The proposal by Grimaldi Shipping Company to charge N25,000 for the release of a personal identification number has drawn criticism from clearing agents.
The agents asserted that the company’s increase in the PIN release charge would hurt importers.
When there is no bill of lading for an import, the PIN is typically used. A PIN would be sent from the port of origin to the importer if the importer lacked a bill of lading. This would be used in place of the original bill of lading to clear the cargo at the port of destination.
The PUNCH was made aware by Grimaldi Shipping Company, a Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited subsidiary, that the PIN release fee would increase to N25,000 as of February 1 in a circular dated January 24, 2023.
As our customers are aware of the challenges posed by inflation in the business environment, the letter stated in part, “We are, therefore, forced to adjust our charges towards PIN release service. The PIN release fee will increase to N25,000 per bill of lading as of February 1. You are free to keep requesting release security by submitting the original bill of lading.
In response to the development, clearing agents stated in separate interviews on Wednesday that an importer was not required to pay for anything they might not require.
Other shipping companies do charge for PIN release, they added, but they pointed out that Grimaldi’s fee was exorbitant.
Ugochukwu Nnadi, who oversees shipping and terminal services for the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, stated, “Prior to this time, PIN release charge was less than N10,000; now they are raising it to N25,000. Why would shipping companies demand that someone pay such a large sum of money?
In regards to the development, we wrote to the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, but there was no progress. Other shipping companies, besides Grimaldi, also charge for PIN release, though Grimaldi charges more. Grimladi charges as much as N25,000, while other shipping companies charge between N7,000 and N12,000.
Nnadi asserts that shipping companies are not authorized to charge for PIN release prior to cargo release.
Mr. George Okafor, a freight forwarder, added, “Yes, there is an additional fee of N25,000, and we are speaking with Grimaldi about that. It was previously N10,000. It was boosted.
A Mediterranean Shipping Company employee who asked to remain anonymous responded, “That is documentation cost, and we charge between N7,000 and N10,000.
The amount is uncertain to me. It serves as the means of proving ownership. There must be evidence of cargo ownership, so either you have the original bill of lading or you have it (PIN release). There must be evidence that the shipment was duly authorized at the port of origin and that its intended recipient was identified.
In the meantime, attempts to contact representatives of the Grimaldi Shipping Company proved unsuccessful.
