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Customs boss cautions against fraudulent goods declaration

By on September 26, 2014

Importers and their freight forwarders have been advised to  abide by the rules and regulations guiding importation  as the only way for them  to enjoy the  Pre-Arrival Assessment  Report (PAAR) introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in December last year.

PAAR was introduced by the NCS as a replacement for Risk Assessment Report (RAR)  which was introduced by the former Destination Inspection Agents (DIAs) whose contract   ended  last year December.

PAAR, like  RAR,  contains trade information  which the importer or his agent must fill and submit to the bank which in turn   forwards  it  to the NCS for processing   of goods for delivery to the consignee or his agent.

Since its introduction, freight forwarders have been divided on  the system, with some  saying  that they have found it difficult clearing their goods,  while  some, including prominent agents, applauding the  new system.

Based on this development, the Customs  Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port, Mr Jibrin Zakare,  who spoke to THISDAY      described  PAAR  as a progressive and simplified import document , explaining  that those who wish to enjoy  the system must  keep away   from  any form of fraudulent acts.
Zakare   said   that those who complain of PAAR were freight forwarders  whose  importers were  involved in under-declaration, concealment, under-valuation, among other trade crime.

He explained that once an importer falsifies  his trade information, it will affect the smooth  processing for the release of such consignments.

According to the  controller,  it is one  thing for the importer to make  his declaration which is contained  in PAAR that is submitted through the bank, and  another thing for the Customs to  cross-check the information given in the document.

He said that in most cases,  a good number of importers have  been found to have given false information, adding that those were the ones that complain   that PAAR  is   difficult to  process.

He said that those who make genuine declaration could  complain  of having difficulty  in  the issuance of PAAR and subsequent  clearing of their goods.
Zakare said that those who gave  wrong information do so deliberately  in order to cheat the federal government by not paying the correct duties.
He disclosed that the Customs had during examination of goods discovered some of the anomalies by importers and their agents.

He added  that when this happens, the Customs takes time to correct the wrong by debiting the importer through the issuance of Debit Notes (DNs)  through which  the importer is compelled to pay what  he had intended to deny the government.

He advised importers to always ensure that they make genuine declaration if they wish to have a smooth process in the clearance of their goods, adding that the Service was all out to promote trade facilitation in the ports.
He disclosed that his Command has been involved in creating awareness on how to enjoy PAAR, adding that many who follow  the advice   will not have any problem.

Zakare said his Command has been talking to  Associations of Agents to educate them on the benefits of PAAR  and how   the document can be issued to  them without  delay.

 

[This Day]