FG Approves November 2, 2015 As Take-off Date For CTN

There are strong indications that the Advance Cargo Information System, otherwise called International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will formally become a component of the Nigerian cargo importation procedure as from November 2, 2015.
The CTN is a global information system that concerns carriage of all goods and transactions on carriage by sea.
Ahead of commencement, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has already notified all carriers, shipping lines, shipping lines agencies, cargo owners, consignees and other stakeholders of the imminent take-off next month.

There are strong indications that the Advance Cargo Information System, otherwise called International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will formally become a component of the Nigerian cargo importation procedure as from November 2, 2015.
The CTN is a global information system that concerns carriage of all goods and transactions on carriage by sea.
Ahead of commencement, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has already notified all carriers, shipping lines, shipping lines agencies, cargo owners, consignees and other stakeholders of the imminent take-off next month.
A copy of the advance notice which was sighted by a correspondent of Shipping Position Daily yesterday indicated that the date already has the blessing of the Federal Government.
Although the notice which was also circulated at yesterday’s  ‘berthing meeting’ attended by shipping line agencies and port officials in Lagos ports was silent on the modality, it nevertheless gave specific instructions about what is expected of  the various stakeholders.
The notice read in part: “In order to execute the national plan for the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) scheme for effective economic regulation and international trade facilitation, and to ensure the safety and security of cargo, ships and port installations, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorized Nigerian Shipper's Council to implement the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) on all ports that are open to international traffic”.
It also directed that: “With effect from Tuesday 3rd November 2015 all vessels loading and unloading or in transit (Export/Import and Transit) departing from Nigerian Ports or having Nigerian Ports as final destination or transiting through Nigerian ports, shall, before any movement, obtain a Movement Reference Number (MRN) from Nigerian Shipper's Council irrespective of the origin of the vessel or cargoes”, even as it added that, “All Cargoes destined for or departing from Nigerian Ports (Import/Export/Transit) shall obtain from Nigerian Shipper's Council an Entry Summary Number (ENS) in the case of import to Nigeria or an Exit Summary Number (EXS) in the case of export departing from Nigeria. The ENS or EXS must show on the Bill of Lading and final manifest of the vessel”.
The notice, which also stipulated specific obligations on the part of the shipper and the carrier, however warned that,   “non-compliance with the requirements of the ACD subjects the offender to a penalty prescribed by the Nigerian Shipper's Council”.