Customs approves $300 duty-free import limit

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a new $300 duty-free threshold for imports, effective September 8.

Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in Abuja on Sunday, noting that the decision was taken during the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The initiative, known as the “De Minimis” threshold, allows goods valued at $300 or below to be exempted from customs duties and related taxes.

It applies to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, with a restriction of four importations per year.

Maiwada explained that the measure is in line with global best practices, aimed at boosting cross-border e-commerce, reducing clearance delays, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional trade facilitation.

He added that it aligns with provisions of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as international agreements such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention.

The policy also provides for immediate release of eligible consignments without post-clearance documentation, but warns of strict sanctions, including forfeiture and arrest, for non-compliance or attempts to manipulate invoices.

To aid implementation, the NCS has set up multi-channel helpdesks to guide stakeholders, address inquiries, and resolve complaints.

Meanwhile, the board also reviewed recent disciplinary cases involving customs officers.

Two officers were demoted for misconduct captured in viral videos, while two others were reinstated after favourable reviews.

The sanctioned officers will undergo medical re-evaluation, and the board issued stern warnings against substance abuse and unethical behaviour.

Maiwada reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to accountability, discipline, and integrity, stressing that the reforms are aimed at ensuring transparency and public trust.