SON decries false declaration, shipping of substandard goods

The Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, has decried wilful importation of substandard goods and false declaration by importers, warning that SON will continue to work at fishing out such importers and ensure that they face the consequences of their action.

Making this known in Lagos at a sensitisation workshop with the theme “Ethics’ And Integrity In Shipping Trade,” Director General of SON, Osita Aboloma, however, said some importers are now complying with standards.

Aboloma who was represented by SON’s Director in charge of Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Obiora Manafa, noted that while it is important to prevent substandard goods from entering into the nation’s market, it is more important to prevent such from coming into the country.

The SON boss said that they are interested in enlightening importers because some may not be aware of the rules and procedures.

To this end, he noted that SON has simplified its procedures, processes and rules to make it easy for the importers. He said they have localised all standards and these and other requirements for importation are on the Organization’s website.

He also disclosed that as a means of simplification of processes, SON automated platform has been harmonised with that of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.