Importers/ Auto Traders Appeal To F.G On 35% Duty Collection

Importers and automobile traders have appealed to the Federal Government to consider the informal sector ; saying that the 35% duty being collected by the Customs will send some of them out of the business.

Auto Port Weekly recalls that the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, said is not shifting grounds on the implementation of the automotive new policy, especially as it affects collection of duty on vehicles.

But appealing to the federal government on behalf of automobile traders,Chief Stephen Uzonuoma begged the government to allow importers to carry out last minute importation on used vehicles.

He disclosed that gradually, vehicles importation has dropped, following the government policy which came in to being since last year.

The importer-cum-trader further urged the government not to commence collection of the 35% duty stating that most of the importers are making effort for massive import on vehicles before the date of expiration.

According to him,there will be massive importation of vehicles in June.

He said that most importers have been lamenting over the policy which has also sent some of the businessmen out of the trade.

On his part, Ibezim Jerry said already importers have stopped importation of vehicles.

He disclosed that there has been a massive drop in the volume of vehicles imported because of the automotive policy.

The automobile trader stressed that the recent commencement of implementation by the Customs will further send more vehicle importers out of the business.

Ibezim begged the government for further consideration on the 35% duty adding that the July deadline is in the mind of the operators.