Rumours of the Public Hearing on the proposed amendment of the Customs and Excise Management Act, CEMA, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria, CRFFN has commenced moves against the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, over some part of the document that will work against agents if the amended CEMA is passed into law.
The freight forwarders were particularly irked by the section of the proposed CEMA that holds agents responsible for any infraction by importers saying “we only act on behalf of the importers”.
The council ,it was gathered has mobilized the freight forwarding groups in the maritime industry to present a common position on the matter.
Already all the freight forwarding groups, including the Association of Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA) have met to galvanize a common position.
At the last stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, The ANLCA agents told Comptroller General of Customs that they were still studying the document, adding that they could not take any position yet until due consultations were made.
Commenting on the development, a frontline clearing agent Prince Aderemi Olukuntuyi told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that agent is only an intermediary that offers a service.
Olukuntuyi said that the agents can be held liable for any infraction from the clearance and delivery, adding that agents must ensure that they get every documents that relates to any cargo they want to clear for their clients.
“The situation has to do with documentation, it is the document that importer gives to his agent that is used to clear the goods. If at this point, there is a difference between what is in the container and the document, then the agent must be brought to book.’’
“This is the time for all freight forwarders to come together and take a common stand on the matter and tackle whatever needs to be tackled.”
Section 46. Sub-section 2a sates that” if anybody import with intent to evade any such duty or any prohibition, he shall be sentenced to imprisonment for five years without the option of a fine.
(2) If any person (a) Imports or causes to be imported any goods concealed in a container holding goods of a different description; or (b) Directly or indirectly imports or causes to be imported or entered any goods found, whether before or after delivery, not to correspond with the entry delivered thereof,
He shall be sentenced to imprisonment for five years without the option of a fine.
Efforts to reach the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria, Mr. Mike Jukwe for comment was futile as he sent a text saying that he was in a meeting.
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