The Nigeria Customs Service Board has approved a formal de-minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments imported via express shipments and passenger baggage.
The board said the move is intended to simplify clearance, boost e-commerce and reduce delays at ports and entry points.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, seen on its website, the decision was reached at the board’s 63rd regular meeting held on September 2 and takes effect on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Under the new rule, goods valued at $300 or less, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items, will be exempt from customs duties and related taxes.
The exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments and passenger baggage but is limited to four importations per person per year.
“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,” Customs said.
“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 5(c & d), Section 158 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.”
To guard against abuse, the Service said strict enforcement measures will apply to anyone who manipulates invoices or seeks to evade duties.
Penalties may include forfeiture, arrest and other sanctions under the NCS Act, 2023.
The Service also pledged to set up multi-channel helpdesk platforms to guide stakeholders, address inquiries and resolve complaints during implementation.
“This 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,” the statement added.
Demotion of two officers
In another development, the board said it has reviewed recent disciplinary cases of some officers accused of misconduct in viral social-media videos.
“After careful review, the Board approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank, while also granting reinstatement to two officers whose cases were favourably reconsidered.
“In addition to their demotion, the two sanctioned officers must undergo a mandatory medical re-evaluation by a medical board to determine their fitness to remain in the service and serve as a deterrent to other officers,” Customs declared.
It warned all personnel against the abuse of banned substances and other unethical behaviour, reiterating the Service’s commitment to accountability and integrity.
PUNCH Online reports the development a week after the Nigerian Postal Service began implementing a sharp increase in the cost of sending parcels to the U.S.
All non-document postal items destined for the United States now attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 (or its naira equivalent), following a recent U.S. Executive Order suspending de minimis exemptions for postal shipments globally.
