The International Trade Advisory Services  (ITAS) Limited says it will help the clearing sector to tap into opportunities available  in global world trade.
This it will do by providing technical and operational support to Customs and other regulatory compliance matters for organisations that engage in trade across international borders.
Chief Executive Officer of ITAS, Mr Okey Ibeke, a veteran journalist, on Wednesday in Lagos said the objective of the firm was to solve the problem of importers and exporters who have different types of issues confronting them at the ports.
Ibeke explained that the services of the firm were also open to new entrants into import or export businesses to save them from peculiar issues which many importers and exporters suffer at the ports.
Speaking to newsmen, he said, “Our team of experts provide assistance in interpretation of laws/regulations, product descriptions, harmoniswed tariff codes, valuation, rules of origin, post clearance audit and many more, for the resolution of all import/export compliance and regulatory issues for our clients.
“We develop procedures, training modules and assessment programmes to identify compliance defects, develop solutions and coordinate improvement implementation.
“We provide professional resources and broad skill sets for clients such as technical specialists, licensed customs brokers, logistics experts, project managers, accountants, lawyers, freight forwarders, and auditors.
“Our deep sense of commitment assures a win-win relationship with our clients and regulators in the international trade value chain.
“Our integrity and competence combine in qualifying us to deliver world class advisory services, backed by our long established relationship with Nigeria’s compliance, enforcement and regulatory agencies and the World Customs Organisation”.
Ibeke advised importers and exporters who have issues concerning their goods to contact the firm for assistance.
According to him, one of the reasons many goods have issues at the ports was a result of lack of knowledge on issues of compliance.
He added that the company was ready for dispute resolution on clearly trade goods having issues at the ports as far as such goods were not contraband, in which case they are not supposed to have been imported.
According to him, the company is interested in ensuring that importers comply with all trade regulations, adding that this was the only way to reduce delays in release of goods and seizures by various customs service commands.
“The opportunities that International Trade advisory services Ltd will help unleash in the Nigeria maritime industry are huge”, he stated.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos