US Customs has recently heightened its scrutiny of shipments from Nigeria and other African countries, leading to an increasing number of cargo returns. This trend has created significant disruptions for trade, sparking concerns among exporters and importers. The root causes of these challenges include false declarations, quality issues, compliance violations, stricter airline policies, and the introduction of new tariff regimes
1. False Declaration
One of the most common reasons cargo is returned is false declarations. Exporters sometimes inaccurately declare the contents, value, or origin of their shipments, violating customs regulations. US Customs has intensified its scrutiny of incoming shipments, rejecting those with any discrepancies to ensure compliance and transparency.
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2. Quality Concerns
Quality issues have also emerged as a major contributing factor. Products that fail to meet US standards—such as those related to health, safety, or environmental regulations—are denied entry. To prevent rejection, exporters must ensure their goods strictly adhere to all quality requirements imposed by US Customs.
3. Documentation and Compliance
Errors in documentation and non-compliance with import regulations account for another significant reason for cargo rejection. US Customs has increased enforcement efforts to verify the authenticity and accuracy of shipping documents, making it essential for exporters to ensure all paperwork is thoroughly prepared and free from inconsistencies.
4. Airlines’ Stricter Policies
Airlines have adopted more rigorous measures when transporting cargo from Nigeria and other African countries. This heightened caution stems from the risk of entry denial by US Customs and the financial burden of returning inadmissible cargo to its origin. To address these concerns, airlines now require greater assurance of compliance before accepting shipments, creating additional challenges for exporters.
5. Economic and Political Factors
Previously, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), many food items from Africa enjoyed duty-free access to the US market, easing the financial burden on exporters and discouraging duty evasion. However, the introduction of the reciprocal tariff regime has drastically changed these dynamics.
Now, all items—including those that were previously duty-free—are subject to tariffs, fundamentally altering trade conditions. Any attempt at false declarations under this regime is viewed as an effort to evade excise taxes—a violation that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes extremely seriously. To safeguard trade policies and revenue collection, the CBP has ramped up enforcement. Exporters must exercise utmost diligence when declaring the contents, value, and origin of their shipments to avoid penalties or having their cargo returned to its origin.
Addressing the Challenges
To mitigate these issues and reduce the risk of cargo being returned, exporters should:
- Ensure accurate and transparent declarations.
- Adhere strictly to product quality standards and regulations.
- Prepare thorough and error-free documentation in compliance with US import rules.
- Collaborate with airlines to meet stricter transportation requirements.
- Adapt to the changing tariff environment by gaining a clear understanding of reciprocal trade measures.
Proactive measures and vigilance can help importers navigate these challenges while fostering smoother trade relations with US Customs and other stakeholders in the supply chain.
Dr Akinyemiju is the CEO of Intesup – www.intesup.com, a global logistics and supply management company based in the USA.
