From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has improved its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation system for imported used vehicles, to make provision for depreciation value and ‘accidented’ vehicles, as parameters earlier omitted.
Clearing agents had some months ago rejected the new valuation system, which they described as mindless, lacking in reasoning and contrary to the practice worldwide.
Following their continued protest, the NCS management had suspended the VIN valuation implementation to enable it rectify its valuation parameters.
Addressing stakeholders in Apapa yesterday, however, the Comptroller of Valuation, Compt. Anthony Udenze, disclosed that the new VIN valuation system will commence Monday, May 23, 2022.
He explained that the new values have been unified and simplified, adding that the purpose of the VIN valuation system is to facilitate trade. Odunze recalled that stakeholders hadrejected the new system when it was introduced two months ago, calling for value unification from the valuation unit, as there were cases of different values from the various commands.
Against these backgrounds, he said, the NCS leadership “listened to the cry of stakeholders and set up a committee to review the process and the committee worked assiduously to come up with something that would be acceptable by all.
“We drew up officers from various command’s valuation units and today we can tell you that what we will present will be acceptable globally.”
According to him, the new VIN Valuation system built in all options, including accidented and savage vehicles, as well as uniform values from all area commands, and even the House of Representatives has reviewed and approved the new system.
Also, Compt. Malanta Yusuf of the Apapa Area Command said the VIN validation policy was proof that the NCS was moving with the world in adopting automation. According to him, “the world is going digital and we cannot afford to stay behind. We have done a lot of checks and control on VIN. “Automation of customs process is very essential and valuation of vehicles is not out of place. Today, agents can sit down in their bedroom and process clearance of their cargoes.
“The new digital PAAR is another good development. Ngeria is not going to stay behind watching people take advantage of digital technology for business facilitation.” He assured that necessary adjustments would be made whenever the agency discovers them.
Meanwhile, the Ag President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, has urged compliance from freight forwarders.
Farinto, who spoke on behalf of clearing agents, also urged the NCS to guarantee auto-release of vehicles as agents’ right, and to always do the needful to enable the smooth running of port business. He also flayed the agency’s arbitral increase of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) value as unprofessional, stating that it promotes the circumventing of the process.
