VIN VALUATION : Customs gives grace period to clear vehicles in ports

VIN VALUATION:
Customs gives grace period to clear vehicles in ports

* Expect a positive outcome – ACG Modupe Aremu

* We need a win, win situation – Compt Malanta

The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Hameed Ali and his management team have graciously approved one month window to enable agents clear backlog of vehicles held up in the ports as a result of the strike action.

This decision is sequel to Customs/Stakeholders town hall meeting held on VIN-Valuation policy,, last week in Lagos.

The Service said that uniform application of rebates will be used for all vehicles using correct values for assessment during the exercise.

The Customs National Public Relations Officer, DC TIMI BOMODI made this known to the media.

He informed :
“For the avoidance of doubt, the VIN-Valuation protocol is still in operation as reviews and updates are being captured in our systems to reflect the genuine concerns of stakeholders”.

DC BOMODI pointed out: “As a responsive and responsible agency, Nigeria Customs Service will sustain it’s consultations with stakeholders in line with Article 2 of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement for a smoother Customs Stakeholders relationship”.

Recall that the town hall meeting put together by the Service last week provided ample opportunity for Customs, importers, freight forwarders and relevant stakeholders to deliberate on VIN-Valuation policy, as well as other challenges facing freight forwarders on the cargo clearing chain.

The meeting led by the Zonal Coordinator of Customs in Zone ‘A’, ACG Modupe Aremu, was attended by ACG in charge of tariff and trade, Apapa Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt Yusuf Malanta, the CAC of TinCan Island Port Command, Compt Kunle Oloyede, top Customs officers, DC BOMODI, public relations officers of various Customs Commands across the country and maritime Journalists.

Others include representatives of ANLCA, NAGAFF and car dealers group.

In his speech, Compt Malanta urged clearing agents to ensure honest declaration to enhance seamless cargo clearance. He said, “Integrity should be the watch word. We want a win, win situation because clearing agents and Customs are like members of the same family.”

More so, the TinCan CAC gave more insight on economic benefits of VIN Valuation and the use of artificial intelligence. He stressed the need for Nigeria to ensure global best practice. He emphasised: “Automation is the way to go. That is what obtains in other countries.’

Giving her remarks after listening to suggestions from different groups,
ACG Aremu said, “We have carefully listened to all your suggestions and will communicate to the top Customs management. The CGC is a good listener and very passionate about trade facilitation, expect a positive outcome”.