The Form M is a prerequisite for all shipments coming into Nigeria.
The process is initiated by the consignee.
The consignee is required to provide the Nigerian bank with ALL the details of the shipment BEFORE the cargo leaves the origin.
The bank needs information such as commodity, HS code, quantity, supplier's details, Port of Load (POL), Port of Discharge (POD) and a proforma invoice of the goods to be transported.
The consignee will also insure the goods to be shipped in for 110% of the value of the shipment.
When all this is done, the bank issues a document called 'Form M' and presents the same to the inspection agencies such as COTECNA/SGS (inspection/examination bodies).
The inspection agency would assess the information and approve if details are satisfactory.
Until then the consignee cannot conclude transactions with the shipper at the origin.
Once details are confirmed as satisfactory, the document is issued to the consignee by the bank with a unique transaction number.
The consignee sends a copy of the document to the shipper.
The shipper is required to indicate this number in the description column of the Bill of Lading.
It is important that the number quoted on the B/L is the same as the one on the original form; Any discrepancy would require an amendment to the B/L which could be at a cost or may considerably delay cargo release process.
In cases where the commodities in GCSS are "used spares part" these are commercial goods, and definitely require a Form M.
Diplomatic cargo( of reasonable quantity), Personal effects, goods shipped in by Government agencies or goods shipped into Free Trade Zones in Nigeria(Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ)) usually do not require Form M.
The Federal government of Nigeria has now emphasized that the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) is compulsory and enforcement will commence imminently. Consequently please note that a cargo tracking note reference number must be provided by the shippers for inclusion in the bill of lading details for all shipments with a bill of lading date on or after December 1st 2010.
The company ‘Transport and Ports Management System (Transport and Ports Management System) Antaser Afrique’ has been designated by the Federal government of Nigeria as the only authorized party to issue a cargo tracking note. For questions/queries regarding the cargo tracking note we recommend that you visit the Transport and Ports Management System Antaser website which is » www.Transport and Ports Management System-antaser.com
The details should be provided by the shipper and inserted in the body of the Bill of Lading.
Please take note that this policy is mandatory for all shipping lines calling Nigeria.
