‘I frequently receive inquiries from people curious about the work we do as customs specialists, or “clearing agents,” as we’re commonly referred to locally’
Rotarian Callistus Chijioke Ulu, is the Founder of Calix Logistics (licensed by the Nigerian Customs Service), a full member of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade (UK) ,member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also hold a master’s degree in international Transport, Trade, and Logistics from the prestigious Liverpool John Moores University , political science from Abia state university and the President-elect of the Rotary Club of Satellite Town.
As customs specialists in Nigeria, their core responsibility is to ensure that goods entering or leaving the country comply with customs laws and regulations. This involves managing documentation, liaising with customs authorities, calculating duties and taxes, and ensuring shipments meet legal standards to prevent delays or penalties. Below is a summary of our key responsibilities:
1. Ensuring Compliance with Nigerian Customs Laws
We ensure that all goods are accurately documented by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) regulations. This includes preparing documents such as Form M, Paar, import permits, and export permits and making sure all declarations are correct and compliant.
2. Tariff Classification and Duty Assessment
We classify goods under the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes, which are crucial for determining applicable duties, taxes, and levies. Correct classification helps avoid underpayment or overpayment of customs duties.
3. Processing Customs Declarations
We manage the submission of customs declarations through the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), ensuring that shipments are cleared in a timely and lawful manner.
4. Liaising with Customs Authorities
We work closely with Nigeria Customs Service officers to resolve any issues, delays, or discrepancies in shipments, ensuring smooth and efficient clearance.
5. Mitigating Risks and Avoiding Penalties
By ensuring full compliance with customs and trade regulations, we help businesses avoid penalties, shipment seizures, or costly delays.
6. Advising Businesses
We offer expert guidance on how businesses can leverage trade agreements, duty waivers, and exemptions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
7. Collaborating with Other Agencies
We coordinate with other government bodies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to ensure that shipments meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
In Nigeria, customs specialists like like Calistus often work for import/export companies, and clearing and forwarding agencies like Calix Logistics, or operate independently as consultants. Our role is to help businesses navigate the complexities of customs procedures, facilitating smooth and compliant international trade.
