APM Terminals warns of delays in container scanning
… Urges importers to apply for fast-track clearance
The management of APM Terminals Apapa Limited has advised port users that they might experience some delays in scanning of their containers by the service provider at the port, as only one of the two scanners at the port is currently in operation.
Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, Mr. Neil Fletcher, stated this yesterday in a public notice sent to the terminal operator’s customers.
“Please note that we are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of containers targeted for scanning which is hindering our capacity to maintain the booking and scanning of containers within 24 hours as it exceeds the 200 units daily agreed to.
“The use of two scanners, which we normally fall back on in such situation with good support from Cotecna, is not available at the moment due to ongoing preventive maintenance.
“We had talks with the Customs Area Controller (CAC) and he has agreed to route the Bills of Lading with multiple containers to physical examination so that the homogeneous goods policy can apply and less units are booked”, Fletcher said even as he urged importers and agents to apply to the Apapa Customs Area Controller to re-route containers that fall in this category.
“Also note that the CAC has made provision for you to apply for fast track facility based on your volume, facility and integrity even if you are not a beneficiary of the fast track facility. If you are a beneficiary of the fast track facility but it only covers your raw materials imported, you can also apply to the Nigeria Customs Service through the CAC for the facility to cover all cargo,” Fletcher stated.
He said that APM Terminals will continue to seek ways in partnership with relevant stakeholders to bring back normalcy to the scanning operations and will keep customers updated on developments.
“Do note that APMT has no intention of taking advantage of this situation and will refund any terminal charges on containers not scanned within 48hrs from date of booking,” Fletcher said.
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