Errors shipping to Nigeria are avoidable. Shipping Company know by regulation that every shipment across international borders must be subject to clearance through Customs. There are two-way clearances, one at the origin and the other at the destination. This article is concerned with the clearance at the port of arrival or discharge at the destination country. The clearance process could be a very smooth and enjoyable experience or a nightmare. Smoothness is dependent on the processes adopted and the expertise in documentation. If all parties follow strictly, proper clearance procedures, and adhere to rules, importation becomes sweet. Attempts to cut corners on rules or play smart are not often advantageous. Most often, than not however, the aim is not too deliberately to flout rules or do something smart. Thus, the result of ignorance and human errors could increase overall cost.
ERRORS SHIPPING TO NIGERIA: PURPOSE OF ARTICLE
The purpose of this article and the next one we will write is to point out areas of common errors shipping to Nigeria. Mistakes occur mainly in processes and in documentation. Therefore, our goal is to help you avoid them. Let me treat the procedural errors first, and deal with documentation error in the next article. Read on; contact us to handle your shipment from end to end or from any stage.
Read also IMPORTATION DOCUMENTS: HOW TO PROCESS SONCAP NIGERIA
SHIPPING GOODS WITHOUT FORM M APPROVAL
It is possible to clear cargo without following the standard Form M and PAAR application procedure. This is what we call direct assessment or express bases. Direct cargo assessment is mostly for extremely urgent shipments. The reason is that this method comes with extra cost compared to the standard conventional clearance.
If the goal is to do the conventional clearance procedure, which of course is legal and cheaper, then you must first obtain the Form M before cargo departure. Otherwise, shipping your cargo first, and later obtaining Form M will produce an error. In such instance, the bank will say ‘shipping documents precedes Form M.’ the error will hinder processing of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR. Without the PAAR, you are to take the only available option – Direct Assessment (with more clearing costs). To avoid this from happening, you must check to be register Form M with the Nigerian Customs Services.
Read also FORM M QUESTIONS, BEST UPDATED ANSWERS
ERRORS SHIPPING TO NIGERIA: SHIPPING GOODS WITHOUT SON
The standard, conventional practice is that you apply for SON PC, use the PC to get Form M. Once done, send copy Form M along with other documents demanded to SON approved inspection agents and ask for the SONCAP certificate. The SON agent will inspect your goods, and supervise the loading at supply country, before issuance of SONCAP Certificate. Failure to follow this procedure will mean that the SON agent would refuse to issue you with SONCAP. Reason is that they did not oversee loading process. Should SON agent refuse to issue you with SONCAP Certificate, you have no option left than clear the cargo on Direct Assessment method with more cost implication. I shall write on how to handle direct assessment of cargo on a different article.
ERRORS SHIPPING TO NIGERIA: FAILURE TO SUBMIT MANIFEST ON TIME
Recently, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has asked shipping company to transmit electronic manifest of their cargoes to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) seven days before the arrival of any vessel to the country. On transmission of manifest, the importer can start the clearance process before cargo arrival. This enables the importer to clear cargoes within 3 days on arrival, and thus avoid extra costs emanating from storage. So, actively engage your transporter to do the needful at the right time.
Following the above steps would help eliminate human errors and enhance clearance process. Furthermore, contact us today for best cargo handling experience.