E-Valuation: Customs grant agents 30 days grace period to clear cargo

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday suspended the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation policy for imported vehicles for one month, in response to appeals by clearing agents  and other stakeholders to clear the backlog of trapped vehicles through manual valuation.

A circular by the NCS headquarters Monday, directed all Customs Area Controllers to monitor the transition period and ensure manual assessments are in full compliance with extant laws.

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The circular with reference number NCS/T&T/ACG/008/S.100/VOL 111 titled APPROVAL FOR GRACE PERIOD TO CLEAR BACKLOG OF VEHICLES reads:

“Sequel to the recent Customs/ Stakeholders Townhall meeting held in Lagos on VIN VALUATION, I am directed to convey the approval of the CGC for a ONE (1) month window to enable the clearing of a backlog of vehicles held up in the ports.

“You are requested to note that the VIN VALUATION protocol is still in operation as reviews and updates are being captured in our systems to reflect these adjustments.

“Customs Area Controllers have been directed to monitor the transition period and ensure manual assessments are in full compliance with extant laws.”

The circle further reads: “Also note that the grace period is effective tomorrow 08 March 2022. Kindly bring the content of this information to all your members and other critical stakeholders.”

A copy of the circular which was sighted by our reported was signed by the ACG Trade & Tariff, Hamza Gumi on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali, retired.