The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a de minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments imported through express shipments or passenger baggage, exempting them from customs duties and taxes.

 

 

 

The announcement was in a statement issued by Abdullahi Maiwada, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), following the board’s 63rd regular meeting on September 2 chaired by Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

 

 

 

 

The new policy, which takes effect on September 8, is designed to simplify clearance processes, boost cross-border e-commerce, and ease travel for passengers with low-value goods.

 

 

 

“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the Board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold,” the statement read. “This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.”

 

 

 

 

 

The framework limits the exemption to four importations per year per individual, aligning with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as well as international standards, including the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation’s Revised Kyoto Convention.

 

 

 

Goods worth $300 or less will now be cleared immediately without the need for post-release documentation, provided they are not on Nigeria’s prohibited or restricted list.

 

 

 

However, the NCS warned against abuse of the policy, stating that any attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations would attract penalties such as forfeiture of goods, arrest, and prosecution under the NCS Act.

 

 

 

To support the rollout, the agency will establish multi-channel helpdesks to guide stakeholders, handle inquiries, and resolve compliance issues.

 

 

 

According to the service, the initiative is expected to cut clearance delays, encourage trade facilitation, and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a regional hub for e-commerce and logistics.