The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has implemented the Advance Ruling System (ARS) as part of its strategy to combat the influx of illicit drugs and illegal items into the country while enhancing trade facilitation. This global tool is designed to streamline operations for economic operators within Nigeria.
During a sensitization workshop attended by stakeholders and Customs Officers, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, underscored the importance of compliance with the service’s regulations. Represented by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Saidu Yusuf, Adeniyi emphasized that the ARS requires importers to declare the status of items before importation. This declaration includes details such as classification, type, origin, and valuation of consignments.
The introduction of ARS allows Customs officers to preemptively seek information on consignments, ensuring they comply with legal standards and preventing the entry of firearms, counterfeit, and substandard goods into the Nigerian market.
Adeniyi explained, “The system mandates applicants or importers to first declare the status of items to be imported. Officers can then ask questions on the classification of consignments, types of consignments, origin of the consignment, and valuation beforehand. Whatever information is given, once the importation is done, all items, as long as the laws are followed, will be binding on both the importer and the NCS.”
Upon declaration, a certificate is issued to the consignee, importer, or applicant, subject to a fee set by the government. These measures align with guidelines from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to ensure imported goods are accompanied by necessary end-user certificates.
Adeniyi emphasized that the ARS will harmonize processes in accordance with international best practices, aiming to expedite cargo clearance, reduce port congestion, and increase revenue generation for both the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation as a whole.
In conclusion, the implementation of the ARS by the Nigeria Customs Service signifies a pivotal advancement in trade facilitation, promoting the importation of legal and high-quality goods while safeguarding Nigeria’s economy against illicit trade practices.
