Online hub speeds up Nigerian clearances

Nigerian authorities have established an on-line trade hub as the first step towards speeding up the clearance of goods through the ports. It is part of a broader vision to establish Nigerian ports as trade hubs for West Africa. The Nigerian Trade Hub (NTH) includes useful tools such as a Duty Calculator, Customs Procedure Codes, Freight Rates and Export Classification. According to the developers of the site, the “intuitive” HS Code Classification Tool assists shippers with the correct classification of their products for both import and export. Once the correct HS (harmonised system) code for an imported product is obtained, the tool provides the necessary regulatory information about the product including regulating agencies, control measures, prohibition status, ETLS (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme) status depending on the country of origin, document requirements, related duties and fees and processing times. For exports, on selection of the country of export, shippers are presented with the Exportation Country’s Market Access information, including the relevant HS Code and the rates of duty it will attract upon entry. It is described as “a portal for the importer or exporter to get correct information to enable them make their decisions about doing business in Nigeria”. In addition to the tools, NTH provides information about all the Nigerian regulatory agencies, their contact details, processes, documents, fees and processing times that an importer or exporter will need to liaise with them to obtain the necessary import permits and certificates that are required to ensure compliance. There are also contact details of organisations linked with trade in Nigeria. A document library provides downloadable documents relating to trade with Nigeria, including official publications, legal information, regulatory documents and customs procedures. The site can be found at www.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. It’s a partnership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the NSC will implement the next phase, which is the establishment of an all-inclusive single window electronic trade platform. Payments will be made electronically through the hub, with online clearance and the issuing of an electronic manifest. Hassan Bello, executive secretary of the NSC, is quoted as saying “we will eliminate a lot of bureaucracy, which means the multiplicity of documents, multiplicity of desks and the procedures will be simplified." INSERT The next phase will be the establishment of an all-inclusive single window electronic trade platform.