Manufacturer calls Customs attention to Fatty Alcohol .Says item does not need End-User-Certificate for importation

Manufacturer calls Customs attention to Fatty Alcohol

.Says item does not need End-User-Certificate for importation

By Udeme Clement & Faith Idem

The Chairman, Toiletries &Cosmetic Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (T&C Group of MAN), Mr. Ikpong Umoh has called the attention of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to the delay in clearing ‘Fatty Alcohol’, which is a key input used in toiletries and cosmetics industry as Binders.

Mr. Umoh, who is also a manufacturer and the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Stellarchem Nigeria Limited, made this known to Financial Business in Lagos.

He explained, “Fatty Alcohol’ is not manufactured here in Nigeria, but it is a key input we use in toiletries and cosmetics industry as Binders”.

He pointed out, “The issue now is that at the point of clearing this item from the port, Customs says it is alcoholic content, as such requires End-User-Certificate, EUC, for the importation. Whereas, ‘Fatty Alcohol’ is not the same as ‘Liquid Alcohol’. There are two different items entirely. It is like mistaking oranges for apple fruits, that is the confusion.

He spoke further, “For instance, ‘Fatty Alcohol’ cannot be used for explosives. Also, ‘Fatty Alcohol’ is in solid form and is even edible. The type that requires EUC for importation is Liquid Alcohol because it can explode since it is in liquid form.  So, the difference is very clear”.

He stressed, “But the moment we bring this product to the port, Customs will request for EUC, and it causes delay because sometimes it takes up to three or more days for us to get this item out of the port.  And after so much delay, you still realise that EUC is not required for this particular item”.