Starting today, Monday, September 8, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) begins implementing a landmark policy that exempts imports valued at $300 or less from customs duties. The measure, approved by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), is part of ongoing reforms aimed at easing trade, boosting e-commerce, and aligning Nigeria’s import regime with international standards.
What the Law Says
Under the new framework, goods worth $300 and below are to be released duty-free. The policy applies to low-value consignments, e-commerce shipments, and passenger baggage, provided that the items are not prohibited or restricted under existing laws.
Importantly, the regulation sets a limit: each importer or individual is allowed only four such duty-free transactions per year. Once this limit is reached, regular duty charges will apply.
The law also specifies that qualifying shipments should be given immediate release without the burden of post-release documentation, thereby cutting delays that have historically slowed down clearance at ports and airports.
Officers Urged to Comply
Customs officers across Nigeria have been reminded that this is not a discretionary guideline but a binding directive under the law. Any attempt to frustrate, delay, or unlawfully assess duty on eligible consignments will be treated as a violation of service regulations.
Senior customs officials have also warned against unethical practices. “The new $300 de minimis threshold is designed to support small traders and e-commerce operators. Any officer who obstructs its smooth implementation will be held accountable,” an official at Customs headquarters told reporters.
Why It Matters
The policy is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s trade environment:
- Boost for E-commerce: Online businesses that rely heavily on low-value imports can now receive packages faster and at reduced costs.
- Ease for Travelers: Passengers bringing in personal effects worth under $300 will now enjoy smoother clearance.
- Global Alignment: The reform reflects global best practices under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention, which encourage duty-free thresholds for low-value shipments.
Stakeholder Support & Helpdesk
To ensure smooth rollout, the NCS has launched multi-channel helpdesk platforms for importers, freight forwarders, and the general public. These platforms will handle inquiries, provide clarification, and receive complaints where officers fail to comply with the law.
Trade analysts say the initiative could strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s import system. “If Customs officers adhere strictly to the new rules, it will reduce friction in cross-border trade and make Nigeria more competitive in the global e-commerce market,” said an industry expert.
Bottom Line
As of today, duty-free clearance for imports under $300 is the law in Nigeria. Customs officers at land borders, seaports, and airports are expected to comply fully, ensuring that importers, travelers, and small businesses benefit from the government’s trade facilitation reforms.
Failure to enforce this directive, stakeholders warn, will undermine Nigeria’s credibility and defeat the very purpose of the reform.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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