CMA CGM customers get notice on advance cargo declaration in Nigeria

THE management of CMA CGM has formerly notified its customers, partners and other stakeholders on the implementation of Advance Cargo Declaration in Nigeria.

In its shipping notice titled: “Shipments to and from Nigeria: Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) is compulsory”, CMA CGM said: “The government of Nigeria is implementing an Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD) for both Nigerian import and export shipments”.
It added: “All import and export cargo are mandatorily subject to an Entry Summary (ENS) or Exit Summary (EXS) number”.

The shipping firm advised customers to proceed with an ACD and obtain an Entry Summary Number (ENS) for their respective shipments, noting that ENS number must be provided to the Carrier prior to loading at Nigerian ports.

Already, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has commenced sensitization programme for Nigerian importers, exporters and clearing agents on the scheme also identified as International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).

But, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has kicked against the scheme, citing “observed limitations”.

The stance against the re-introduction of the system, according to MAN was as a result of observed limitations, negative trickle-down effect on businesses, cost driven implications on cargo clearance and other yet to be addressed observed lapses that motivated the call for its cancellation few years ago.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Remi Ogunmefun, MAN noted that the association had at a special meeting with the management and Governing Board of NSC held on August 11, 2015 and a follow-up technical review session of August 20, 2015 had expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed re-introduction of the CTN.

MAN said: “The rationale for dissatisfaction was expressed at the afore-mentioned meetings and formally communicated in writing to the Executive secretary of the Nigerian shippers council on September 15, 2015.”