The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has sought the intervention of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hammed Ali, on the discrepancy inherent in the ex factory prices imposed on imported vehicles by various customs commands.
NAGAFF made the appeal when its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam met with the Customs Comptroller-General to discuss operational challenges encountered during cargo clearance at the nation’s seaports.
According to a statement issued by the association, other areas of complaints include the application of penalty on trade disputes and the accumulation of goods seized by Customs, restriction of certain trade goods through the ports and approved border stations.
“Operational issues of multiple alerts, transire application, NICIS 2 prospect and challenges, procurement of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), blocking of agency licenses, intervention forces, sealing of warehouses and undue delays associated with the Dispute Resolution Committees (DRC) of various Customs Command, the role of freight forwarders under the control and regulation of CRFFN in Customs operations.
“Others are non-uniformity in the issuance of ex-factory prices on vehicles, restriction of certain trade goods through ports and approved border stations, valuation of imported goods and application of penalty on trade disputes,” NAGAFF said in a statement weekend.
Aniebonam reportedly assured his host that NAGAFF and its members would continue to be complaint and add value to the trading community.
In his response, Ali promised to look into the issues raised by NAGAFF, even as he appealed to the association to continue to educate and enlighten all concerned in Customs related matters.
“It is all about making genuine and honest declarations for Customs purposes. When this happens it shall increase the compliance level on government regulations,” Ali was quoted as saying.
The statement said the CG asked for patience in the provision of automation for Customs examination using hydro scanners and other hi-tech, non-intrusive inspection equipment.
He also stated that the various zonal commands have been delegated to ensure smooth operations at the various commands of the service.
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