Ever wondered what PAAR stands for and why it's crucial for importing goods into Nigeria? In this article, you will find all the guidelines to ensure hassle-free entry in the country.
What is PAAR?
PAAR is Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, also called Clean Report of Inspection. It is a document which confirms conformity of the imported goods to the destination country's set criteria and import guidelines. It provides timely, multi-dimensional risk analysis at every stage of customs processes.
To clear goods entering Nigeria, Nigeria Custom Service approved and valid PAAR report is needed. It must be processed at a commercial bank, usually, PAAR is processed by the bank that issued the form M.
Note: The Courier shipment is not required to obtained PAAR document.
PAAR regulation
By regulation, the exporter is expected to send the original PAAR documents for a particular shipment to the bank. the exporter sends documents to the authorized dealer bank directly by courier or other means. Banks fills the electronic PAAR Consignment form via the Nigeria single window Trade Porter https://app.trade.gov.ng/paar/consignment , bank also attached scanned copies of final documents to NCS who can view, register, query or reject PAAR.
Note: When PAAR is rejected, it will delay or stop the process of cargo clearance.
Documents needed for PAAR.
The Commercial Invoice is a legal document provided by a seller to a buyer in an international transaction. The document serves as a contract and proof of sakes between the two parties. It details the number of goods sold, the process and their value.
The Packing list is an unabridged custom cum transport document. It is issued by the manufacturer, supplier or exporter to the buyer. The packing list consist of details of parcel of goods bought. The packing list serves a lot of function in international and national trade.
The Airway bill or Bill of lading or Sea Waybill or Road Waybill. This is issued by the carrier of your goods. A draft is usually issued to make sure the document complies with local requirements. What to check include, weights, HS codes, Form M numbers, and good description, vessel or Airline carrying the cargo, number of packages must be stated etc.
The SONCAP or Import Permit or NESREA certificate. A SONCAP certificate is a legally required document for regulated products to pass through Nigerian customs clearing procedures. Lack of a SONCAP certificate will result in a delay in the clearance of regulated products through customs or a refusal to let them into the Nigerian domestic market. Import and NESREA is issued by government.
The CCVO A Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) is an international export document which is used for all shipments which are sent to Nigeria. The document is used to prove the origin and value of goods being exported for customs clearance purposes.
Navigating Nigeria's customs regulations can be complex, but with the right guidance, obtaining PAAR and other mandatory certificates becomes much simpler.
Cotecna, appointed by SON, offers expert assistance to exporters and importers, helping them obtain the necessary Product Certificates (PC) and SONCAP Certificates (SC) with ease.
To find out more or obtain your certificates, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also download the Nigeria exporter guide to find out more about the SONCAP programme.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.