The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Command has prohibited the alteration of imported vehicles’ chassis numbers and cross-releasing of cargo.

The Command also directed that all documents submitted for cargo clearance must bear a consistent agency name from the Vehicle Registration (VREG) stage through to final delivery, warning licensed customs agents and other port users against violations of its cargo clearance procedures.

The directives were among the resolutions reached at a stakeholders’ meeting between the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), PTML Chapter, and the Area Comptroller of the PTML Customs Command, Nura Miko.

The ANLCA PTML Chapter, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu, urged agents to verify their documentation thoroughly before submission to avoid discrepancies that could disrupt the cargo clearance process.

On chassis numbers, the Customs Command maintained that alteration would not be permitted under any circumstances.

The command directed agents and other stakeholders to ensure that chassis numbers remained accurate and consistent throughout documentation, assessment, examination and clearance.

The command also barred cross-releasing of cargo, directing agents to confirm the shade or location of their consignments before commencing assessment.

“Where an agent discovers that the cargo is in a different shade from the expected location, the agent should proceed for reassignment at no cost. Stakeholders are advised to follow this procedure rather than attempt any form of cross-release,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, the command warned that non-compliance with the directives could result in serious operational and financial consequences, including avoidable delays, additional costs, and other sanctions.

The ANLCA consequently urged its members, importers, operational teams, punchers and other port users to comply fully with the Customs Command’s directives.

The association said adherence to the resolutions would promote transparency, improve operational discipline and enhance efficiency in cargo clearance at PTML.