- NCS announces new regulations to improve clearance times for import and export consignments, aligning with the federal government’s trade policies
- Under the new rules, imported consignments must be cleared within 30 days, with provisions for an additional 30 days upon application
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to implement new regulations governing the clearance time for import and export consignments at port terminals.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business policies and aims to facilitate trade more efficiently.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the new measures seek to tackle port congestion, streamline clearance processes, and minimize disputes related to the disposal of overtime cargo.
Maiwada noted that the implementation follows the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, which mandates that imported consignments must be cleared within 30 days after the completion of discharge from the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as stipulated in Section 30(1).
He stated, “Cargo exceeding 30 days shall be classified as ‘overtime’ but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).”