Mr Uchu Block, the National General Secretary,
National Council of Managing directors of Licensed Customs Agents on Thursday
declared that the poor handling of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) was
hindering trade.
National Council of Managing directors of Licensed Customs Agents on Thursday
declared that the poor handling of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) was
hindering trade.
PAAR is a cargo clearance platform established by the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in December 2013, to enhance effective clearance
procedure within the shortest time possible.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in December 2013, to enhance effective clearance
procedure within the shortest time possible.
Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Block said that
PAAR was being handled unprofessionally; thereby deterring a smooth flow of
trade, which it otherwise ought to promote.
PAAR was being handled unprofessionally; thereby deterring a smooth flow of
trade, which it otherwise ought to promote.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs meant well with
PAAR, but the way that the officers in charge are handling it is poor, and it
is making it run contrary to its purpose,” Block said.
PAAR, but the way that the officers in charge are handling it is poor, and it
is making it run contrary to its purpose,” Block said.
He said the officer handling the PAAR process were not
professional in the act of valuation, therefore, ended up imposing value rather
than processing it according to stipulated steps for value calculation.
professional in the act of valuation, therefore, ended up imposing value rather
than processing it according to stipulated steps for value calculation.
“Value is not imposed like some of them are doing; it
is supposed to be worked out according to set rules as is obtainable
internationally.
is supposed to be worked out according to set rules as is obtainable
internationally.
“International trade is global and the way valuation
is done should also be global,” he said.
is done should also be global,” he said.
It could be recalled that earlier this month, the
Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, noted that some of the hitches
with PAAR could not be completely ruled out at this early stage.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, noted that some of the hitches
with PAAR could not be completely ruled out at this early stage.
He, however, encouraged the customs agents and freight
forwarders to work in harmony to resolve whatever challenge that may surface in
the course of their transactions.
forwarders to work in harmony to resolve whatever challenge that may surface in
the course of their transactions.
