The Board of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has approved a formal de-minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments imported through express shipments and passenger baggage.
The de-minimis threshold refers to the value below which imported goods are exempted from the payment of customs duties and related taxes.
National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mallam Abdullahi Maiwada, announced in a statement that the decision takes effect immediately.
He explained that the policy is designed to simplify clearance procedures, promote e-commerce, and reduce delays at ports and other entry points.
Under the new rule, imported goods valued at $300 or less, provided they are not prohibited items, will be exempt from customs duties and related taxes.
To prevent abuse, Maiwada stressed that strict enforcement measures, including forfeiture, arrest, and sanctions as provided under the NCS Act, would be applied against those who manipulate invoices or attempt to evade duties.
Writing by Gladys Haruna