The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is reinforcing provisions that mandate imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days of arrival.
This applies 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, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
“To enhance efficiency in cargo clearance, all consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances,“ he said.
Maiwada 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.
He 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.
“ In addition, Section 149(1) empowers the service to establish time limits for cargoes to leave customs territory.
“These guidelines will ensure compliance, prevent undue delays, and maintain order at port terminals while allowing importers and exporters ample time for cargo clearance,“ he said.
He said that cargo exceeding 30 days would be deemed “overtime” but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).
“Where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application, “ he said.
According to him, the clearance opportunity is valid for 90 days from arrival, and any consignment not cleared within this period will be subject to the commencement of the disposal process.
He, 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.
He said that the NCS, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, remained committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process that prevented undue port congestion and mitigates legal disputes related to overtime cargo.
He added that the NCS was determined to enhance overall trade facilitation through these measures and urged stakeholders to comply with the regulations to ensure smooth trade operations.
