Customs says imports worth $300 or less will be tax-free from Monday

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a de minimis threshold value of $300 for low-value consignments imported through express shipments or passenger baggage.
De minimis means the minimum value of goods below which no customs duties or taxes are charged when importing into a country.
Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS public relations officer,in a statement said the decision was taken at the board’s 63rd regular meeting on September 2, chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.
He said the decision, which takes effect on September 8, aligns with the best global practices that aim to simplify clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhance trade facilitation, and provide clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers.
“By definition, it is essential to note that the De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation,” the statement reads.
“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the Board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold. This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.
“The threshold, which is restricted to four importations per annum, aligns with Section 3(c & d), subsections (5 & 6), and other relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act. 2023, as well as international instruments, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention.
“Under the new regulation, goods valued at $300 or less will be exempted from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items.
“Similarly, passenger merchandise in baggage not exceeding the same value shall also be exempted.”
Maiwada said the framework also ensures immediate clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation, but warned that strict enforcement measures would be taken against stakeholders who attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations.
“Noncompliance penalties include forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023,” he said.
To aid implementation, the NCS PRO said the service would set up multi-channel helpdesks to engage stakeholders, offer compliance guidance, address inquiries, and resolve complaints.
Maiwada added that the initiative is expected to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, minimise clearance delays, and further consolidate Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade facilitation.