Maersk alerts customers on Customs’ halt of bill lading prefixes for PAAR processes

The Nigeria Customs Service has directed a change in the documentation required for the Pre- Arrival Assessment Report ( PAAR) process, stopping the use of shipping lines prefixes on bill of lading numbers.

This directive was communicated to the trading public via a customer advisory issued by Maersk Nigeria Limited.

According to the customer advisory sighted by Maritime Today online, the directive by the NCS is aimed at eliminating data mismatches and accelerate cargo clearance at the nation’s ports.

According to Maersk, the practice of including shipping line prefixes before the bill of lading number prevents Customs from accurately aligning manifests with PAAR records, leading to delays and compliance challenges.

Maersk urged it’s customers to use only the 9-digit unique Bill of Lading number provided by the shipping line when submitting PAAR documentation to align with Customs’ requirements and supports timely and efficient cargo clearance.

The customer advisory reads, “We would like to inform you of an important directive from the Nigeria Customs Service regarding the correct format of Bill of Lading numbers to be used during PAAR processing.

“It has been observed that including prefixes such as “MAEU” before the Bill of Lading number (e.g., MAEU123456789) during PAAR submission creates a mismatch with the shipping line’s transmitted data, which reflects only the unique 9-digit Bill of Lading number (e.g., 123456789). This discrepancy prevents Customs from accurately aligning manifests with PAAR records and may lead to processing delays or compliance challenges.

“To ensure smooth documentation flow and avoid complications, kindly adhere to the following: – Use only the 9-digit unique Bill of Lading number provided by Maersk when submitting PAAR documentation.

“Do not add any prefixes or alter the original format of the Bill of Lading number.

“Following this guidance aligns with Customs’ requirements and supports timely and efficient cargo clearance.

“We appreciate your cooperation and remain available for any clarification or assistance you may need, ”