Finally, Nigerian govt eases rule on palletization policy

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance, has announced its decision to ease the rule on new cargo import on palletisation.

“All container cargoes coming into Nigeria should comply with international standards for packing/stuffing and loading into containers; and specific packing and stacking standards prescribed by the original manufacturer of the product. Dead-pile loading, or loading without pallets of containerised cargoes, is acceptable provided it conforms to the criteria outlined”. The Federal Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The statement which was issued by the Director, Home Finance, Olubunmi Siyanbola, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Kemi Adeosun, urged all importers to comply with International standards and stacking prescription by the original manufacturers of products because defaulters shall be liable to a fine of 25% of Free on Board (FOB) value in Naira equivalent of the unpalletised goods.

The decision to ease the rule on new cargo import policy on palletisation, according to the statement, is as a reaction to series of complaints and requests it received from the trading public in respect of the palletisation policy contained in the 2017 revised import guidelines to further strengthen the ease of doing business drive.

It further warned that; “failure to comply with the provisions designed for seamless implementation of the palletisation policy, the Nigerian Customs Service shall invoke sanctions as prescribed in the Addendum to the 2017 revised import guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance. Any importer that defaults on the mandatory palletization of containerized goods imported into Nigeria shall be liable to a fine of 25% of Free on Board (FoB) value in Naira equivalent of the unpalletised goods.

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“With the exception of used automobiles and heavy machinery, any loose packed new or used items without manufacturers’ loading and packing prescriptions should be packed in crates or cartons atop pallets accordingly.”

The reviewed guideline stated that all containerised cargoes should be loaded neatly in a manner that will promote safety in handling and facilitate speedy examination and clearance at the ports by the Nigerian Customs Service.

Adeosun highlighted that, although the policy commenced with full force on January 1, 2018, importers will have until March 31, 2018 as grace period for the palletisation policy of goods for which Form “M” had already been established.

She intimated that the responsibility lays on the shipping lines and container carriers to advice all intending shippers to palletise all containerized cargoes that are not exempted from the new policy. Adding that, the new measure would aid manual examination of consignment while the country awaits the acquisition and installation of functional scanners at the seaports and land borders.

 

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