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Customs boss cautions against fraudulent goods declaration

By BusinessNews Staff 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]

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