Customs partners WCO, NESG to train officers on Advanced Ruling System
By Seun Ibiyemi
Determined to boost trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service has partnered with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Nigerian Energy Support Group (NESG) to sensitise officers and stakeholders on Advanced Ruling Systems.
Speaking on Monday during the sensitisation and flag-off of the programme in Lagos, the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said that the Advanced Ruling System is a global trade facilitation tool that facilitates how business or trade is being carried out in Nigeria.
The Advance Ruling System is a step-by-step handbook and a strategic guide for economic operators in Nigeria.
Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by the Zone A Coordinator of the NCS, Saidu Yusuf, explained that with the platform, applicants, importers, or their representatives are going to apply to the service in regards to the classification, valuation, origin, or status of the consignment.
According to him, “The platform would also determine whether the products to be imported are covered by the end-user or not, or whether they are under restriction.
“As you are aware, before you import items like fish into the country, there are certain things you need to do.”
He added that an advanced ruling system would provide information on most of these items, even as he urged officers to adhere to the rules of engagement.
Adeniyi pointed out that Section 24 of the Customs and Excise Management Act empowered officers to prohibit unwholesome goods from being imported into the country.
“So whatever information is given, the moment the importation is done, all items, as long as the laws are followed, is going to be binding on both the importer and the NCS,” the Customs CG added.
The CGC further stated that the platform, as well as other recently introduced trade facilitation tools, mandates applicants or importers to first declare the status of items to be imported and that it allows officers to ask questions on the classification of consignments, types of consignments, the origin of the consignment, and valuation beforehand.
The NCS boss explained that at the end of filling up the status, a certificate would be issued to the consignee for a moderate fee as deemed fit by the government.
He revealed that it would bring to an end the illegal importation of firearms as well as fake and substandard items, which, he said, are flooding the country’s market.
“These guidelines are key tools of the World Customs Organisation as well as the World Trade Organisation. By the time the programme becomes fully operational, it will ensure that our role as officers is showcased. It would also show whether the imported items are covered by the end-user certificate or not,” he said.
He reiterated that the advanced ruling system would harmonise the entire process in line with international best practices.
“Like the Time Release study that was recently launched, the platform would harmonise the entire process in line with international best practice.”
“The faster cargo is moved out of the ports, the more revenue will be generated. It would reduce congestion and there would be enough space for incoming cargo. It will translate into more revenue for the service and more revenue for Nigeria,” he added.
