Customs Relaunches VIN Valuation System For Imported Vehicles

THenigeria Customs Service ( NCS) has relaunched the Vehicle Identity No ( VIN) automotive valuation system, assuring that the system has been reviewed for the benefit of stakeholders.

Unveiling the new VIN platform at a stakeholders forum held at the Apapa command of NCS, the Customs Comptrollers at the forum reeled out the benefits of the automative system as promoting ease of doing business and facilitating legitimate trade, among others.

They said the system has been made simple and flexible to be user friendly, as it has given preference to accidented vehicles and depreciation, among others.

Comptroller, Apapa Command, Yusuf Malanta, said: “The world is going digital. We cannot afford to stay behind. We have done a lot of checks and control on VIN Automation of Customs process. Now some agents can sit down in their bedroom and process clearance of their cargoes. The world is going digital. We cannot afford to stay behind. The new digital PAAR is another good development. Nigeria is not going to stay behind watching people take advantage of digital technology for business facilitation.

“If there is anything we need to adjust, let us know. We will adjust it, but their is no going back on the VIN valuation,” he said.

Controller Valuation, Headquarters, Comptroller Anthony Udeze, said the Customs has reviewed the earlier system that triggered outcry from importers, adding that it has put human face to the values.

“We have demonstrated it to clearing agents and freight forwarders association in Abuja, we have acquainted members of House of Representatives and they have given their nod. Today, we are to sensitising the stakeholders that VIN valuation has come to stay,” he said.

Comptroller Festus Okun, PTML, said the Customs service has brought into its process the basic principles of taxation, which brings forth fairness, uniformity and convenience.

“We should work together to make sure that the system works in a manner that it will promote trade,” he said.

Controller, Tin Can Command, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede said: “The system will enable us tackle security challenges we have in this country, eases business and facilitates legitimate trade.”

Acting President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Clearing Agents ( ANLCA), Kayode Farinto urged agents to ensure transparency and comply strictly with the trade procedures.

He said the rise in value of PAAR is not professional, as it gives the stakeholders the mind of circumventing the process.