FG Approves Duty-Free Imports For Goods Below $300
- The federal government has approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold which exempts low-value imports from payment of customs duties
- The move will kick off from Monday, 8th September 2025, and Passenger baggage not exceeding the same value will also be exempted
- Approval was given at the 63rd meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) chaired by the Minister of Finance
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The federal government has set a $300 De Minimis threshold, under which low-value imports and passenger baggage will be exempt from customs duties.
This was announced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The NCS said in a statement that the decision will take effect on Monday, September 8, 2025, following its approval at the 63rd meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), chaired by Finance Minister Wale Edun.
The De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from customs duties and related taxes.
The NCS said the exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, restricted to four importations per year.
NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada said:
“This decision aligns with global best practices that aim to simplify clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhance trade facilitation, and provide clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers."
Good news for travellers, importers
Under the new rule, goods worth $300 or less will be exempted from duties and taxes provided they are not prohibited or restricted.
The policy also provides for immediate release of eligible consignments without post-release documentation.
To ensure compliance, the NCS warned that any manipulation of invoices or attempts to evade duty obligations will attract penalties including forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions under the Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS said it will launch multi-channel helpdesk platforms to provide stakeholders with guidance on compliance, inquiries, and complaints.
Source: UGC
The policy is expected to boost cross-border e-commerce and reduce clearance delays.
Customs said:
“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.
“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.”
At the same meeting, the Customs Board also addressed disciplinary issues following viral social media videos showing misconduct by some officers. Two officers were demoted and ordered to undergo medical re-evaluation, while two others were reinstated after a review.
The NCS said:
“The Service remains firmly committed to accountability, discipline, and integrity in discharging its statutory mandate."
Source: Legit.ng
