Congestion surcharge: Boycott CMA-CGM, ANLCA warns importers

THE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) has issued a global trade alert against CMA-CGM shipping company over the plan to begin collection of a $400 congestion surcharge from importers by October 15th, 2018. This is even as the association warned all Nigerian importers to stop shipping their consignments through the CMA-CGM henceforth.

According to a statement signed on Monday by ANLCA’s National Vice President, Kayode Farinto, there is no congestion in the ports, thus there is no need for such congestion surcharge by the CMA-CGM.

According to the ANLCA, “The association was shocked to receive the news of an intending surcharge named ‘congestion surcharge’ to be imposed by CMA-CGM Shipping Agency from the 15th of October, 2018.

“Having carefully studied the CMA-CGM circular, we hereby state as follows:

“That it is an affront on the sensibility of all Nigerians to slam this illegitimate charge on all Nigerian bound cargoes from the 15th of October, 2018. An additional charge of N144,000 per container will surely add to the cost of doing business in our ports.

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“That it is a breach of contract of affreightment which has been sealed before the cargo was shipped through the shipping line.

“That the proposed congestion surcharge will be viewed as obtaining money under false pretence, which is not only a criminal offence but negates the Federal Governments policy on Ease of Doing Business in Nigerian ports.

“That we are issuing this global trade alert against CMA-CGM Shipping Agency, hence we advise all Nigerian importers and Nigerians in diaspora not to ship their cargoes through CMA-CGM Shipping Agency if the shipping company goes ahead to implement this draconian policy called congestion surcharge.