NCS Approves $300 Duty-Free Import Limit, Effective September 8

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a $300 duty-free threshold for imports, a new policy set to take effect on September 8, 2025. Under the new regulation, goods valued at $300 or less will be exempt from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items.

The announcement was made in a statement on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, following the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

Maiwada explained that the policy—known as the “De Minimis” threshold—is designed to boost cross-border e-commerce, reduce clearance delays, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade facilitator.

“The board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold after a comprehensive review of similar practices globally,” Maiwada said. “This exemption applies to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.”

The threshold is limited to four importations per year and is grounded in Section 5(c) and (d), Section 158 subsections (5) and (6) of the NCS Act, 2023, in line with international standards such as the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organization’s Revised Kyoto Convention.

According to the NCS, compliant goods within the threshold will benefit from immediate release and clearance without the need for post-release documentation. Passenger baggage containing merchandise not exceeding the $300 value will also qualify for the exemption.

Maiwada emphasized that non-compliance—including attempts to manipulate invoices or evade duties—will attract penalties such as forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023.

To support the policy’s rollout, NCS has set up multi-channel help desk platforms to assist stakeholders with compliance, inquiries, and complaints.

He reiterated the Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, noting that recent reforms aim to strengthen public trust and uphold ethical standards.

In addition, the board reviewed disciplinary cases during the meeting, following viral social media videos showing acts of misconduct by some Customs officers. As a result, two officers were demoted, while two others were reinstated after a favorable review of their cases.
Source: Premium Time