The Federal Government through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced a 31-day suspension of the controversial electronic valuation system for imported vehicles, also known as Vehicle Identification Number valuation.
The announcement came over two weeks after clearing agent associations at Lagos ports embarked on an indefinite strike over what they described as frustrations occasioned by the implementation of the e-valuation system or VIN by the Customs. A stakeholders meeting between Customs and the clearing agents last week ended in a deadlock.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of imported vehicles became trapped at the Lagos ports due to the withdrawal of services by the striking clearing agent unions.
Among other issues, clearing agents alleged that the Customs had used the e-valuation system to hike duties on imported vehicles arbitrarily.
However, announcing the decision of the NCS, the National Public Relations Officer of service, Timi Bomodi, said the agency suspended the policy for 31 days to allow for clearance of vehicles trapped in the ports.
In a statement, titled, “VIN Valuation: Approval of Grace Period to Clear Backlog of Vehicles”, the NCS said the service had approved a grace period of one month to clear the backlog of vehicles trapped at the ports.
As a result, Bomodi said a uniform application of rebates would be used for all vehicles, using correct values for assessment during the exercise.
The statement read in part, “Sequel to recent Customs/stakeholders town hall meeting held in Lagos on VIN-Valuation, the Comptroller General of Customs having listened to public outcry, has graciously approved one-month window to enable the clearing of the backlog of vehicles held up in the ports as a result of strike action. Meanwhile, uniform application of rebates will be used for all vehicles using correct values for assessment during the exercise”
However, Bomodi maintained that the VIN protocol would still be in place.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the VIN-Valuation protocol is still in operation as reviews and updates are being captured in our systems to reflect the genuine concerns of stakeholders. As a responsive and responsible agency, Nigeria Customs Service will sustain its consultations with stakeholders in line with Article 2 of World Trade Organisation, Trade Facilitation Agreement for a smoother Customs Stakeholders relationship,” he concluded.