The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated training for its officers and stakeholders on the Advanced Ruling System (ARS), aimed at streamlining trade processes and enhancing economic operations in the country.
This training, conducted in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), marks a significant step towards modernising customs procedures.
During the launch of the training in Lagos, Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Zone A Coordinator Saidu Yusuf, underscored the pivotal role of the ARS as a global trade facilitation tool.
Adeniyi emphasised its ability to simplify business and trade activities in Nigeria, leading to faster cargo clearance, reduced port congestion, and increased revenue for both the Customs Service and the nation.
The ARS provides economic operators, including applicants, importers, or their representatives, with a comprehensive guide on matters such as classification, valuation, origin, or status of their consignments.
It also assesses whether imported products are covered by end-user certificates or subject to restrictions.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of compliance with import regulations, particularly for goods like fish, and highlighted that adherence to the system’s rules is mandatory under Section 24 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).
He emphasised that all information provided through the ARS is legally binding for both importers and the NCS, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
Furthermore, Adeniyi noted that the system includes a status declaration process, requiring importers to declare the specifics of their consignments upfront.
He said this declaration allows customs officers to ask pertinent questions about classification, origin, and valuation, facilitating smoother and more efficient customs clearance procedures.
The Controller General expressed confidence that the ARS will significantly mitigate illegal imports of firearms and substandard goods, aligning with international standards set by the WCO and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
He anticipated that once fully operational, the system would harmonise trade processes in accordance with global best practices, akin to the Time Release Study platform, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
