Regulatory Alerts2014-05-02 | TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/012Re: Import Guidelines, Procedures and Documentation requirements under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria
The document provided is a detailed guide to import clearance procedures in Nigeria. It covers all aspects, from pre-arrival preparation of documents such as PAAR and CCVO, to the submission of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using a Direct Trader Input (DTI), payment at designated banks, customs control, requesting for release, and finally, release by the Terminal Operator. 1. Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR): It is an electronic report that should be submitted online before arrival of goods in Nigeria. The PAAR system allows importers to assess their duties and charges electronically and enables Nigerian Customs Service to track the movement of cargo from departure ports to arrival at Nigerian seaports or airports. 2. Single Goods Declaration (SGD): This is a mandatory electronic document that must be prepared by Importers, agents or exporters before goods arrive in Nigeria. It contains all relevant details about the consignment, such as its value, HS Code, and any other required information. The SGD should be submitted using a Direct Trader Input (DTI), an online platform developed by the Nigerian Customs Service for submission of electronic declarations. 3. Payment at Designated Banks: After submitting the SGD, importers must pay customs duties and other charges at designated banks. The bank will then confirm payment to the Nigeria Customs Service through an electronic message. 4. Customs Control: Once payment has been confirmed, goods can proceed to the customs control area where they will be subjected to selectivity of the Customs' Automated Risk Management System. 5. Request for Release: After clearing customs control, importers or their agents must request the release of their consignments through the DTI platform. 6. Release by Terminal Operator (T/O): Finally, after all clearances have been obtained, terminal operators will issue an 'Exit Note' to the Nigeria Customs Service allowing them to release the goods for collection by the importer or his agent. In summary, the Nigerian import clearance process involves several steps including preparing mandatory documents, submitting declarations electronically through DTI platform, payment of duties and taxes at designated banks, passing customs control, obtaining an exit note from terminal operators, and finally collecting goods from the port or airport of arrival.