Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has sensitized Small Medium Enterprises,( SMEs) potential exporters, and exporters on the General Administration of Chinese Customs(GACC) scheme. The training was aimed at enlightening Nigeria exporters on Chinese import requirements inorder to boost exportation of Nigeria’s goods to China.
The One-Day sensitization workshop held on Tuesday in Enugu, was also aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria products to be exported into China to avoid rejection.
In her speech , the Executive Director / CEO, NEPC, Mrs Nwonye Ayeni said the workshop was also aimed at creating awareness on the existence and operations of the GACC scheme to the Nigerian exporting public, as well as increase the value and volume of Nigeria trade with China.
Pix- South East Regional Coordinator,NEPC MacPherson Fred-Ileogben.
Represented by the South East Regional Coordinator,NEPC MacPherson Fred-Ileogben , Mrs Ayeni said ,the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC) was a new clearance system that was introduced by the Customs Department of the People’s Republic of China in 2021.
The policy according to her ,requires all overseas food manufacturers, processors and storage facilities to register under the GACC and ensure compliance with Chinese import policies before they can export to China.
She said prior to now, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) were registered by the Chinese Authority as facilitators for Nigerian products under the new policy.
“In order to fast track the clearance of exports from Nigeria, the Nigeria Regional Investment and Trade Office (RITO) in Shanghai, China requested for the accreditation of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to further enhance the processes. Consequently, the NEPC was appointed the competent authority in Nigeria for the GACC in November, 2022. This was in recognition of the Council’s pivotal role in the export of Made-in-Nigeria products.
“The implication of the new policy is that no agricultural products from Nigeria are allowed into China without prior registration of the Companies and their products under the scheme with competent Authority (Nigerian Export Promotion Council),
She added that the workshop was to also enhance foreign exchange earnings into the Nigerian Economy o maintain a database of Nigeria companies under the GACC scheme by the Council and to educate them on the spot on how to register on the GACC platform.
She said the Council had in recent times been inundated with complaints of cargos arriving in China and could not be cleared or released. It is therefore expected that after this sensitization exercise these issues will be addressed. Exporters will be properly guided before shipping their products to China.
You may wish to know that between November 2022 to date, the Council has registered 67 companies under (7) different products on the scheme. The products include sorghum/millet, sesame seed, dried split ginger, cocoa beans, cashew nuts, dried cassava chips and Cassia-Tora.
Ayeni added that the Council has as part of its renewed efforts at increasing the nations non- oil export revenue come up with the mantra “Double your Export”.
“This, we intend to achieve through the Export 35 Redefined and the NEPC Connect, all of which are aimed at bridging the gap between the Council and the exporting public. It will also help the Council in aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, :she said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the South East Regional Coordinator, MacPherson Fred-Ileogben , said the workshop was aimed at empowering participants with deep knowledge of the customs regulations , procedures, and requirements of the Peoples’ Republic of China, one of the world’s largest market destinations.
He noted that as Nigeria continues to expand its economic footprint on the global landscape, fostering strong trade relations with China is of utmost importance.
His words, “the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC) of the Peoples’ Republic of China is vital in facilitating trade, ensuring compliance with Chinese laws, and maintaining the smooth flow of goods into the Chinese market.
“For Nigerian exporters, having a clear understanding of these regulations is key to minimizing risks, eliminating rejection of exports, avoiding delays, and ensuring the successful penetration of your products in the Chinese market”, he said..
The Regional Coordinator disclosed that the exercise has been designed to provide participants with the requisite tools and insights to enable them to efficiently and effectively navigate the complexities of Chinese customs.
Fred-Ileogben urged interested participants to respond to the Council’s call for application for international voluntary certifications (HACCP & FDA). In line with the Council’s #doubleyourexport campaign.
He added that interested exporters of agricultural commodities and MSMES who were into production/manufacturing of value-added products especially processed food items were requested to apply to the Council for free implementation of voluntary certications including HACCP, FDA amongst others.
The South East Regional Coordinator explained that having international voluntary certifications will enhance the global competitiveness of their products with premium pricing. “This will, no doubt, boost your export performance in line with the Council’s current focus.”, Fred-Ileogben said.
Author- Maureen Ikpeama