Advance Ruling: Customs Adopts SOP

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during the 6th Management Meeting on August 23, 2023 established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the implementation of the Service’s Advance Ruling.

A statement by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada explained the basis for the SOP lies in Section 24 sub-sections 1-9 of the new NCS Act, 2023, Article 3 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), respectively.

“Advance Ruling is a concept wherein the Customs Administration provides a written decision upon request from the importer concerning valuation, tariff classification, or origin of goods before they are imported.

“This move by the NCS aligns with the principles outlined in the Revised Kyoto Convention of 2006 and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement of 2017. Advance Ruling has been proven as a valuable tool for trade facilitation, benefiting both Customs administration and traders. It enhances predictability and certainty in Customs treatment for goods. This procedure also promotes cooperation and confidence between Customs and traders, following the guidelines set out by the World Customs Organisation Safe Framework of Standards.”

The statement adds “The NCS encourages stakeholders to take advantage of this initiative as the application process will be automated and integrated into the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Portal in line with international best practices.”