By: Chidozie Nwali
Lagos sept 8 — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Sunday that it has introduced a new policy making all imports valued at $300 (N 450,000 Naira) or less duty-free. The measure, which takes effect immediately, is aimed at streamlining the clearance process and boosting small-scale trade within the west African country.
The new regulation was confirmed via an official circular posted on the customs official X platform. According to the statement from the NCS, the policy change is a strategic move to ease the burden on individual consumers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that frequently import low-cost goods.
“This is a significant step towards modernizing our trade systems and fostering a more business-friendly environment,” a senior Customs official stated in the circular. “We recognize the importance of small-scale commerce and believe this threshold will remove a major bottleneck for thousands of importers, allowing them to receive their goods faster and at a lower cost.”
The move is expected to have a particularly positive impact on the country’s burgeoning e-commerce sector, where a large volume of transactions involves consumer goods valued below the new $300 limit.
Small business owners who rely on international suppliers for craft materials, electronics accessories, and fashion items are anticipated to be among the biggest beneficiaries.
Experts have cautioned that while the policy is a welcome development, effective implementation and clear guidelines will be crucial to prevent potential misuse. The NCS has indicated that it has put measures in place to ensure compliance and prevent the segmentation of higher-value imports to circumvent duties.
The new rule brings Nigeria’s import regulations in line with those of several other nations that have implemented similar de minimis value policies to facilitate low-value shipments and reduce administrative costs.
