, 2018 for full implementation of the policy still remains in force”.
It also insisted that all cargoes destined for Nigeria must be packaged in accordance with the manufacturers’ specification on packing and sacking.
Acknowledging what it called series of complaints by shippers, the memo also disclosed that the first guidelines on palletisation have been modified.
The memo read in part that: “Sequel to the series of complaints and requests received from the trading public in respect of the palletization policy contained in the Revised Import Guidelines of 22nd December, 27is hereby amended to further strengthen the Ease of Doing of Business drive.
“Consequently all containerized cargoes coming into Nigeria should comply with international standard for packing/stuffing and loading into containers’’.
It added that, “Dead pile loading or loading without pallets of containerized cargoes is acceptable provided it conform with international standard
“With exception of used automobiles and heavy machinery, any loosely packed new or used item without manufacturer ‘s loading and packing prescription should be packed in crates or cartons a top pallets accordingly.
“Furthermore, it is advised that all containerized cargoes should be loaded neatly in a manner that will promote safety in handling and facilitate speedy examination at the ports by the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Failure to comply with the above provisions designed for seamless implementation of the palletization policy, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, shall invoke sanctions as prescribed in the Addendum to the 2017 revised Import Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance’’, the memo stated.
Discussion about this post